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Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction
French American School of Denver is a tuition-free charter elementary school, 2350 N Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80205, opposite City Park. It offers a bilingual French–English immersion program with a two-way model that teaches in both languages, one language at a time, with peer-to-peer language sharing. The curriculum aligns French educational standards with Colorado State Standards. Kindergarten (la Grande Maternelle) is 90% French instruction with English Language Arts and Social Studies in English; First through Third Grade (cycle 2) is 80–90% French; Fourth and Fifth Grade (cycle 3) is 70% French with some subjects taught in English (ELA, Social Studies, Science, Math). Social Emotional Learning uses Zones of Regulation. It serves K–5 as a tuition-free charter, with a middle school affiliation to Denver Language School for grades 6–8 starting 2025–26. Facilities include an Art Room, Library, Flex Space, Cafeteria, Kitchen, an on-site basketball court, and three recesses near City Park.
French American School of Denver has instruction in French, English.
Location
2350 N Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80205. Located in the City Park neighborhood, directly across from City Park and within walking distance to the Denver Zoo and the Science Museum. The campus offers a bilingual French-English curriculum for K-5 students.
Stages
K-5 (Kindergarten through 5th grade).
Type
A bilingual French-American school in Denver, Colorado.
School day structure
School day for K-5 begins with arrival from 7:45 to 8:00 am and class starting at 8:00 am, with dismissal at 3:30 pm and pick-up from 3:30 to 3:45 pm. On-site AM and PM programs run 7:00–7:45 am and 3:45–5:50 pm, with Study Hall for Grades 1-5 from 3:45–4:30 pm.
Fees
Application fees - There is no application fee charged by the French American School of Denver. Enrollment for new students is handled through the Denver Public Schools SchoolChoice process (one unified application).
Tuition fees (by year group and per term) - The French American School of Denver is a tuition-free public charter elementary school serving Kindergarten through Grade 5. There is no annual or per-term tuition charge for K–5 students (tuition = USD 0).
Billing schedule and payment terms (school-wide and optional charges) - There is no school-wide tuition billing schedule because the school does not charge tuition for K–5 students. Optional, charged items are billed individually as described below (AM/PM programs, a la carte food items, enrichment programs, events, and donations). - A la carte meal items and additional cafeteria purchases are paid through the MySchoolBucks parent payment portal. Breakfast and lunch service are provided at no charge to all students; extra items require payment at time of purchase through MySchoolBucks. - AM/PM program and enrichment charges are billed per session/day as shown under Arrival + Dismissal and are managed through the school's sign-up/payment system (Active Campus/Active). Specific amounts for standard offerings are listed under Optional program fees below.
Optional program fees (examples and standard rates) - A.M. Program (onsite early care): $5 per day (pre-registered); $10 per day (drop-in). - After School Enrichment (3:45–5:50 pm): $10 per day (pre-registered); $15 per day (drop-in). - Study Hall (Grades 1–5; 3:45–4:30 pm): $10 per session (pre-registered); $15 per session (drop-in). An additional $5 drop-in charge applies if the child is not picked up by 4:30 PM. If a child transitions from Study Hall to After School Enrichment at 4:30 PM, After School charges apply at $4 per hour. Sign-up and payment take place via the school's Active Campus/Active registration system. - Additional themed activities, clubs and vendor-run after-school offerings may carry separate charges set by the vendor; those activities are announced and billed separately.
Lunch, breakfast and food charges - All student breakfasts and lunches are provided free of charge. Any extra entrees or a la carte items must be purchased through MySchoolBucks. Families should use the Parent Portal to access MySchoolBucks for payments. Free/reduced benefit qualification forms are provided for eligible families.
Uniforms, spirit wear and standard student items - A simple, affordable uniform dress code is required. Uniform garments may be purchased from general retailers (examples listed include The Children's Place, Old Navy, Target, French Toast, Goodwill, Walmart). The school does not require purchase of a school-logo item; spirit wear (sold via the PTO) is permitted on designated days. Costs for uniforms are paid by families at retail prices.
