Elementary school reimagined: bilingualism, independence, and the joy of learning
At the Alternative International School of Angers, our elementary school welcomes children aged 6 to 11 into a caring, multicultural, and stimulating environment. Through the use of different alternative pedagogical approaches and daily immersion in English, each student progresses at their own pace, strengthens fundamental skills, builds self-confidence, and develops curiosity about the world around them.
Elementary school: immersive, dynamic, and child-centered learning
The elementary years strengthen core skills and develop key competencies such as independence, cooperation, critical thinking, and self-confidence. At AISA, this learning takes place through hands-on projects, real-life situations, and active pedagogy inspired by various alternative approaches. Teaching is bilingual: some subjects are taught in French (e.g., mathematics & history), others in English (e.g., science & geography), ensuring a gradual and natural immersion.
Working in small, mixed-age groups encourages mutual support, initiative, and the joy of learning, within a structured and meaningful framework. Throughout the year, students take part in a variety of activities integrated into the timetable: music, theater, swimming, cycling, and more. These moments nurture creativity, motor skills, and self-expression, directly linked to our educational project. Each student is guided in their individual progress with clear but flexible goals, enabling lasting knowledge building and genuine openness to the world.
A typical day in elementary school at AISA
8:30 am to 9:00 am
Morning welcome and routines (circle time, “What’s new?”, Celebrations, Presentation of the work plan)
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Independent work time (individualized work plan) or guided workshops
11:30 am to 12:00 pm
Recess and helping set the table
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 pm to 1:45 pm
Recess
1:45 pm to 2:15 pm
Class resumes with circle time. Once a week we hold a student council in which we share ideas, manage conflicts, plan upcoming projects or discuss relevant topics together.
2:15 pm to 4:15 pm
Independent work, creative or outdoor activities.
4:15 pm to 4:30 pm
Recess
A school for thinking, expressing, and thriving
An innovative pedagogy
Inspired by Montessori, Freinet, Alvarez, neuroscience, and Forest School, our pedagogy emphasizes projects, hands-on learning, and curiosity.
Children learn by experimenting and thinking for themselves.
Daily bilingualism
Each language is led by a dedicated teacher, ensuring a smooth and natural bilingual immersion.At the end of Cycle 3, students can take the Cambridge English certification to validate and highlight their achievements in English.
Personalized support
Small class sizes (maximum 15 children), cross-age cooperation, and emotional management: each child is supported in their progress, developing self-confidence and adaptability.
Enroll your child at AISA today!
All the answers to your questions about our bilingual elementary school in Angers
A non-contract school is a private school that does not receive any public funding and is not directly managed by the French National Education system. It is free to choose its teaching methods, pedagogy, and organization, but it is still registered with the State and subject to inspections by the local education authority, particularly regarding safety, compliance with laws, and student progress.
At AISA, as in all non-contract schools, we must ensure that our students acquire the skills defined in the French National Education common core curriculum. By the end of each cycle, the expected competencies are therefore the same as in public or state-contracted private schools.
We choose this freedom to offer a more personalized, bilingual, child-centered pedagogy within a flexible, caring, and stimulating environment.
Each language is taught by a native-speaking teacher. Each one communicates in their mother tongue, ensuring a natural, consistent, and reassuring immersion for the children.
Inclusion is a priority at AISA. Thanks to small class sizes (maximum 15 students), regular observation, tailored teaching adjustments, and individualized support, each child can progress at their own pace with confidence.
We use adapted materials when necessary, and our teaching team is trained or sensitized to various profiles (ASD, dyspraxia, neurodevelopmental disorders, etc.).
AISA students acquire the expected skills by the end of Cycle 3, in line with the requirements of the French National Education system. Thanks to the independence, self-confidence, and discipline developed throughout their journey, they generally adapt very well to either public or private middle schools.
A bilingual, alternative middle school project is also currently being developed to provide educational continuity within AISA.
