A Diverse French
Dual-Immersion
Program
We are an inclusive learning community in Oakland, CA — a tuition-free TK–8 program that empowers children to be compassionate global citizens.
More Than a School.
A Bridge.
Francophone is Oakland’s only public, tuition-free French dual-immersion school, serving TK through 8th grade. We believe language is a bridge — one that connects students to their heritage, to each other, and to the world.
We welcome all families — French-speaking and non-French-speaking alike — into a community where every child becomes a confident, empathetic bilingual thinker.
Discover Our Story →Enrollment is currently open!
Take a tour today, Tuesdays 8:45-9:45 AM
Register Today
Two Languages.
One Community.
Bilingual Fluency
& Academic Rigor
Students develop mastery in two languages and graduate as confident, critical thinkers prepared to bridge cultures in a globalized world.
Explore Our Program →How Instruction Shifts Over Time
| Grade Band | French | English |
|---|---|---|
| TK–2nd | 90% | 10% |
| 3rd–5th | 70% | 30% |
| 6th–8th | 50% | 50% |
No prior French required to enter TK, K, or 1st grade. Students entering 2nd grade or higher are assessed for French proficiency before placement.
School LifeCommunity Voices
Parent
“We love watching our child grow in confidence, make friends, and feel at home at Francophone. It’s a community our whole family is part of.”
Student
“I like learning in two languages and spending time with my friends. There’s always something new to try.”
Staff
“The best part of teaching here is seeing students get excited about learning and support one another along the way.”
Alumni
“Francophone gave me the confidence to speak up, try new things, and keep learning. The friendships have stayed with me, too.”
Why French?The Advantage of Bilingualism
Bilingualism isn’t just about language, it’s a process that opens doors for life. Here’s what the research shows:
Bilingualism strengthens attention, problem-solving, and task-switching. Bilingual students are more focused and sharper thinkers across all subjects.
French is spoken by over 300 million people across 5 continents. It opens opportunities to diplomacy, international business, and cultures understanding.
Bilingual students consistently demonstrate stronger literacy, reading comprehension, and academic performance in native and target languages.
News &
What’s Happening
Minimum Day – Early Dismissal for Students
Family Coffee Chat
8:45 AM · Lower Campus picnic tables outside Room 305
Upper Campus Halloween Parade
9:00 AM
Lower Campus Halloween Parade
1:05 PM
Cafecito para familias
5:30 PM · Upper Campus Cafeteria
Join Our Bilingual
School Life
Our doors are open to all families, French-speaking and non-French-speaking alike. We believe every child deserves a bridge to the world. Learn more about our tuition-free program and how to apply.