Consul General of France, Fabien Fieschi, gives to Willy LeBihan, Founder and Head of School, the accreditation certificate from the French Minsitry of Education. L'Ecole Française du Maine is now fully accredited from preschool to grade 5 (Maternelle + Elémentaire) - only 40 other institutions in North America hold such an accreditation from the French Ministry of Education. During his presentation, Consul General Fabien Fieschi reminded the audience of the amazing accomplishments of the school in 2012, the year it celebrated its 10th year anniversary. L'Ecole obtained its full accreditation with the New England Association of School and Colleges after a three year self study, got full Approval from the Maine Department of Education as an approved independent school and secured its "homologation" for the remaining Cycle 3 with the French Ministry of Education: three accreditations in one year ! The School has been accredited for Cycles 1 and 2 since 2007.
Also the school maintained a 15% annual enrollment growth, completed the renovation of the school basement to create needed space for the upcoming 6th grade class, started a DELF program for its alumni which allows them to continue their French education leading to a diploma from the French Ministry of Education and celebrated the success with honors of the very first two students of L'Ecole Française du Maine to The "Diplome National du Brevet", an amazing accomplishment for students who never attended school in France. They were the first in Maine to earn this diploma!
The consul concluded by inviting the audience to attend the school's theatrical representation of "Emilie Jolie" scheduled for March 8th, 2013 at noon at the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston. Each year since the school's opening, the school reaches out to the Francophone communities of Maine through a free of charge event at the Franco-American Heritage Center. This event is always well-attended and the members of FAHC look forward to seeing the children with great anticipation.
Richard Ortoli Esq., President of the Board of New-York French Charter school and representative of the French Nationals of the East-Coast introduces Consul General of France, Fabien Fieschi. Mr. Ortoli explained the importance of bilingual education for children today in our ever changing world. Mr. Ortoli speaks six languages fluently and was the school's commencement speaker last June.
From left to right, Cynthia Beliveau, Willy and Elizabeth LeBihan, Severin Beliveau: Honorary Consul of France for Maine. Mr. Beliveau has been closely following and supporting the growth of the school for the last ten years.
