Mission, Vision, Core Values & History

MISSION | What We Do

We challenge students to excel academically and thrive in French, American, and international cultures.

VISION | Why We Do It

To inspire the next generation of global citizens to learn, understand, and act wisely in a multicultural world.

CORE VALUES | Ideas We Live By

Excellence · Integrity · Cultural Agility · Community

List of 4 items.

Excellence

We set high expectations for our students, teachers, and staff, fostering a culture of self-discovery where each individual thrives—at school, at home, and in life.
Integrity

FASPS employees are dedicated to doing what is right, whether educating students, managing finances, developing curricula, planning events, or leading programs—all with the highest regard for our community and international network.
Cultural Agility

We believe that experiences beyond the classroom—guest visits, performances, presentations, exhibits, field trips, and overnight trips—are essential for shaping open-minded, successful students who are ready to see the world through different perspectives for life beyond FASPS
Community

Our commitment to community shapes everything we do. We strive for a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone feels excited to walk through our doors each day.

History

In the fall of 1995, cofounders Patricia Blaise-Caves and Véronique Dussud opened FASPS’s doors with 13 students in the basement of a church in Newcastle. One year later, as enrollment more than doubled, the school moved to another church property in Newport Hills.

By 1999, FASPS had grown to 146 students and relocated to Mercer Island, converting an old fire station in its current location just north of the Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC). That same year, Véronique Dussud left to start the French Immersion School of Washington (FISW), and, after an interim period led by Barbie Chaumont, Christine Knorr served as Head of School (1999-2001), followed by Yves Rivaud (2001-2003).

With enrollment surpassing 200 students, the Board of Trustees launched a bold expansion plan. Under Head of School Andrée McGiffin (2003-2010), a 2003 capital campaign funded the design and construction of a one-story building, completed in September 2004. Continued growth led to a second capital campaign in 2008, adding a second floor and enabling the launch of the middle school. By then, enrollment neared 300 students.

In 2010, Eric Thuau became Head of School, and by 2011, FASPS celebrated its first graduating middle school class, with 14 students moving on to top public and private high schools in the region. In 2022, FASPS bought a city block in Seattle’s North Beacon Hill, securing the site for its future permanent home, set to open for the 2026-2027 school year. The school expanded again in 2024, opening a dedicated preschool campus in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Today, FASPS is recognized as a leader in bilingual education in the Pacific Northwest, serving over 470 students from more than 60 countries.

MERCER ISLAND
(Preschool, Elementary, Middle School)
3795 East Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 275-3533
info@fasps.org

SEATTLE – CAPITOL HILL
(Preschool Campus)
1823 East Madison Street
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 644-8348
info@fasps.org

Non-Discrimination Policy

The French American School of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, financial aid programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. This policy applies to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities, including applications and admissions, generally accorded or made available to students at the school.