4 minute read
DINING
Les Petits Lascars
Charmaine Ng visits the popular French International Preschool
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Encouraging creativity
Founded by Christian and Dominique Chasset, Les Petits Lascars French International Kindergarten and Preschool provides French, bilingual and trilingual education for children from nine months to six years old in Hong Kong. The school was created at the request of French parents in the city, who wanted a specialised institution where their children could be taught the French kindergarten programme with help from qualified teachers. Today, Les Petits Lascars has two locations across Hong Kong in Central and Tseung Kwan O.
Qualified education team
The Chassets have lived in Hong Kong for over 35 years and are also the owners of the Hong Kong Institute of Languages, a distinguished language school located in Central.
Les Petits Lascars follows the French National Curriculum and is led by a certified Principal of the French Education System. The school is also supported by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and under accreditation with the French Ministry of Education.
Parents can choose between three language options for their children: French, with classes completely taught in French; bilingual, with classes half in French and half in English; and trilingual, with Mandarin as an additional language.
School teaching philosophy
Les Petits Lascars believes in a caring environment centred around the well-being and personal development of the children. It takes an educational approach that adapts to a child’s learning pattern, uniqueness and individual learning needs. Students will follow one of two paths: the French Curriculum, with entry to French International School (FIS) French Stream; or the English Curriculum, with entry to FIS International Stream.
The school is strongly convinced that
plurilingualism is a major asset for children. Language acquisition is done through immersion and is at the heart of the child’s daily activities and Les Petits Lascars programme.
Les Petits Lascars Programmes
The school offers different programmes, namely Éveil (Playgroup), Toute Petite Section (Nursery), Maternelle (K1 to K3), FLAM (French language Support) as well as a selection of afterschool clubs and holiday camps. Parents can enquire with the school anytime to see which course is best suited for their children.
Éveil (Playgroup)
For children nine to 24 months old. Éveil classes aim to promote social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. The school also offers BabyGym classes for children to explore their motor skills and coordination.
Toute Petite Section (Nursery)
A transition between home and school life. The main purpose of the TPS programme is for children to discover the world of school, learn to socialise and share with others, and adapt to an environment other than that of the family.
Maternelle (K1 to K3)
After TPS, children graduate to Maternelle, compulsory from the age of three in the French system. The programme is designed to develop the joy of learning and individual potential of each child. Through daily interaction and by playing, thinking and solving problems, children acquire the basic knowledge and skills that are essential for future learning.
FLAM (Language Support)
Suitable for three to 12-year-olds, FLAM courses (French mother tongue support) are designed for French-speaking children educated in local or international schools. This extracurricular programme is organised in small group classes according to age and level. Run under a Society, Les Petits Lascars - FLAM, is the only programme in Hong Kong recognised by the AEFE (National Agency for French Teaching Abroad).
Learning through play
Small class sizes
Younger children benefit most from a small class setting, in a stimulating learning environment that encourages active participation. The classes at Les Petits Lascars are limited to 12-15 students, with a ratio of a maximum of 1:7 teaching staff to the number of children. This allows each child to benefit from the necessary interaction to develop their social and interpersonal skills, as well as receive the undivided personal attention and care that they need at this key stage of their overall development.
Large open campuses
Les Petits Lascars has one brand new campus in Tseung Kwan O, opposite the French International School, and a freshly renovated campus in the heart of Central, five minutes from the MTR station.
The school dedicates specific facilities for each age group. For example, children in Éveil classes have their own play area and mothers have access to a dedicated feeding and changing room. All classrooms are bright and colourful, equipped with interactive whiteboards and furnished with the latest teaching aids.
Most importantly, both campuses have abundant outdoor space. The Central location is steps away from a secure outdoor play area and Tseung Kwan O has its own private outdoor playground.
Path after graduation
An indispensable player in the continuity of French education in Hong Kong, Les Petits Lascars offers an easy pathway to FIS after graduation. Parents have noted that after completing the kindergarten programme at Les Petits Lascars, their children are better prepared and can integrate easily into the next step of their schooling.
For more information about Les Petits Lascars French International Kindergarten and Preschool, visit
