Berkeley Parents Network: Bilingual Schools & Preschools

We are looking ahead to preschool (we still have a few years to go) and I was considering the Ecole Bilingue, but it seems that it only offers a full-time program, even for the 3 and 4 year olds. Is this correct? Are there any other preschools that offer a bilingual French program (or even some French) that offer part time programs (either half-day or 3 days/week)? anon

I would like to confirm that it is correct that the Ecole Bilingue in Berkeley offers only a full time enrollment in preschool, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. At the time I was looking for a Preschool for my -French-American- children, I came upon ''Mangos y papayas'' which offers a bilingual program either Spanish/English or French/English. If my recollection is correct, you could enroll for 2 or 3 days a week ; you will have to check on that because this was a while ago.It is located in Berkeley, South of University and East of San Pablo, I cannot recall the street. Good luck! verbal1

Check out French for Fun in Lafayette, www.frenchforfun.com. The drive takes about 10 minutes after you get through the tunnel. The owner/teacher, Mme. Catherine Jolivet-Johnson is a native French speaker with over 30 years of experience teaching children. She also has a background in Montessori teaching methods. She's very talented and is considered one of the best foreign-language teachers for children in the U.S. She offers half-day morning classes for preschoolers and afternoon classes for older children. My daughter currently is in her Mom-n-Tots class and is learning so much, as well as having a lot of fun and making friends. My children have had other French language teachers, and I think Mme. Johnson is unquestionably the best! Satisifed Mere

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.