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The French American Academy – Jersey City Heights Campus

United States, Jersey City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $33,180 - 34,775
Ages 11 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2025
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages French
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Middle School, High School, Secondary School
Introduction

Located in Jersey City Heights, The French American Academy is a private, international bilingual school serving students ages 11 to 18. The Jersey City campus delivers a bilingual program with roughly 95% of classes taught in French and English, and many students begin without French and become bilingual. The Middle School is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and the Middle States Association, while the High School is a Candidate School for the IB Middle Years Programme and offers the IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum centers on an International Track that blends project-based, hands-on learning with field trips and enrichment in STEM. Sports and activities are conducted in both languages. On site, students access a STEM maker space, a performance center, a gym, tennis courts, a large cafeteria with an industrial kitchen, and flexible learning spaces designed for collaboration. The community spans 55+ nationalities and includes international trips, student exchanges, service learning, leadership opportunities, and private French lessons.

The Essentials

The French American Academy – Jersey City Heights Campus has instruction in French, English.

Location
118 Ferry St, Jersey City, NJ 07307, Jersey City Heights. Located in Jersey City Heights, this campus serves Middle School through High School (ages 11–18) and is part of the French American Academy network. Transportation is provided to Weehawken, Jersey City, Jersey City Heights, and Hoboken.

Stages
Middle School to High School (11–18 years)

Type
Private international bilingual school

School day structure
SCHOOL HOURS: Pre-K through 1st grade 8:30am–3:00pm; 2nd grade through 5th grade 8:30am–3:15pm; 6th through 8th grade 8:15am–3:15pm. Before-school care 7:30am–8:30am. After-school care 3:00pm–6:30pm.

Bus service
Transportation to Weehawken, Jersey City, Jersey City Heights, and Hoboken.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is not provided at the Jersey City campus. Before-school care is available 7:30am–8:30am, and after-school care runs from 3:00pm–6:30pm.

Uniform Requirement
Preschoolers do not wear uniforms. In middle school, students wear a uniform: white shirt (long or short sleeve) with a tie or polo with logo, beige or tan pants, beige or tan skirt or skort, and a navy blazer or sweater. On gym days, a sports uniform is worn: royal blue shorts or sweatpants, royal blue tee-shirt, and royal blue sweatshirt.

Food Options
Lunch is provided daily by Daily Delicious. Each meal includes a main course, side item, and fresh fruit, using grass-fed beef and free-range chicken with fresh organic produce; meals are cooked daily. Parents can order directly from Daily Delicious.
Fees

Annual tuition at The French American Academy – Jersey City Heights Campus ranges from USD 33,180 to USD 34,775 for 2026/27.

Application and Admission Fees

- Application fee: USD 140 (non-refundable).
- One-time New Student Admission Fee: USD 2,000 (non-refundable; due at registration).
- Enrollment deposit to hold seat: USD 2,500 (non-refundable; deductible from the tuition balance and applied to the first invoice).

Tuition — Jersey City (Heights) — Academic Year 2026–2027

- Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 33,180 per year.
- High School (Grades 9–10): USD 34,775 per year.
- Field trips are included in tuition.

Per-payment (billing) amounts and structure

- Tuition is billed on a 10-equal-payment basis (September through June). To compute the standard monthly installment, divide the annual tuition by 10: for Grades 6–8 this equals USD 3,318.00 per month; for Grades 9–10 this equals USD 3,477.50 per month.
- If you choose the monthly plan, the first invoice will include the September and June installments plus any applicable fees (New Student Fee, mandatory Tuition Insurance, ESL/FSL fee if applicable). The USD 2,500 deposit is deducted from the first invoice.
- A 3% discount applies to tuition paid in full by June 1st.

Mandatory / Required charges and insurance

- Tuition Refund Plan (tuition insurance): 3% of tuition and fees. This is presented as a required charge on billing and is included on the initial invoice.
- Annual ESL or FSL support fee: USD 2,000 when required; this fee is assessed only after a language assessment and is not applied automatically to every student.

Optional and Additional fees

- Computer insurance (Secondary students): USD 75 (does not cover loss of a computer).
- French National Diploma (Grade 9 only): USD 1,500 (assessment/exam-related fee). Yearbook: USD 50. School photo packages start at approximately USD 40. Enrichment classes: USD 35 to USD 50 per class. Lunch program provided by an external vendor (Daily Delicious); lunch fees are billed separately through the lunch program.
- Before- and after-school care / study hall (Heights campus): Before care (7:30–8:30 AM) — USD 150 per month; Aftercare (3:00–6:30 PM) — USD 440 per month; Study hall (3:00–4:30 PM) — USD 300 per month. Occasional before/aftercare or study hall usage is billed at USD 25 per hour. These programs are billed separately and are payable prior to services rendered.

