Rochambeau The French International School in Baltimore: French Immersion from Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade

Rochambeau is a private, French-language immersion elementary school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Baltimore. It operates as an independent institution unaffiliated with the French government, following a bilingual curriculum that positions French as the primary instructional language while integrating English literacy instruction. The school occupies a single campus and serves roughly 200 students across six grade levels.

What Rochambeau actually is

The school's curriculum centers on French immersion, meaning students spend the majority of their instructional day learning academic content in French. English instruction begins in kindergarten and expands in later grades, with the goal of producing genuinely bilingual graduates who can read, write, and think in both languages. The school follows neither the International Baccalaureate program nor the French national curriculum; instead, it designs its own sequence that meets Maryland state standards while maintaining French as the dominant medium of instruction. This model differs fundamentally from schools that teach French as a foreign language for a few hours weekly.

Tuition and admissions timeline

Annual tuition for the 2024-2025 school year ranges from approximately $12,000 for kindergarten to $14,000 for grades one through five, though families should verify current figures with the school directly. The school does not publicly list financial aid or scholarship availability; prospective families must inquire during the admissions process. Admission is rolling and based on classroom availability and applicant readiness for immersion instruction. There is no entrance exam, but the school assesses whether incoming students can engage with a French-primary curriculum, particularly in grades one and above where academic content intensity increases.

How Rochambeau compares to other Baltimore private schools

Baltimore has limited French immersion options at the elementary level. Calvert School, the oldest independent school in the city, offers traditional English-language instruction with French as an elective starting in middle school, making it fundamentally different from Rochambeau's immersion model. Boys' Latin School and The Bryn Mawr School focus on college preparation within English-language settings. For families specifically seeking immersion, Rochambeau is the primary choice in Baltimore proper; the next nearest option is the French International School in Washington, D.C., roughly 40 miles away. Families drawn to bilingual education but open to languages other than French might consider schools with Spanish immersion, though none match Rochambeau's depth in Baltimore's immediate area. The choice between Rochambeau and English-dominant private schools depends entirely on whether early bilingual fluency is a family priority.

Who Rochambeau suits and who it does not

Rochambeau is designed for families who speak French at home, plan to move to or maintain ties with French-speaking countries, or value bilingual cognitive development enough to accept the academic trade-offs of immersion. Students thrive when at least one parent understands French well enough to support homework and school communication. The school is less suitable for families with no French background who expect their child to learn the language entirely at school; while children do acquire French through immersion, the experience is intensive and relies on consistent home reinforcement. Students with learning disabilities may face additional challenges in an immersion setting where academic content and language instruction are inseparable; families should discuss support services directly with the admissions office before enrolling.

What the first visit involves

The school conducts informal campus visits by appointment. Prospective families typically meet with administration, observe classrooms, and review curriculum materials. Families may be asked whether their child has prior French exposure or if either parent speaks French. The school uses this conversation to assess fit and to manage expectations about immersion intensity. A formal application includes a family statement and school records.

Hours, location, and logistics

The school operates on a traditional academic calendar aligned with Baltimore's public schools. It is located in Baltimore County, not within city limits; families should confirm the exact address and parking availability before the first visit, as campus details can affect commute planning. The school day runs approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., though families should verify current hours. No information is publicly available about before-school or after-school care; this should be confirmed directly.

Rochambeau fills a specific demand in the Baltimore region that no other local school addresses: genuine French immersion from early elementary onward. For families committed to bilingual education, it offers direct access to fluency without relocation.