B. R. Foreign Language Acad. Immersion Magnet

My son just finished kindergarten here and I'm so excited that we'll have 5 more years at this incredible little school. I can't believe how much language he's acquired in just one year! There are only 2 classes per grade--one Spanish, one French--so its easy to get to know other parents/teachers/staff/etc. Its a diverse group of kids from all over the city & teachers from all over the world, in the heart of downtown BR. I'm so happy we found this school. My only criticism is that its not promoted well enough--if more people knew about it they could probably double the size.
—Submitted by a parent

BR FLAIM is an awesome program and we are so pleased to have found it! Being both an immersion and academic program, our daughter is not only receiving an excellent education but becoming bilingual in the process. Like many (most?) of the public EBR schools, the building is not pretty.....but hidden inside is an award winning program, high test scores and classes of children who know way more about the international world than most adults I know! Tour the school, talk to those inside, meet the parents, sit in on a class...that will be a more true reflection of BR FLAIM.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome program! All four (4) of my children have gone to this school and speak, read & write in French! It is so much fun watching them communicate with others in French...I wish I could!! They also perform GREAT on the standardized test and my oldest is now a Freshman in college and already has a minor in French
—Submitted by a parent

Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet (FLAIM), formerly S. Blvd. Elem., has been called BR's "hidden gem" by school board members. English speaking students become bilingual in either French or Spanish by being taught science, social studies, math, and grammar by certified teachers from French or Spanish speaking countries. English grammar, reading, and language arts are taught by certified American teachers. All of this teaching occurs at an accelerated pace, as this is also an academic magnet school. The facilities are meager, at best; the building is over 50 years old. But one should not be dissuaded by looks; what occurs inside the wall is remarkable. Children leave FLAIM bilingual , and can continue the immersion program at Westdale Middle and in to high school at Baton Rouge High, another of Louisiana's best schools, public or private.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this school and its faculty. The teachers are extremely friendly and do a fabulous job teaching the students. The kindergarten French and Language Arts teachers made my child feel comfortable and created a productive learning environment. I definitely recommend Baton Rouge FLAIM (previously called South Boulevard) to everyone who is interested in an excellent education for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

If you're looking for a great public school or maybe just an alternative to most regular private schools, South Boulevard is an excellent choice. Students are taught Math, Science, & Social Studies in the "target language" (either French or Spanish) by native speakers, and taught English, Language Arts & Reading by certified (American) teachers. At least 60% or the day is spent immersed in the target language, so the kids really learn how to hear, comprehend, and speak the foreign language. This school is also an academic magnet school, so the educational requirements are quite rigorous. The classes are small, the expectations are clear, and there is a lot of communication between teachers and parents in regards to grades and conduct. The staff is wonderful, and the test scores (LEAP, etc) are outstanding. This is our 4th year at this school, and we are very satisfied with it!
—Submitted by a parent

What a great public school in baton rouge! We moved here from Texas and were worried about the public school system here in Louisiana as many have said it is not that good. Thank goodness we found S. Blvd :) The teacher are GREAT with the kids and my daughter is really learning spanish the correct way with the correct accent. The PTO is really involved and are great and do great things to help the school. Considering the funding from the state is obviously not there. The school is now a 4 star school that alone says wonders! Great school and you don't have to pay hefty 10k like BRIS.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent educational opportunity - 70% of day spent in immersion and 30% with very high quality English Language Arts instruction. Twice weekly strings (violin, viola,cello) lessons and bi-weekly clubs (many to choose from based on student interest) meet during school time. Lots of computers in classroom, small class sizes, good playground facilities, very warm and responsive environment including principal and guidance counselor. Accelerated Reader used frequently and kids really speak and are taught in target immersion language.
—Submitted by a parent

South Boulevard is a wonderful school. I do not think any amount of money could pay for better a better or more diverse education.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended South Boulevard since Kindergarten and is now going to be in the Second Grade. Watching her and her classmates interact in French is so amazing you have to visit the school and sit in on the class, just to see it for yourself. Not only is the Principal amazing but so is the whole staff.They go above and beyond for our kids and it shows. The teachers are native speaking in either French or Spanish! The PTO is outstanding and the parental involvement is great to see. It isn't just a school it is a special family.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended this school since kindergarten and I am very pleased and impressed with what she knows. Not only can she speak and understand french but she excells in her other subjects as well. I reccommend this school to any parent that wants the best education for there child.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has had the most amazing year at South Boulevard. Madame Sizemore is an excellent teacher!! The French program is fantastic.
—Submitted by a parent

I knew I wanted to send my 2 sons to go to a public school. My own experience in private schools in Baton Rouge was not great. I admit that all the horror stories from my family had influenced my perception of public schools. So I was worried at first when the school in my neighborhood was Buchanan Elementary, but I just strongly felt that I had to follow my gut about where to send my boys. I am so glad I did! From the loving arms of Mrs. Green in K @ Buchanan to the comfortable atmosphere @ South Blvd. my boys have excelled beyond my wildest dreams. The French that they know is incredible. The teachers are very friendly and loving to all their students and parents. There is a diversity of people @ South Blvd. just like the real world not an elite group like at private schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. The academics are out of this world. The teachers and principal are great also. The parents are also very involved as well. This school is definately headed in the right direction.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school since PreK. He loves his school and look forward to getting up each morning to attend. Both the instructional staff and the administrators are excellent. My son was able to build solid educational foundation because of the dedication of the staff. I feel this foundation will allow him to be successful and carry him the necessary distance throughout his life.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. I have two children who attend. My oldest can hold a conversation in French. I love it. Academics are important at South Blvd. Grading scales are somewhat higher but the kids only benefit from the classes and therefore comprehend what is going on in the classrooms. The cultural experience is great for children as well as their parents. There are teachers from France, Belgium, as well as from parts of Latin America. One is allowed to visit school grounds and talk to the teachers with appointments. Parent teacher relationship is open and involved. I would recommend South Blvd to any new parent. But it is in high demand so enroll early.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a kindergarten student here at South Boulevard. It is amazing what he has been learning in his first year of school! I am fluent in the French language, and when I speak to him, he understands about 90% of what I say. The teachers here are involved, and they seen genuinely excited about what they teach. While walking around the school, I see full stories, poems, or letters that have been written by students in this school, and they are done wonderfully. The schoolalso does little things that make the kids get into the language, so they are into it as well. My son, who is five, told me yesterday that he wants to be a French teacher like his teacher, Monsieur Boudhuin. I think that says it all.
—Submitted by Erica Brouillette Ezell, a parent