What is FASN? 

Founded in 2011, the French American School of Norfolk (FASN) was created to meet the need for a French educational institution in the Norfolk area. Its establishment was made possible through the dedication of the French military representative in Norfolk, John and Simone Ryan, and the support of the Mission Laïque Française (MLF).

At FASN, students follow the official curriculum of the French Ministry of National Education, offered in partnership with Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) and Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS).

FASN represents a dynamic collaboration between French and American educational traditions, fostering bilingualism, academic excellence, and cross-cultural understanding. Through strong partnerships with Crossroads Elementary and Middle School, John B. Dey Elementary School, Great Neck Middle School, and Frank W. Cox High School, FASN provides students with an enriching academic journey and meaningful social experiences that prepare them to thrive in a global community.

Why join FASN?

•  To ensure that your children can continue following a significant portion of the French curriculum while benefiting from immersion in the American educational system. 
• To have access to high-quality French teachers, the vast majority of whom are graduates of the French Ministry of National Education. 
• To guarantee a demanding and recognized quality of education. (See the latest FASN inspection report by the MLF under the “Educational Team” tab.) 
• To have the opportunity to meet other families, as the student population has increased more than seven fold over the past six years. 

Who is FASN for? 

FASN is open to both French and Francophone students. It is not exclusively for children of military families but is open to all.  

* For your information, for the 2024-2025 school year:  

• 22 % of students are french-speaking with a foreign parent.
• 25 % of students come from civilian families. 

How does it work?

Students from kindergarten to 12th grade attend American schools, fully immersed in the American curriculum. These schools make their classrooms available to French teachers, who teach their lessons before, during, or after the American school day.  

Common questions before enrolling:

• Is FASN a real “advantage” to ease the return to France?  
• Is the dual curriculum accessible to all types of students?
• Will my child experience the “American life” while attending FASN?
• Will my child learn English in the same way as other students?