Elementary

English Language Arts

English Language Arts studies begin in second grade. Because the same concepts are taught at an earlier age in the French curriculum than they are in English-speaking schools, English class then becomes a means of confirming concepts and usage, drawing parallels and identifying contrasts. As a result, concepts in language formation are reinforced from both the French and English curriculum and studies, providing children with a steady foundation for language creation.

Our English teacher coordinates in detail with the Classroom teacher to ensure that all content is covered, without duplication. English Language Arts content includes: spelling, math terminology, American money, Measurements (British system), long divisions, U.S. History.

Multimedia, Math Sciences and Technology

We believe it is vital to expose our children to technological resources where they are age-appropriate, however, computer use is limited to specific projects and acquisition of skills. At the French American School of Tampa Bay, while we appreciate the increasing importance of technology in today’s world, our primary focus is always on personal interaction amongst teachers and students.

Music Arts and Suzuki

At its inception, the school’s vision centered upon the relationship between music education and the immersion process of learning a second language. They are partners in a full education. Though the national trend is to reduce this component of education, we believe that a strong music art curriculum lays the foundation for strong mathematical and scientific intelligence. All grade levels at The French American School of Tampa Bay are immersed in our Music Arts Program, which includes Music & Me and an opportunity for private Suzuki lessons.

Music & Me: Music & Me, LLC, offers the award winning Music Together program to FASTB students beginning in Pre-K. Since 1987, Music Together has introduced millions of children, parents, and teachers around the world to the joys of music-making and the powerful benefits of having music in their lives. The research-based music classes are designed to be non-formal and non-performance oriented, so your child can learn at his or her own pace, in a way that’s developmentally appropriate. Because at home musical interaction is important for a child’s musical development, each family receives supportive take-home materials in the form of an illustrated songbook and recording of the music used throughout the semester. 

Suzuki Program: The immersion method is Listen and Learn. The Suzuki method is the same. We’re proud to work in collaboration with the Suzuki Strings to offer our students private, on-site Suzuki lessons in piano and violin. Parent involvement is required for private lessons.

Choral Program: Our school “Chorale,” comprised of all students, practices weekly with our Chorus leaders and accompanist. The “Chorale” often performs during our monthly school community events, which are a key component of the music program. These community performances may also include musical pieces from Suzuki students, and general songs, dances and skits.

Physical Education

The French American School of Tampa Bay incorporates the benefits of our natural setting into the fabric of our students’ education. The playground and outdoor campus is as much a part of the learning environment as are the indoor classrooms. We put a high value on the play experience and the multiple benefits of daily exercise, and we recognize that the socialization of recess and shared activity teaches important life lessons about respecting and supporting one another.

Throughout the school year, all students participate in physical education/gross motor development, and of course, recess. Best of all, the nearby beaches and seashore provide opportunities for impromptu explorations.

Visual Arts

Our school views the arts as a fundamental part of cultural and language education. Integrated with the curriculum, visual arts projects and techniques are discovered in concert with what are typically seen as academic subjects.

In the elementary years, our goals are for the children to be capable of expression through a variety of techniques in drawing, as well as in other two- and three-dimensional media. They learn the experience of creating, reflecting upon others’ images, exploring the differences and similarities between works, and discussing their personal point of view.

We teach skills such as choosing and mixing materials, mediums and subjects, utilizing the tools available, and synthesizing instructions with personal methods. To put techniques in a historical context, we investigate great works through trips to museums, visiting artists and events in the arts world. We teach the children to look for commonalities and differences between the practical experiences of the classroom and the varied approaches of artists.