Lafayette Academy

Lafayette Academy welcomes students with a strong interest in French, whether they’re fluent or just starting out. The middle school is welcoming and engaging, with a positive tone. Students have a comfortable rapport with teachers and school leaders, and they take part in field trips, spirit days, and potlucks.

Students enrolled in the school’s French Dual Language program are  taught French language arts and social studies entirely in French. The rest start off with French 101.  All other courses, including math and science, are taught in English.  

Classes are set up for participation, with students seated in pairs or small groups. The school is beginning a transition to the International Baccalaureate program, a rigorous, internationally recognized course of study. 

On our visit, we saw lengthy research papers in both French and English displayed on classroom walls. Lessons often start with the teacher introducing a topic on the whiteboard—like immigration or real-world math problems—and then shift into discussion, hands-on activities, or problem-solving so students can actively engage with the material

Students keep their work in binders and composition notebooks, and teachers post clear steps to help them stay organized. Handwriting is sometimes encouraged to strengthen spelling, grammar, writing—and to limit reliance on computer-generated work. Students meet in small advisory groups twice a week, and the school helps them resolve conflicts respectfully. Homework is limited to about an hour a night.

Each morning, students receive extra help or advanced challenges in small groups. They also explore their interests in weekly elective classes. A life skills class teaches practical tools like Excel, Microsoft Word, and AI platforms.

Parents are active, joining field trips and helping with events like collecting secondhand formal wear for prom. Alumni join potlucks and provide support on high school auditions and portfolios. Mid-year, parents get a survey to elicit their feedback on topics like homework, safety, communication. 

Students go on monthly field trips—to places like the Pfizer School of Science, the Langston Hughes house, and NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. They also enjoy French language movies at Lincoln Center, and seasonal activities like pumpkin picking and ice skating. During our visit, 7th-graders were walking to the Bloomingdale Library to pick out books. 

After school, students may join homework help, beginner French, test prep, robotics, MATHCOUNTS middle school math competitions, and cooking, though activities vary year to year. They may also take part in the annual musical. 

Attendance is improving, though tardiness remains a challenge. Visual arts offerings are limited. High school admissions guidance begins in 7th grade. 

The school has Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classrooms: These include a small number of students with disabilities learning alongside general education students. One of two teachers is trained in special education.  

The building is shared with Manhattan School for Children and the District 3 office. Shared spaces include the gym, auditorium, recess yard and cafeteria. Lafayette students enter on West 92nd and the students rarely interact. Sports include the usual team options plus badminton and ultimate frisbee. Soccer games take place nearby. (Lydie Raschka, February 2026)