The Maternelle program at The French Maternal School offers a supportive introduction to early childhood education through French immersion learning. The program typically spans three to four years, depending on the age at which a child enrolls, and includes classes for two-year-olds (TPS), three-year-olds (PS), four-year-olds (MS), and five-year-olds (GS or Kindergarten). Children are generally grouped by age to ensure that learning experiences match their developmental stage.
Understanding that this stage may be a child’s first experience in a school environment, the program introduces foundational learning gradually. TPS and PS students may attend on a part-time basis with two- or three-day schedules, while MS and GS students attend full-time to support consistent academic development. Each classroom is led by two teachers and maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio ranging from 1:4 to 1:8 to encourage individualized instruction. Morning drop-off takes place between 8:30 AM and 8:55 AM, instruction begins at 9:00 AM, dismissal is at 3:00 PM, and aftercare services begin at 3:15 PM.
Maternal Programs
Core components that shape the Maternelle program learning experience.
Toute Petite Section (TPS)
(Pre Kindergarten-2)
18 mos – 2+ years old
The Toute Petite Section program is designed to introduce young children to the school environment in a gradual and supportive way. In this nurturing setting, children begin building relationships with their peers while learning daily classroom routines and developing independence. Through age-appropriate activities, children explore their creativity and imagination with arts and crafts while strengthening both gross and fine motor skills.
The program also encourages children to use their five senses to explore the world around them while developing early language and social skills. Students may attend two, three, or five days per week from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with optional aftercare and lunch programs available. Class size is limited to eight children with a student-to-teacher ratio of 1:4.
Petite Section (PS)
(Pre Kindergarten-3)
3+ years old
The Petite Section program introduces more structured activities that support early literacy and pre-writing development. Children begin building phonological and phonemic awareness while developing alphabet recognition and early letter identification skills. Pre-writing activities and introductory calligraphy help students practice writing their first name while strengthening fine motor coordination.
The curriculum also includes creative arts projects and an introduction to music through songs, instruments, and listening to musical pieces. Students may attend two, three, or five days per week from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with optional aftercare and lunch programs available. Class size ranges from 13 to 16 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 1:7 to 1:8.
Moyenne Section (MS)
(Pre Kindergarten-4)
4+ years old
The Moyenne Section program prepares students for the transition to Kindergarten through more structured learning experiences. Literacy development is emphasized through activities focused on letter-sound correspondence, letter formation, syllable building, and word recognition. Students are also introduced to foundational math concepts, including numbers and quantities, sequencing, pattern recognition, shapes, and early problem-solving skills.
Creative expression remains an important part of the curriculum through individual and group art projects, access to the lending library, and continued music education with elements of music theory and instrumental discovery. Students in Moyenne Section attend five days per week and may participate in aftercare and lunch programs. Class size ranges from 13 to 16 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 1:7 to 1:8.
Grande Section (GS) (Kindergarten)
(Kindergarten)
5+ years old
Grande Section is the final year of the Maternelle program and serves as an important transition between preschool and elementary education. The curriculum focuses on strengthening literacy, developing fluent communication in French, and expanding mathematical reasoning.
Students explore written and spoken language structure, concepts of time and space, and foundational arithmetic such as addition and subtraction. Independence, perseverance, and positive learning habits are encouraged as children prepare for the expectations of first grade.
Music education and instrumental practice remain part of the program to support artistic expression and creativity. Students typically attend five days per week, with class sizes ranging from 8 to 12 students and a student-to-teacher ratio between 1:4 and 1:6.
Embark Your Child’s Early Learning Journey
Give your child the opportunity to grow through engaging French immersion and early childhood education. Learn more about our programs and enrollment—please reach out to us today.