EFNY is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the French language in New York City public schools.
EFNY was founded by Francophone parents who wanted to support NYC students attending American schools in their efforts to either acquire French or preserve and strengthen it as an academic language.
EFNY works toward this mission by offering enrichment classes and supporting the creation of dual-language programs in NYC public schools.
EFNY was founded in 2005 by a small group of French-speaking families.
Their goal was to share their language and culture with their children while offering them the opportunity to receive French instruction that was practical, consistent, and affordable.
Since its creation, EFNY has relied almost entirely on the dedication of parent volunteers, with the exception of its teachers.
In its early days, EFNY organized Saturday morning classes and French playgroups. But it quickly became clear that this was not enough from an educational standpoint.
A child must be immersed and socialized in a language for it to truly become their own. In English-dominant environments, bilingual children can quickly lose a language they once spoke fluently if it isn’t reinforced regularly. Moreover, mastering written language requires a structured bilingual program.
To meet these needs, EFNY developed two complementary pathways:
In 2006, EFNY began offering these programs in New York City public schools, thanks to the tireless work of its volunteer team.
By 2007, EFNY’s advocacy helped launch the first French-English dual-language program at PS 58 in Brooklyn, followed by PS 84 in Manhattan the next year. Since then, EFNY has helped open and support multiple programs serving thousands of students across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Over the years, EFNY has continued to grow and evolve—expanding its enrichment programs to new schools, strengthening EFNY teacher training, and building lasting relationships with principals and the NYC Department of Education.
Today, EFNY remains true to its roots: a community-driven organization powered by parents and dedicated to keeping French language, culture, and bilingual education alive for future generations.
At EFNY, our mission is simple: to promote the French language and Francophone culture within New York City’s public schools by offering high-quality enrichment classes and supporting the creation of dual-language programs.
We believe language learning goes beyond grammar and vocabulary—it’s a bridge to identity, connection, and global citizenship.
EFNY distinguishes itself through:
Over time, EFNY has expanded its offerings, ensuring that French learning remains dynamic, inspiring, and relevant for every student.
Every EFNY class begins with people who care deeply about what they do.
Our teachers are native or bilingual French speakers and experienced educators. They bring the language to life with creativity, enthusiasm, and cultural richness.
Supporting them is a team of volunteer coordinators—parents who dedicate their time to connecting families, schools, and teachers. Their behind-the-scenes work ensures our programs remain welcoming, organized, and community-driven.
Together, they make EFNY’s mission possible every single day.
EFNY continues to grow, innovate, and inspire. Our goal remains the same as it was in 2005—to give every child in New York City the opportunity to learn, love, and live the French language.
Every new class, every new school partnership, and every student who proudly speaks French is part of that mission.
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