GVA Receives Prestigious LabelFrancÉducation
Two Global Village Academy (GVA) campuses — GVA Douglas County and GVA Aurora — have achieved a significant international distinction this month with both earning the LabelFrancÉducation certificate for the second time. This international distinction is granted by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to schools that demonstrate outstanding French-language instruction and a strong commitment to bilingual education.
Leadership at both schools celebrated this remarkable achievement. “This award reflects the heart of our school community,” says Stacy Bush, principal of GVA Douglas County. “Our students work hard every day to grow their language skills, and our teachers bring passion and purpose to every lesson.”
The Consul General of France, Mr. Adrien Frier, joined by Honorary Consul Mr. Omar Soubra, visited GVA Douglas County to present the certificate and meet with students and staff. The pair then continued their visit to GVA Aurora to recognize the school’s French immersion program and celebrate its achievements.
Karla Deters, principal of GVA Aurora, shares, “We are honored to receive this recognition. Our French program continues to accomplish meaningful work, and we are proud of the dedication our students and teachers show every day.”
What is LabelFrancÉducation?
The LabelFrancÉducation designation is a globally recognized mark of quality for bilingual French-language education programs outside of France. Created in 2012 and managed by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) in conjunction with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the label ensures that awarded schools maintain high standards.
To qualify for this honor, elementary or secondary schools must follow the official national curriculum and successfully meet six stringent criteria:
- French language and culture. Enhanced instruction in French language and culture, and instruction in French of at least one non-linguistic subject according to the local school curriculum
- French language certifications. Presentation of students for French language certifications (DELF or DALF) or for professional French certifications
- Francophone environment. Presence of a French-speaking environment within the institution (educational resources, French-speaking cultural partnerships, language stays, twinning programs, etc.)
- Continuing education. Implementation of a pedagogical training plan for teachers of French as a Foreign Language (FLE) and French as a Second Language (DNL) in the institution.
- French-speaking teacher. Presence of at least one French-speaking teacher holding a master's degree or equivalent recognized qualification
- Specialized teacher. Diploma or certified level in French for teachers of French and teachers of non-linguistic subjects taught in French
The LabelFrancÉducation recognition celebrates the daily dedication of teachers, the commitment of students, and the crucial support of families who place a high value on dual language education. According to the AEFE, there are currently 778 bilingual French-language programs with this label across 66 countries, educating over 200,000 students worldwide.