Sibling discounts and pro rata rules

- Sibling discounts: 7% off tuition for the second child enrolled full-time (5 days). A 14% discount applies for the third child and up. For half‑time enrollments, discounts of 5% and 10% apply respectively. All students who begin mid-year pay prorated tuition and full admission fees.

Refunds and cancellation policy

- Tuition, admission fees (application fee and New Student Admission Fee) and the enrollment deposit are non-refundable. Tuition and fees are generally non-refundable. The Tuition Refund Plan (3%) is the mechanism referenced for tuition insurance/coverage. Students who start during the year are billed prorated tuition but still owe full admission charges.

Boarding

- Boarding is not offered at the French American Academy Jersey City campuses; the school operates as a day school and does not charge boarding fees. Before- and after-school care options are offered as noted above.

Billing schedule and payment terms (summary)

- Payment plans available: annual payment in full or a 10-month monthly installment plan (September–June). Annual full payment receives a 3% discount if received by June 1. The monthly plan is structured as 10 equal payments; the first invoice includes both September and June installments plus applicable fees and the enrollment deposit is credited there. Before/aftercare, enrichment, lunch, and similar optional services are billed separately and must be paid prior to service. Tuition and fees are non-refundable.

Fee payment options (accepted instruments)

- The published fee schedule and tuition documents specify payment plans (annual or 10-month) but do not list specific accepted payment instruments (credit card, bank transfer, check, or other) in the tuition documents. Billing communications or the school's admissions/accounts office will provide the accepted payment methods and instructions.
Academics

The French American Academy – Jersey City Heights Campus teaches French Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
The Jersey City Heights campus offers a bilingual program. Middle School is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and the Middle States Association. The High School is a Candidate School for the IB Middle Years Programme and offers the IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum emphasizes an International Track with a project-based approach and hands-on learning, including STEM, field trips, and enrichment; sports and activities are conducted in English and French, and the campus features a STEM maker space and other facilities.

Higher Education Progression
The High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Grades 11-12. The IB Diploma Programme is recognized globally as a mark of academic rigor and readiness for higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-Emotional Learning helps students develop the skills they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The program is delivered through three core approaches: a Responsive Classroom Approach, Growth Mindset Development, and Non-Violent Communication. Responsive Classroom creates a nurturing, inclusive, and safe learning environment with Morning Meetings, Interactive Modelling, Guided Discovery, Teacher's Language, and Energizers. Growth Mindset Development teaches students that intelligence and talents can be developed over time, fostering persistence. Non-Violent Communication teaches students to identify their own and others' unmet needs and to express feelings to build a supportive community and prevent conflicts.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ESL-FSL intervention provides English or French as a Second Language, with Language Support teachers offering supplemental instruction in either language. ESL classes teach English to non-native English-speaking students at a pace tailored to each student, and non-English-speaking students are accepted at every grade. FSL support is available to English-speaking students starting in Kindergarten. In early grades, approximately 80% of the day is in French, with English instruction increasing through the early grades so students become fluent in both languages. Co-teaching helps students learn across languages with bilingual strategies integrated into the curriculum.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The bilingual curriculum balances French and English across preschool through middle school. In preschool, French language and culture comprise about 80% of the day to build a French foundation, with English instruction increasing through the lower grades. Daily schedules show French/English ratios by grade: Preschool 80% French, 20% English; Grade 1–2 70% French, 30% English; Grade 3–4 60% French, 40% English; Grade 5–8 55% French, 45% English. Co-teaching pairs French and English teachers to deliver instruction in both languages and compare topics across subjects. No French background is required for enrollment; the program serves Englewood and Jersey City campuses and aims for bilingual fluency across disciplines.

Mental Wellbeing
Social-emotional learning supports mental wellbeing by helping students develop emotional awareness and regulation. SEL covers self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The school uses a Responsive Classroom Approach, Growth Mindset Development, and Non-Violent Communication to foster a positive, safe environment. Practices include Morning Meetings, Interactive Modelling, Guided Discovery, Teacher's Language, and Energizers to support wellbeing. Family partnerships are emphasized as essential to students' wellbeing and development.

Safeguarding
An Intervention Team provides in-house professional assistance for students who demonstrate learning, behavior, or health needs in line with New Jersey requirements. The team includes the Director, a Student Support Coordinator, and French and English teachers responsible for addressing difficulties. It also includes a Licensed Psychologist, a Licensed Speech Therapist, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. ESL-FSL and instructional student support are available to assist language and educational challenges. The Intervention Team uses a collaborative problem-solving process to support students and coordinate with families.
Parent Experience

