Bilingual Education: Raising Children in English and French
Many parents in Kigali want their children to grow up confident in more than one language. English opens doors across East Africa and the wider world, and French connects children to a large international community. But “bilingual school” can mean very different things from one school to the next. How are the two languages actually used? When does each one take the lead? And what do children have to show for it?
This guide explains how bilingual education works at Agasaro International Academy (AIA), step by step, from Nursery to A Level.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What bilingual education means at Agasaro
- Why the school chose English and French
- How the approach changes from Nursery to Secondary
- How the Cambridge curriculum and French programmes work together
- What DELF and DALF qualifications are, and how students earn them
- How the school supports children who need extra help with reading and writing
- What bilingual learning looks like beyond the classroom
- How to take the next step
- Frequently asked questions
What Bilingual Education Means at Agasaro
Agasaro International Academy is a blended bilingual international school in Nyanza, Kicukiro, Kigali. Its aim is stated clearly: to develop strong written and oral communication skills in both French and English, so children can read, write, listen and speak confidently in each.
The school was founded on the belief that Rwanda’s rapid development means future generations will need strong communication skills alongside academic qualifications. Bilingual education is not an add-on at Agasaro. It is part of the school’s purpose.
Why English and French?
Rwanda is a multilingual country with four official languages: Kinyarwanda, English, French and Kiswahili. English is the main language of instruction in Rwandan schools and the language of regional business. French remains an official language, and Rwanda belongs to both the Commonwealth and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
For a child growing up here, English and French together offer a rare advantage: access to the English-speaking world and the French-speaking world, with Kinyarwanda keeping them connected to home and culture.
How the Approach Changes as Your Child Grows
Agasaro uses a clear progression. French is emphasised in the early years, and English takes over as the main language of instruction as children advance, while French continues alongside it.
| Stage | Language focus | What children do |
| Nursery (Discover & Grow) | French language introduced through play | Early learning, creativity, communication, social and emotional development, AI and robotics, activities such as swimming and karate |
| Primary, Nursery and Grades 1–3 | French emphasised | A bilingual experience built on Cambridge Primary, with English and French, mathematics, science, reading and communication |
| Primary, from Grade 4 | English becomes the main language of instruction; French continues | Cambridge Primary learning with ongoing French development |
| Secondary (Lead & Achieve) | Confident communication in English and French | A Cambridge pathway toward IGCSE, AS and A Level, with French taught as a subject alongside Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili |
In plain words: young children start with a natural, early immersion in French. As they build confidence and reading skills, English becomes the primary language of the classroom, and French stays a living part of their education.
Cambridge and French, Working Together
Bilingual education at Agasaro is built on two strong foundations.
The Cambridge curriculum. Agasaro is a Cambridge-accredited school and a Cambridge examination centre. The Cambridge programme develops academic knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, communication and problem-solving. Because students sit their Cambridge exams on their own campus, the experience is familiar and calm.
The French programmes. Alongside Cambridge, Agasaro’s DELF and DALF programmes help students progressively build their French listening, speaking, reading and writing skills while preparing for internationally recognised qualifications.
Together, the school says, these programmes support strong English–French bilingualism and academic excellence. The aim is a student who can do their schoolwork in English, communicate comfortably in French, and carry both languages into university and beyond.
DELF and DALF: Proof of Your Child’s French
Many schools teach French. Fewer help students earn official certificates for it. At Agasaro, the French programme leads to the DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française), diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education.
Here is what makes them valuable:
- They are recognised internationally and valid for life.
- They follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). DELF covers A1 to B2, and DALF covers C1 and C2.
- DELF Prim is designed for primary-age children, and DELF Junior for teenagers.
- The exams test listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Agasaro has signed an agreement with the French Institute of Rwanda to be an official centre for both DELF Prim and DELF Junior exams. In practice, your child can sit the exam in their own school, among familiar teachers and classmates.
The school’s partners reflect this commitment: Cambridge Assessment International Education, France Éducation international and the Embassy of France in Rwanda.
Reading and Writing Come First
Language learning depends on reading. Agasaro’s remedial (catch-up) programme helps learners read fluently, write well and improve across all subjects. It is guided by a simple principle: a child who reads will be an adult who thinks. For a bilingual child, strong reading skills in one language support learning in the other, so extra help early on can make a lasting difference.
Bilingual Learning Beyond the Classroom
Languages grow when children use them for real. At Agasaro, students can join:
- Debate and Creative Writing, where they practise expressing ideas clearly
- Journalism and Media, where they write and present
- Cultural activities, traditional and modern dance, which connect language to culture
- Competitions, interactive sessions and exchange programmes at national and international level, where they meet people beyond Kigali
Students also learn coding, robotics and AI from the early years, so they build modern skills while learning in two languages.
Is This Approach Right for Your Child?
Agasaro’s bilingual programme may suit your family if:
- you want your child to be confident in both English and French
- you value official French qualifications with lifelong validity
- you want a Cambridge pathway through to IGCSE, AS and A Level
- you prefer a gradual path in which French comes first in the early years and English leads from Grade 4
A good fit also means asking questions. On your visit, consider:
- How are French and English used in a typical day in my child’s class?
- How does the move to English-led teaching in Grade 4 work?
- How will my child’s French be assessed?
- What support is available if my child needs extra help?
Take the Next Step
The best way to see bilingual education at Agasaro is to visit. Walk through the classrooms, meet the teachers and ask every question you have.
- Enquire: Call +250 790 135 575 or +250 788 230 809, or email principal@agasarointernational.com.
- Visit: Book a school visit and see the learning environment first-hand.
- Check the fees: View all fee information on the School Fees page.
- Apply: Read the admissions process and complete the online application form.
New students from Nursery 2 upward sit a short entry test, and results are shared within 24 hours, together with feedback on your child’s strengths and areas to improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Agasaro International Academy a bilingual school?
Yes. It offers bilingual education in English and French, with French emphasised in Nursery and Grades 1 to 3 and English becoming the main language of instruction from Grade 4.
Which languages are taught?
English and French are central. Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili are also taught as subjects at secondary level.
What curriculum does the school follow?
The Cambridge International curriculum, with a pathway to IGCSE, AS and A Level.
What are DELF and DALF?
Official French-language diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education. They follow the CEFR levels and are valid for life.
Can my child take French exams at school?
Yes. Through an agreement with the French Institute of Rwanda, Agasaro is a centre for the DELF Prim and DELF Junior exams.
Does my child need to speak French before joining?
Admission for new students from Nursery 2 upward includes a short entry test based on the basic skills expected for their class. Speak to the admissions team about your child’s situation.
Where can I find the school fees?
On the School Fees page.
