Academics
Accelerated French Programs

Middle School Accelerated French Program

At Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, the Middle School Accelerated French Program (AFP) is designed for students who are eager to engage deeply with learning in a supportive, close‑knit environment. The program emphasizes academic rigor, linguistic proficiency, and cultural understanding, while fostering a diverse and inclusive community where students are encouraged to excel both intellectually and personally.

Why Choose the Accelerated French Program?

List of 4 items.

  • Designed for Motivated, High-Achieving Learners

    The AFP is ideal for students who love learning, embrace challenges, and want to stretch their abilities. Our program blends the rigor of the French curriculum with the depth and creativity of the American approach, offering advanced learning in French, mathematics, and social studies.
  • Strong Academics

    At the core of our program is the rigorous French curriculum—taught in the nurturing, progressive setting of an American independent school—paired with collaborative, creative, and real-world problem-solving projects.
  • Small Classes, Individual Attention

    With fewer than 10 students per class, each child receives personalized guidance, helping them grow both academically and socially.
  • International Perspective

    EB students experience four times more second-language exposure than typical middle schools and take part in local, regional, and international field trips. EB is also part of an extensive network of French and international schools abroad, affiliated with AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) and MLF (Mission Laïque Française), connecting students to a global educational community. This fundamentally international setting and exposure helps students sharpen their critical thinking skills and expand their worldview on an everyday basis.
"We love the very small class size. Our child has individualized attention, that was the primary thing for us." Shelli and Keith, AFP Graduate Parents

No Prior French Required

List of 3 items.

  • Accelerated French Instruction

    • 40% daily instruction in French, 60% in English
    • Six accelerated French classes per week
    • PE and music in French
  • Bilingual Program Integration

    • Possible full integration into the bilingual immersion program based on aptitude
  • Introduction of a third language

    • Spanish
    • Mandarin

Student Outcomes

List of 4 items.

  • Academically Prepared

    A strong foundation in mathematics, science, French, and social studies leave EB graduates ready to tackle advanced coursework in high school.
  • Independent Learners

    EB graduates go forth confident, motivated, and capable of managing challenging academic work.
  • Bilingual & Bicultural

    Students can become fluent in French (A2 or B1 based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR), with a strong experiential foundation of exposure to different global perspectives and a strong network of global connection.
  • High School Ready

    We are proud to note that more than 95% of EB graduates applying to private high schools get into their top choice. This is a clear example of how our students are consistently sought after by top private schools for their unique qualities, but also a reflection of the individual attention given to each student's personal journey.

    Our dedicated high school placement counselor works closely with families between the end of G5 and the end of G8 so that students apply to the schools best suited to them, with a clear understanding of school-specific deadlines and requirements. This focused attention leaves EB graduates well positioned to begin their high school journey on firm footing, secure they have found the right fit. 

    We know that top schools particularly value our students’ extraordinary communications skills, thanks to their mastery of at least two languages—sometimes more. They know that EB graduates are open-minded, globally oriented, culturally fluent, flexible, adaptable, and articulate.

Admissions & Tuition

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  • Selection Process

    To apply to the Middle School AFP, students must:
    • Provide two years of school transcripts
    • Attend a half-day on-campus shadow visit
    • Complete a student assessment interview with the Head of Middle School
    • Take an English language proficiency test
  • Tuition

    Please refer to our Tuition page to learn more about the cost of the Middle School AFP.  Special note: The one-time enrollment fee is waived for Middle School AFP applicants. Tuition assistance available.

Questions about the program?

Contact Manon Johnson​, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at (510) 809-0615 or email admissions@eb.org

All Are Welcome! (Anti-Discriminatory Policy)

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any individual to discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or religion. This policy applies to all programs, services, and facilities, including applications, admissions, and employment.