• FAST Track

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French Accelerated Scholars Track (FAST)

The French Accelerated Scholars Track, or FAST, is designed for academically motivated students eager to join the French-American bilingual system, even if they have little or no prior experience in French. It provides an intensive, highly personalized pathway for language acquisition that allows students to transition into the mainstream French program within one to two years.

FAST builds on best practices, the latest research, and methods used across the international French school network. It combines the rigor of FLL (French as a Foreign Language) instruction with the individualized support that defines our approach at FASPS.

Purpose

FAST expands access to bilingual education while maintaining high academic standards. It supports students in developing French proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while continuing to progress in English and other core subjects. By the end of the program, students are confident, bilingual learners who participate fully in our French-American curriculum.

Admissions and Identification

FAST is open to students with strong academic skills and a genuine interest in learning French. Entry is determined on a case-by-case basis, using information such as prior report cards, teacher feedback, and standardized assessments. We also consider student motivation and family commitment to the bilingual journey.

Most students begin during their elementary school journey, though later entry can be considered when appropriate. The goal is to meet each student where they are and guide them toward mainstream proficiency.

Program Design

FAST follows a two-phase structure aligned with the French educational cycles.

During the first phase, students receive small-group or one-on-one instruction focused on oral comprehension, foundational literacy, and academic vocabulary. They continue learning in English-language subjects alongside their peers to ensure full participation in the school community.

As their French proficiency grows, students move into the second phase, joining more of their regular French classes with ongoing support from our FAST specialists. Co-teaching and in-class language scaffolds help them bridge into full bilingual participation by the end of the program.

Staffing and Support

FAST is led by bilingual educators who specialize in language acquisition. The team collaborates closely with homeroom and subject teachers, ensuring each student’s schedule and progress are carefully monitored. Teachers receive ongoing training in language-aware instruction, allowing them to support FAST students within their regular classrooms.

Cohorts are intentionally small, combining one-on-one instruction with group dynamics and discussions so that instruction can be individualized and progress can be closely tracked.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Student progress is assessed in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through both formative and standardized evaluations. Reviews occur every six to eight weeks, and families receive regular updates on growth and next steps.

By the end of the program, students will be ready to thrive in our unique, harmonized bilingual classes.

Family Partnership

Parents do not need to speak French at home in order to take part in the FAST experience. If interested, families may request guidance and resources to support learning, including bilingual newcomer materials and optional French courses through community partners such as the Alliance Française. FASPS has resources available for every phase of the language journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

  • What is the FAST program?

    The French Accelerated Scholars Track (FAST) is a specialized pathway designed for students with little or no background in French who wish to join FASPS and work toward full bilingual fluency. It allows motivated students to integrate into our French curriculum with personalized support, so they can meet the same high academic expectations as their peers.

  • Who is the FAST program designed for?

    FAST is ideal for students who are strong academically, highly motivated, and eager to learn French. It’s especially suited for families who see bilingualism as a long-term goal or life project — whether for cultural, academic, or future career reasons.

  • What grades can join the FAST program?

    The program primarily targets students entering Grades 1 through 5. For middle school students, entry is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the program will be both manageable and rewarding.

  • Will the academic expectations be lowered for FAST students?

    No. FASPS maintains the same rigorous academic standards for all students. The goal of FAST is not to lower expectations, but to help students reach them through tailored support, small-group instruction, and close monitoring of their progress.

  • How does the FAST program work during the first semester?

    During the first semester, FAST students spend a large portion of their French-language hours working in very small groups or one-on-one with a Learning Specialist. They receive targeted instruction in language, humanities, and other subjects taught in French, while joining their peers for English and other language classes to build friendships and feel fully part of the FASPS community.

  • What happens after the first semester?

    In the second semester, students gradually spend more time in regular classes taught in French. Teachers continue to provide “push-in” support — working alongside classroom teachers to ensure comprehension and success. The goal is for each child to fully integrate into the French classroom with minimal accommodations by the following school year.

  • What qualifications do students need to be accepted to the FAST program?

    Admission is determined on a case-by-case basis. While there is no single test or score requirement, FASPS considers each student’s overall academic strengths, motivation, and readiness to take on the challenges of bilingual education. In some cases, standardized tests like MAP may help assess readiness.

  • How many students can join the FAST program each year?

    Enrollment in FAST is limited to ensure each student receives the personalized support they need. The number of spots available depends on staffing and resources, but the focus is always on quality and ensuring every student thrives.

  • Do families need to speak French at home?

    Not at all! The FAST Program is designed so that parents don’t need to know French to support their children’s learning. Teachers provide guidance and resources to help families understand assignments and progress. For parents interested in learning French, FASPS also partners with the Alliance Française to offer language opportunities.

  • What are the long-term benefits of joining the FAST program?

    Bilingualism opens countless doors — academically, culturally, and professionally. Research shows that multilingual education strengthens the brain, improving problem-solving, flexibility, and creativity. FAST students gain not just language skills but cultural agility, preparing them to succeed in diverse environments throughout life.
MERCER ISLAND
(Preschool, Elementary, Middle School)
3795 East Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 275-3533
info@fasps.org
SEATTLE – CAPITOL HILL
(Preschool Campus)
1823 East Madison Street
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 644-8348
info@fasps.org
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