IB vs. French bac curriculum for K-8?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone knowledgeable on these approaches comment on the differences? I'm debating between 2 language immersion schools that both offer K-8. One is an IB World School and the other is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and follows that curriculum for Cycle 2-3. Actual languages aside (Spanish and French, we can support either one), what are the pros/cons to these models? They both seem to be quite regimented and standardized, and acknowledged as strong programs. FWIW, we plan to attend our traditional public high school afterward, which is highly ranked but follows your standard US model.

[Anonymous]

If you go with the French one you can pick up the same educational thread anywhere in the world. They have a uniform curriculum approved by the Gov't. The French Gov't.
And if you are French nationals you can get it for free.

[Anonymous]

Are you comparing WIS to Rochambeau? Because I believe Rochambeau's upper school is hoping to institute the IB program in the next year or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you comparing WIS to Rochambeau? Because I believe Rochambeau's upper school is hoping to institute the IB program in the next year or so.

I've recently moved from DC so it's not those, but the comparison is very similar to these schools. The ones I'm looking at are K-8 only so I'm particularly interested in the elementary and middle school grades and how those programs may differ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you go with the French one you can pick up the same educational thread anywhere in the world. They have a uniform curriculum approved by the Gov't. The French Gov't.
And if you are French nationals you can get it for free.

Wouldn't that be nice? But these are actually public charters so they will be free for us anyway!

[Anonymous]

I’m under the impression the French system is very rigid, with no room for creativity. For example, in preschool, all the preschoolers draw apples that look exactly like the teacher’s model. I’ve never heard of people seeking it out unless they plan to eventually return to France.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m under the impression the French system is very rigid, with no room for creativity. For example, in preschool, all the preschoolers draw apples that look exactly like the teacher’s model. I’ve never heard of people seeking it out unless they plan to eventually return to France.

OP here, I have read some things about rigidity. Wouldn't that be the case really in any academically rigorous program? To your example above, I believe that in maternelle (preschool/K) there is a strong focus on development of handwriting, which I could see relating to the apple drawing you describe. I'm not sure; however, how this would relate to other rigorous programs and whether the French system is somehow "less creative"? Particularly so long as the school had plenty of specials, e.g. art, music, etc.

[Anonymous]

My impression is that the K-8 IB curriculum leaves a lot of room for schools to vary in their implementation. It’s almost like they set a few high level goals and let the schools decide what to do, so I think what matter is what your school is doing.

[Anonymous]

My kids attended a French school in Los Angeles. They really benefitted from their time there. I say go for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids attended a French school in Los Angeles. They really benefitted from their time there. I say go for it.

Thanks PP, can you tell me more about your experience?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m under the impression the French system is very rigid, with no room for creativity. For example, in preschool, all the preschoolers draw apples that look exactly like the teacher’s model. I’ve never heard of people seeking it out unless they plan to eventually return to France.

OP here, I have read some things about rigidity. Wouldn't that be the case really in any academically rigorous program? To your example above, I believe that in maternelle (preschool/K) there is a strong focus on development of handwriting, which I could see relating to the apple drawing you describe. I'm not sure; however, how this would relate to other rigorous programs and whether the French system is somehow "less creative"? Particularly so long as the school had plenty of specials, e.g. art, music, etc.

The French system is definitely less creative. Creativity is not how they roll. And no, most rigorous American schools are not especially rigid. Rigidity is totally different from having high expectations. You really need to reach more about the French national curriculum to see if it’s what you want. https://www.expatica.com/fr/education/children-education/a-guide-to-french-education-101147/