Fundraising, suggested contributions and other voluntary charges - The school operates an Annual Fund to cover budget shortfalls; the stated shortfall is $1,500 per student and families are asked to consider direct giving or monthly donations to help bridge that gap. Donation options include one-time gifts, monthly donations, corporate matching, stock gifts, and participation in fundraising events. Corporate sponsorship levels are shown beginning at USD 250 and up to USD 2,500 for certain benefits. Donations are collected through the school's designated donation platforms. Participation in fundraising (gala tickets, sponsorships, PTO sales, etc.) carries separate charges when applicable.
Boarding / residential fees - Boarding is not applicable. The French American School of Denver is a day elementary school (K–5) and does not offer boarding or residential programs.
Refund information - There is no school-wide tuition to refund. Refund policies for optional paid items (AM/PM sessions, enrichment classes, vendor-run activities, a la carte purchases, event tickets, or third-party programs) are determined by the specific program provider or payment platform used for that item; families should follow the provider's registration and payment terms for refund procedures. The school does not publish a single, centralized refund policy for all optional charges.
Fee payment options - MySchoolBucks (linked via the Parent Portal) is used for school meal-related payments and accepts standard online payment methods. - AM/PM programs, study hall and many after-school signups and payments are managed through Active Campus / Active (the school's registration platform for these programs). - Donations to the Annual Fund and event sponsorships are accepted through the school's chosen donation platforms and fundraising pages (examples include ColoradoGives and event-specific channels). Payment methods on those platforms typically include online card payments and other online donation mechanisms.
Other incidental costs parents should expect - Optional paid after-school clubs and vendor-run activities (fees set by vendors). - Spirit wear and PTO merchandise (prices set by PTO). - Fundraising event tickets, corporate sponsorships, and one-time or recurring donations (amounts depend on the event and giving level).
Note on published detail: the school operates as a tuition-free K–5 public charter; the only recurring parent charges published on school pages are for optional AM/PM programs, after-school enrichments, study hall, a la carte food items and voluntary fundraising/donation initiatives. No application fee or tuition schedule by grade or term is charged for K–5 students.
Academics
French American School of Denver teaches French Curriculum, American Curriculum.
Curriculum
The school combines the academic traditions of France and the United States. It uses a two-way immersion (TWI) model that teaches in two languages, with one language taught at a time and peer-to-peer language sharing. The curriculum aligns with French educational standards while also meeting Colorado State Standards. Kindergarten (la Grande Maternelle) is 90% French instruction; English Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in English. First through Third Grade (cycle 2: apprentissages fondamentaux) is 80–90% French instruction; English Language Arts, Social Studies, and 3rd-grade Math are taught in English. Fourth and Fifth Grade (cycle 3: consolidation) is 70% French instruction; some subjects are taught in both English and French, including English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math. Social Emotional Learning is supported through Zones of Regulation. Specials include dedicated art, STEM, and physical education, and music during class time.
Gifted and Talented
Gifted & Talented programming includes Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) with one academic and one social-emotional goal, developed in collaboration with families and teachers. Progress is shared twice a year. GT programming features small-group instruction during WIN time, project-based learning, and opportunities such as Destination Imagination, Science Fair, and Shakespeare Festival; classroom teachers receive coaching and resources to differentiate instruction. Students who show strong potential but are not yet formally identified may be monitored through a Talent Pool, with differentiated support in the classroom.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Whole-Child Development emphasizes social-emotional growth, character, and leadership through intentional instruction, positive behavior supports, and opportunities for student voice and responsibility. The program integrates social-emotional learning and aims to nurture well-being alongside academics.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Differentiated support for diverse learners includes targeted, culturally responsive services for English language learners and students with exceptionalities; interventionists and classroom teachers collaborate to provide inclusive, small-group instruction and personalized strategies.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The dual-language immersion program places English language learners and native English speakers in bilingual instruction, supporting biliteracy in French and English; targeted, culturally responsive support is provided as part of differentiated services.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through Whole-Child Development, focusing on social-emotional growth, character, and leadership. Suicide prevention and response programming is in place, with access to community resources to support students' physical and psychological safety.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding policies include a visitor protocol with front-office check-in and security measures, safeguarding of student data privacy, and established safety-related policies such as suicide prevention and response.