Community
The Jersey City Heights Campus has a STEM maker space, sports facilities including tennis courts, a performance center for assemblies and theater, a gym, and an industrial kitchen. Student life features clubs, leadership opportunities, international trips, a student exchange program, and service learning. Community events include An Evening with Francophone Authors on March 27, 2026, and a bilingual Summer Camp from June 26 to August 18, 2026; transportation is provided for students from Weehawken, Jersey City, Jersey City Heights, and Hoboken.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parents are an essential part of the community at The French American Academy. The PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) is active and organizes events such as a book fair and a wine tasting. The PTO operates with goals and programs such as fundraising to support the school. We are always looking for more parents to get involved and share their skills. For Englewood campus, email pto@faacademy.org; for Jersey City campus, email ptojc@faacademy.org. Become a Class Representative: join dedicated and engaged parent volunteers and play an active role in shaping your child's educational experience. In this role you will serve as a vital link between the school and the parents of your child's class, helping to keep everyone informed of important events and answering practical questions.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Jersey City Heights campus features a STEM maker space. Access to sports facilities, including tennis courts and other sports fields. A performance center for assemblies, theater productions, music, and community events. A gymnasium to support athletics, physical education, and wellness programs. A large cafeteria and industrial kitchen for hands-on exploration. Student co-designed flexible learning spaces.

Sports Facilities
The school has access to sports facilities, including tennis courts and other sports fields. A gymnasium to support athletics and health education.

Academic Facilities
The school has a STEM maker space for hands-on learning and experimentation. The school has student co-designed flexible learning spaces to support collaboration and project-based learning. The school has a large cafeteria and industrial kitchen for hands-on exploration.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Clubs, leadership opportunities, extracurriculars, international trips, a student exchange program, and service learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers after-school enrichment activities on both Jersey City campuses, with fall, winter, and spring sessions. Enrichment activities include woodworking, Lego robotics, and tennis, among others, with new activities added each semester. Enrichment activities take place after school hours and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cultural & Language
The Jersey City Heights Campus provides a true bilingual education from Preschool through High School, with 95% of classes taught in both French and English. No French is required to enroll; many students begin without French and become bilingual. The FAA hosts an international community with 55+ nationalities, celebrating diverse perspectives and fostering global citizenship. Private French lessons for children or adults are available at the Jersey City campus.

Social & Hobbies
The enrichment program offers after-school activities across fall, winter, and spring on both campuses. Popular options include woodworking, Lego robotics, and tennis; new activities are added each semester. Activities occur after school hours and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Leadership & Professional
The FAA High School offers 9th-grade Job Shadowing Week with students visiting host partners across New Jersey and New York in industries such as culinary arts, fashion, retail, local business and arts, and diplomacy to gain real-world skills. A Flight & Aerospace Academy program provides hands-on training for pilots and drone engineers alongside the regular curriculum. The high school is an IB Middle Years Program candidate and pursues authorization as an IB World School, and it is designed as an international bilingual program that fosters leadership and citizenship.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Jersey City campus emphasizes a safe, nurturing, and creative environment. Enrichment activities include physical activity opportunities such as tennis and other after-school fitness experiences. Private French lessons support language development and confidence within a bilingual setting.
Languages

Language Provision
The bilingual curriculum enables students to speak, read, write, count, and think in both languages. Enrichment activities can be delivered in either English or French, depending on the instructor.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers a bilingual education in French and English. The program is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and the Middle States Association. Teachers are native speakers of French and English and have a master's degree with at least three years of teaching experience.

Immersion Programs
Starting in 1st grade, an International Track is available for students with no prior knowledge of French. This track runs through Elementary and Middle School and provides immersion in French alongside English instruction, with strong English skills and a willingness to learn required.
Admissions

Admissions
Jersey City Heights Campus offers a bilingual English‑French program for Middle School and High School, with the High School pursuing IB programs (IB MYP candidate and IB Diploma Programme). Students may join in Middle School or High School with no previous French required. Admission follows three steps: 1) Online application: a non-refundable application fee of $140 per application; if the student is already attending a daycare or school, a teacher recommendation form is requested (teacher recommendation forms are available for PreK–K and for Grades 1–5). 2) Interview: the Admissions Director acknowledges receipt of the online application and arranges a private interview with both parents and the child, meeting with the Admissions Director and/or the School Director to determine whether the school's values, objectives and academic expectations fit the child; depending on age, the child may stay with you, join a class, or meet the pedagogical coordinator. 3) Notification of decision: the Admissions Director notifies the decision by email, at the latest by the end of February 2022; after that, decisions are on a rolling basis. A few things to know before applying: Pre-K2 must be 2.5 by the first day of school; Pre-K3 must be 3 by December 31; knowledge of French is not necessary to enter Preschool; however French language is mandatory to enter any class from First grade and up; any child coming from a non-French school will have to take a test to determine level; the cut‑off date is December 31.

Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid are available. The French American Academy Scholarship Program offers need-based financial aid to students in all grades and awards scholarships based on demonstrated financial need and individual student merit, determined from criteria including academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and good citizenship; selections are made at the sole discretion of the school's finance committee. The French Government provides financial aid to its citizens through AEFE and the French Consulate in New York City for students in Pre-K3 through 12; applications are available online in January.
School Events
The school has not added events
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