Our daughter attended LLS Mini-Maternelle for two years (3 mornings a week the first year, and 5 days a week the second), a few weeks of LLS Summer Camp each year, and is now enrolled in LLS' French Theater after-school class at PS 133. We stumbled onto LLS but could not be more thrilled with what we discovered! Not only did our daughter love every minute of her pre-school days (everything said about the gentle and caring environment is true), but she learned enough French to: (i) "test in" as a francophone student for the public school dual-language program (so did some of her peers); and (ii) confidently and correctly use her French traveling in Quebec and France (what a delight to see her run up to random kids at a playground in Paris and start chatting away!). The best part is that all this learning was done naturally through your typical pre-school play, which is why we were excited and keen to have LLS participate in the after-school program at PS 133 -- we knew our daughter would have a blast in a theater class yet continue to advance her vocabulary, etc. without realizing she was doing it. And boy oh boy -- far from feeling like we were signing her up for "more school," she came home every week after Theater class bubbling with excitement about her role in "Blanche Neige," rehearsed her lines with zeal, and put on a fabulous performance just this past week. read more

Our daughter did a French 2's program at LLS one summer, she did an LLS French-language music program when a bit older and now at age 9 she has been doing semi-private French lessons through LLS. We've consistently had excellent experiences in all our dealings with LLS. Our daughter learned an enormous amount through creative activity without being aware that she was learning. LLS uses music, theater, art and games as a way for kids to access language, and it works. We still have our CDs from music class and have a framed piece of our toddler's art (entitled "Mon Visage"!) in our bedroom. Now our daughter is interested in learning the spelling and grammar and I couldn't be more thrilled. Also - I have liked all of the staff at LLS and found them smart, down to earth, easy to deal with. They really care about the kids and are enthusiastic about what they are doing. For context, we are NOT a bilingual family; this is truly a foreign language for her. The only drawback there has ever been for us is that when she was in the younger programs, it seemed like most of the kids already spoke French, and at a certain point that made her feel left out or self-conscious or like she couldn't engage as readily as the others. That's not a reflection on LLS though. read more

My son attended the mini-maternelle for 2 years and it was the perfect environment for him to flourish as a person and also to build on his exposure to French. Now that I am in the mainstream education system I have fully realized what an outstanding foundation for children LLS provides. My son had a French nanny twice a week from age 1-3, and then his two years at LLS allowed him to become fully bilingual without either parent speaking French at home. He is now one of the most confident and active students in his class. He has no fear when leaving me in the morning, and he is embracing the challenge of school. I was surprised by how quickly they have started teaching them to read and also to write in lowercase at his public school, but thankfully he had two years of gentle experimenting with reading and writing at LLS, so he is doing well. LLS supported him as the sensitive and unique child he is (and aren't they all?), and I am very grateful for that. I believe that really good preschool education is a subtle art, and it can be hard to define or understand - but trust me, they know what they are doing at LLS, and you won't find a better preschool program! read more

Our daughter attended the French Immersion program for 2 years. We were nervous in the first year in the program as she was one of the youngest kids in her class. Needless to say that nervousness was completely unnecessary. Claire, Emilie (year 1) and Christelle (year 2) ensured that our daughter was constantly challenged in such a nourishing and loving environment. Pascale communicated with us frequently and provided, not only a wonderful place for our daughter to learn French (and more importantly, people skills), but also an inviting community of people who welcomed 2 non-French speaking parents into this world. After just a few months, we could see that our daughter had a full grasp of the language. After 2 years people tell us she speaks like a native speaker. She was accepted as a native speaker in an NYC DLP. She was also later accepted at the ISB in Boston (again as a native speaker). We have 2 regrets... 1, that LLS doesn't extend through Middle School and beyond... And 2, that we've left the area and our son will not be able to have the same exposure to such an awesome environment for play and learning. read more

My daughter attended this amazing pre-school for two years. Although i myself am French, i had neglected to speak to her in my native language. After two years in this french immersion program, my daughter spoke so well that was accepted to the Lycée Francais in Manhattan. The application process for the Lycée Francais included a rigorous French-speaking evaluation and my daughter spoke and understood everything like a native speaker. Not only did my child learn another language fluently at LLS, she was immersed into the most loving and most artistic school i could have ever dreamed of for her. Her experience there was so supportive and so positive, I have enrolled my younger child to attend LLS as well. I would recommend this school highly to people who want their kids to be in a progressive, play based environment with a heavy emphasis on arts and crafts. This school offers the best of current American educational ideas (Bank Street) and none of the rote memorization and color-by-numbers that French schools often impose on children. read more

My son, now three years old, has been enrolled in Emille's weekly french class. It has been great to see him engaged and interested during class activities while being introduced to French language and culture. Emille is a kind, caring and nurturing instructor and my son speaks about her a great deal during the week. She is always cheerful and is entertaining using puppets and other playful teaching materials. She also has a lovely voice which we all enjoy at the times when she leads the class with playful French songs. The director, Pascale, has always been wonderful and is always helpful and responsive to any questions and concerns. Language and Laughter Studio has been a terrific experience for our family and we plan to continue with our classes. I highly recommend Language and Laughter Studio! read more