Admissions
Admissions
1. The school is a tuition-free public charter elementary school authorized by Denver Public Schools, serving Kindergarten through 5th grade. The school offers a bilingual French and English curriculum. Families enroll through the Denver Public Schools School Choice process. For the 2026-27 school year, Round 2 applications are open until 4 p.m. on August 31. 2. Apply through the DPS Parent Portal to rank the French American School as your
1 school choice (you can rank multiple schools). Fill out an online application for each student and for each sibling you wish to attend the school next year. This ensures your request is considered within the DPS School Choice process.
3. Register with the French American School in March/April after you receive your school placement results. Waitlisted candidates will be contacted if spots open. Waitlist results do not carry over from year to year.
Waitlist
Waitlisted candidates will be contacted if spots open; waitlist results do not carry over from year to year.
FAQs
What grades does the French American School of Denver serve, and what is the campus type?
The school serves Kindergarten through 5th grade (K–5) as a tuition-free public charter elementary. It operates a bilingual French–English immersion program on a campus located at 2350 N Gaylord St, Denver, CO, in the City Park area.
Who is the head of the school, and how is the school governed?
The head of school is Kathy Durán. The school is governed by a Board of Directors and is overseen by the School Accountability Committee, with overall responsibility for policies, budgeting, and leadership.
What is the school's location like and what nearby attractions are within walking distance?
The campus sits directly across from City Park, within walking distance to the Denver Zoo and the Science Museum, which supports frequent field trips and outdoor learning.
What is the main characteristic of the curriculum at FAS Denver?
FAS Denver uses a two-way immersion model that blends French and U.S. educational traditions, aligning with French standards and Colorado State Standards to develop bilingual, bi-literate learners.
What grades are included in the program, and what is the language distribution by grade?
Kindergarten is 90% French with English Language Arts and Social Studies in English. Grades 1–3 are 80–90% French, with ELA, Social Studies, and 3rd‑grade Math taught in English. Grades 4–5 are about 70% French, with some subjects taught in both languages (including ELA, Social Studies, Science, and Math).
Is the school affiliated with any middle school or higher-grade programs?
Yes. For the 2025–2026 school year, Denver Language School (DLS) provides the middle school affiliation for grades 6–7, and grade 8 is expected in 2026–2027.
Is there a tuition fee for attending K–5 at FAS Denver?
No. FAS Denver is a tuition-free public charter elementary school; there is no annual or per-term tuition for K–5.
What kind of admissions process should families expect to navigate to get into FAS Denver?
Families enroll through the Denver Public Schools (DPS) SchoolChoice process. For the 2026–27 year, Round 2 applications are open until 4 p.m. on August 31; you should rank FAS as your #1 school and apply for each student and sibling.
What are the fees for optional programs and how are they billed?
Optional programs (AM/PM care, enrichment, study hall) are billed per session/day via Active Campus/Active. Fees vary by program, and some items (like vendor-run activities) may carry separate charges.
Do students receive meals at no cost, and how are other food items paid for?
Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge for all students. Any extra entrees or a la carte items are paid through the MySchoolBucks portal.
Are uniforms required, and where can families purchase them?
Yes, a simple uniform dress code is required. Uniforms can be purchased from general retailers (e.g., The Children's Place, Old Navy, Target, etc.). No school-logo items are required, and Fridays are spirit wear days.
