The French Dual Language Program (DLP) in New York City’s public schools was initiated by Francophone parents who wanted their children to learn in their native language, as well as by Anglophone parents who wanted their children to acquire a second language.
They understood the benefits of speaking two or more languages from an early age. Bilingual children develop sensitivity toward other people and cultures while maintaining a strong sense of their own identity.
Since its founding in 2005, EFNY has supported these families. Together, they sought NYC public school principals willing to commit to hosting French dual language programs and began persuading the NYC Department of Education that this was an initiative worth supporting—even though not a single French dual language program existed in NYC at that time.
EFNY was the driving force behind the creation of the program at PS 58 in Brooklyn in 2007 and at PS 84 in Manhattan in 2008. Since then, additional elementary and middle school programs have been launched, allowing these initiatives to serve more than 1,000 students and strengthen dual language learning across NYC.
Today, EFNY continues to mobilize the Francophone community and serve as the voice of families who share the goal of expanding French language instruction in New York City’s public schools.
Without committed parents advocating for these programs, they simply would not exist. Working in partnership with EFNY, parents have identified schools ready to embrace dual-language programs.
They have then successfully engaged school principals and NYC Department of Education officials to bring these programs to life.
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