Our daughter attended LLS for two years (at ages 3 and 4, before starting kindergarten). I wish she could have attended forever. We really cannot say enough good things about LLS. The program is perfect -- it is intellectually engaging, but also fun for the children. The teachers are so caring and do everything possible to make sure the kids are happy and comfortable. Pascale is an amazing resource. She is very involved in the classroom and so knowledgeable about children in general and bilingual education in particular. And our daughter learned French! The only downside is that wherever your child ends up after LLS will be disappointing by comparison. She still asks to attend the summer camp every year, and always has a great time. read more

Our two sons attended LLS for two years and had a great experience. The staff is excellent, warm and very knowledgeable, both about progressive education and bilingual education. Our kids' French is great and their vocabulary rich. Pascale has been great about meeting with us to discuss our children's' progress as well as different Kindergarten options. LLS strives to create a community both among the parents and the children and we have met many wonderful families through the school. I feel confident that my children have gained both the academic and emotional skills to continue onto Kindergarten. I highly recommend LLS to anyone who wants their child to learn French from a loving, creative and dedicated group of professionals. read more

My experience at Language and Laughter Studio started in 2010 when I attended French au lait with my two year old daughter. My son was basically born into the program soon after and they both still attend classes and summer camp at the school today. The fact that they have been able to grow within the studio for 5+ years speaks to the strength of the program. My son went on to attend the Mini-Maternal program for two years which gave him a base in language which has now evolved beyond what I had imagined was possible. The overall learning environment nurtures independence and confidence through creativity. I could not give a higher recommendation. -Holly read more

We love Language and Laughter! Our daughter attended a weekly morning class starting at 2 and now attends a weekly afternoon class with Emilie; she also attends the summer camp. The teachers here are real artists and creative, kind and loving people. Every time I walk in, there are such inventive art and engineering projects, it's very warm and colorful and my daughter always brings home the most incredible artwork and lovely songs from school. Best of all, her French has continued to grow and thrive in this immersive environment where she is really encouraged to express herself, play and participate. read more

Our son attended the LLS Mini-Maternelle program for 2 years and it was the most amazing, loving, kind and educational environment we could have hoped for. Pascale's program nurtured his curiosity, taught him autonomy and ignited his creativity. The French immersion was exactly what we were looking for and our son bonded with his teachers and school mates in a way we have not experienced since. All the carefully crafted parts of her program have given him a powerful platform to continue on to primary school. I would unreservedly recommend LLS and their programs to anyone. Sincerely Julien read more

This is an absolutely wonderful school run by an extraordinary woman (Pascale) who loves children and is dedicated to cultivating a supportive, multicultural community for learning. My son attended the Mini-Maternelle for two fantastic years, and now our younger daughter has begun her schooling there. Every LLS teacher is warm, generous, and creative, offering a nurturing environment for even the shiest child. The immersion program is the best I've seen, led by teachers who are all native French speakers. We love this school with all our heart. We wish it continued past pre-K! read more

our four year old daughter attended the mini-maternelle program a year ago and wholeheartedly loved it. the teachers (emmanuelle and mi) more than met the children's needs socially, academically, and emotionally. the activities were hands-on and fun while laying the groundwork for future academic skills. the online updates we received about the events in the classroom were incredibly sweet and informative. we loved the language and laughter studio and appreciate the role it played in teaching our daughter french and preparing her for the next step in her education. read more

Our daughter attended LLS for two years of pre-k. Not only did she come away fluent in French but was cared for and educated in the gentlest and most caring manner that one could ever imagine. All the teachers were loving and well as imaginative in their approach to the teaching and caring for all the children that went there. We still say that it is probably the best educational experience she will ever have. We were not alone in that feeling as parents either. I cannot describe in words how great an experience it was for our whole family. read more

Our now 3.5 year old son is in the middle of his second year at LLS, and things just seem to get better and better! We are an anglophone family who believes strongly in the benefits of bilingual education, multiculturalism and progressive education. All of these things are not only ideas, but simply the way of life at LLS. Our son has been nurtured through the rough patches and his love of learning and language has blossomed, alongside of that his love of his school and his classmates has become a bright spot in his young life. read more

My two son's have separately been at Language and Laughter, 8 years ago my older son attended each week an after shool program for 6 years. His first camp experience was at LLS, it was so creative and fun ! My younger son attended 2 years of preschool and we were thrilled with that experience as well! his french is impeccable ! My only wish is that their was an elementary School by LLS. I highly recommend to anyone looking to expose their child to a different language or to have their child improve in french. mg read more

There's an L missing in their title there...LOVE That's right. It should have been called The Language, Love and Laughter Studio. I cannot stress enough how happy we are with this sweet little gem of a school. I'm a mom of 4 boys. Trust me, I've been around and I've experienced preschool in so many places and ways. This one surpasses every other by far. We are so happy and feel blessed to have a chance to be part of this great establishment. read more

Sandrine Gigon South Slope My daughter and son attended LLS mini-maternelle till Kindergarten. They also took some early French musical awakening classes. They both developed amazing creative skills and wonderful artistic ways of communication. We recommend LLS and its great French educators. The nurturing and loving environment is awesome. Our children had an amazing first years at school and made lasting friendships. read more

The language and Laughter studio is a fantastic program. Our son attended the Mini-Maternelle program for 2 years but was speaking French in just a few months after starting. The environment is kind, fun and educational. Pascale is a force of nature, and still provides valuable help to our son's education to this day. read more