Yes! Most of our students do not have previous knowledge of French when they come to our school. It does not matter whether your child is 3 or 5 years old, he/she can start learning French at any age. The teachers’ methodology will ensure each child’s progress.

Children adapt to new conditions surprisingly fast, and after some days of confusion, they communicate freely and without any problems with the teacher even if they don't speak the same language. To help the child become accustomed to the school and communicate, there is always somebody present to assist in Latvian, Russian or English.

Jules Verne Riga French School provides several valuable skills which will be an advantage to your child and will last a lifetime.

The French language acquired within a certified French education system will be mastered with ease from native French speakers and there will be no difficulties with pronunciation – it is one of the great benefits of learning the language as a child.

Starting early offers the widest possible set of benefits and opportunities. Children understand intuitively that language is something to explore, to play around with, and to enjoy. The quickness with which they pick up a new language is nearly miraculous—and such a joy to watch as a parent.

Better and more advanced reading skills: A study undertaken by York University in Canada suggests that bilingual children’s knowledge of a second language gives them an advantage in learning to read. Their ability to apply the insights and experiences of one language to the other as well as their wider experience of language gives them a big leg up. As they grow older, this advantage continues and grows. Being able to read two languages is pretty impressive all by itself!

Greater confidence: Children are always discovering new things, but learning a new language is a uniquely rewarding experience—at any age. For children, the feeling of accomplishment that comes with their first steps toward a second language can spur them on to a deeper and broader passion for learning in general.

Gives brains a boost: In a recent article in The New Yorker, Malcolm Gladwell quotes James Flynn, a renowned scientist, as saying "The mind is much more like a muscle than we've ever realized… It needs to get cognitive exercise.”

Natural-sounding, native-like accent: Children are always mimicking what they hear, and are surprisingly good at it! They are uniquely attuned to slight differences in tone and sound. Their sensitive ears help them pick up on and duplicate the tricky sounds adults and even adolescents often stumble over. By starting early, your children can speak smoothly and confidently from the first.

Greater opportunities for studies and careers: Universities now place an increasingly high value on knowledge of more than one language. As the admissions process becomes more competitive across the board, knowing a second or a third language adds a new dimension to an applicant's resume. And as the economy becomes more and more globalized, English-only becomes less and less of an option.

Bigger view of the world: Going abroad and feeling comfortable in the language of your destination means you're doing more than just travelling. You can feel as if you're a part of the culture and the life of this new world. Like reading a poem in another tongue you know, you will hear more than just the language—you will hear the music behind it as well, and the life.

Greater grasp of one's first language—including a bigger, richer vocabulary

Building and keeping cultural connections

An all-family activity: Your child and your family will benefit—in these ways and others—from learning a second language. You will find new and even unique use, opportunities and ideas open up as you adapt your language learning process to your and your child's needs and aspirations. Starting now means the possibilities are wide open!

Adapted from www.early-advantage.com

At Jules Verne Riga French School your child will have the same education and the same curricula that are provided by the schools in France. Furthermore, the education is implemented by the teachers whose native language is French. Your child will not be given a list of new words to learn by heart, on the contrary, he/she will learn French in the daily practice and classroom activities simultaneously learning and acquiring practical skills.

French is the second most widely spoken language in the European Union and the only one on the planet, together with English, to be spoken in all five continents. There are an estimated 200 million French speakers worldwide, including 72 million who speak French as a second language. Consequently, French is a powerful instrument in the labour market and while travelling. French is also one of the official languages, often – the only official language, in many international organisations. Finally, learning of a new language enriches a person’s mind and spirit, provides an insight into the culture that exists in the realm of the language.