About Us
Smith Street Arts & Lettres is an independent, progressive French-American school in Brooklyn, NY. We welcome more than 180 students in our Maternelle (preschool) and Elementary programs across 4 campuses.
Our Approach to Learning
Our bilingual curriculum is a dynamic blend of the Developmental-Interaction, Montessori, and Reggio-Emilia approaches. The children are active agents of their own learning, and the rigorous curriculum is highly individualized according to each student’s needs. Creative expression is an integrated part of the curriculum, and we work closely with professional visiting artists to introduce music, fine arts, theater, cinema and dance.
Our main objective is for the children to be engaged in joyful and meaningful learning throughout their entire experience with us. We want them to see themselves as independent, capable, and productive learners. We want them to develop a love of inquiry, and to approach challenges with curiosity and enthusiasm. In planning instruction, we meet each child where they are, and make sure that the work we ask of them is purposeful and developmentally appropriate above all.
Through careful observation and planning, we create units of study that are multi-layered and integrate language development and modes of art to facilitate deeper retention of academic and life skills. Our teachers are not just sources of information, they are researchers and artists in their own right, empowered to model an innovative, creative mindset for their students.
Language Instruction Models
French fluency is not a requirement for admission to our program. For preschool through kindergarten, the classes follow a French immersion model, and children are encouraged to join regardless of prior exposure to French. French language learners build proficiency in the language through our program, while fluent speakers also hone their skills and approach early academics through their native language.
Within each classroom, teachers coordinate small groups according to French language proficiency. Advanced French grammar instruction is individualized to ensure that each student sets and reaches attainable goals throughout the school year. The core academic content instruction (Math, Language Arts, Science) is taught in both English and French, leading to bi-literacy and academic proficiency in both languages.
