Très bon! Columbia foreign language school, La Petite Ecole, still going strong
by Abby Grimmett, posted March 13, 2008
Three years ago, Joelle Quoirin began Columbia’s first foreign language preschool, La Petite Ecole. The not-for-profit French immersion program is designed for children ages 3 to 5. The purpose is to teach not only skills traditionally learned in a preschool setting, but also to teach the children a new language.
Quorin began her teaching career at a similar school in Charlottesville, Va., after she obtained her Master’s of Art degree in French. When she came to Missouri, she pursued an Educational Specialist degree in Foreign Language Teaching from MU. She then decided to begin a school of her own at her new home in Columbia, to offer a unique preschool option for children in the community.
“I have believed in my heart for a long time that foreign language education, in part, is very beneficial to children,” Quoirin said.
After a slow start, the school now enrolls 19 students divided between morning and afternoon sessions. Because of the new demand and high retention rates, La Petite Ecole will move to a new location next fall. Quoirin said the new school, located in the Fairview Community of Christ church, would have space for 30 students in each class.
An ordinary day at the school includes many typical preschool activities, such as circle time, snack time and even weekly gymnastics, all while completely immersing the children in the language enabling them to pick it up quickly.
“They are so prone to learning language,” Quoirin said. “Children have an amazing ability to become better language speakers and pronounce words more quickly and efficiently.”
Quoirin’s ability to have such an influence on these students gives her much fulfillment. She say’s her greatest success as a foreign language educator thus far has been her experiences at this school.
“I love when they start to speak the language and express themselves in French,” Quoirin said. “Being able to influence these children is such an interesting experience for me.”
Quoirin has high expectations for the school’s future. She says with continued support from parents and Columbians, the schools success will be secured.
“It’s a great thing for Columbia,” Quoirin said. “French can have such an impact in the community.”
For more information, visit La Petite Ecole’s Web site.
