Is This Program Right for My Child?

This program is designed for children who already speak and understand French and are ready to participate in academic work in French. It is not a beginner French class.

The CNED program may be a good fit for children who:

• Speak and understand French comfortably

• Are ready for a structured French program rather than a conversational enrichment class

• May one day transition into a French school or international French program

• Want to maintain a strong connection to the French language and culture through a recognized curriculum

What is CNED?

CNED, the Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance, is the French Ministry of Education’s official distance-learning institution. Its curriculum follows the French national education program and is used by French students around the world.

At Smith Street, students work through the CNED curriculum with the support of an experienced professeur des écoles. Our small-group setting allows the teacher to guide students through the material, support each child’s progress, and help make the curriculum accessible and engaging for young learners.

Students also receive access to CNED learning materials and the online platform connected to their program.

What Will Students Learn?

Instruction follows the official French curriculum and is adapted to each grade level. The program supports students in building the French literacy skills they need to continue confidently within a French academic pathway.

Kindergarten / Grande Section

• Phonological awareness

• Letter-sound correspondence

• Vocabulary development

• Early reading readiness

• Oral language development

1st Grade / CP

• Reading fluency

• Writing

• Beginning spelling

• Vocabulary development

• Reading comprehension

2nd Grade / CE1

• Reading comprehension

• Grammar

• Written expression

• Vocabulary enrichment

• Strengthening reading and writing skills

Program Schedule

September 15, 2026–June 10, 2027
Tuesdays and Thursdays
3:30–5:00pm
60 classes total

The CNED program follows the Smith Street school calendar and does not meet when school is closed for holidays, breaks, or professional days.

A full program calendar will be shared with enrolled families before the start of classes.

Location

Smith Street Maternelle
Brooklyn Heights
80 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, NY

School Pickup

School pickup may be available from local schools for an additional fee, depending on enrollment and demand.

If your child attends a nearby school, please contact us so we can discuss whether pickup may be possible.

Tuition

Annual Program Tuition: $4,500
CNED Registration Fee: $300
Total Annual Cost: $4,800

Tuition includes:

• Two 90-minute classes each week from September through June

• 60 classes total

• Small-group instruction led by a professeur des écoles credentialed through the French Ministry of National Education

• Individualized support throughout the school year

• Guidance through the official CNED curriculum

• Access to CNED learning materials and platform resources

The CNED registration fee covers each student’s enrollment in the official CNED program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a beginner French class?

No. This program is designed for children who already speak and understand French and are ready for academic work in French.

Will students need to complete work outside of class?

Because this is a structured academic program, students may have occasional work to complete outside of class.

Is school pickup available?

School pickup may be available from local schools for an additional fee, depending on enrollment and demand. If your child attends a nearby school, please contact us so we can discuss whether pickup may be possible.

Minimum Enrollment: 3 Days/Week

5 Days/Week: $12,750
4 Days/Week (Mon–Thurs): $10,200
3 Days/Week: $7,650