Students in the French program earned exceptional results on this year’s National French Exam, marking the school’s return to Le Grand Concours after many years. The nationally administered assessment evaluates students’ proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension, reading, and cultural understanding across multiple levels of study.

The French curriculum emphasizes steady growth in communication, comprehension, and cultural fluency. Beginning with foundational listening and conversational skills in French I, students progress through increasingly advanced study conducted largely in French, engaging literature, film, composition, and discussion while developing a deeper understanding of the French-speaking world.

Under the instruction of Monsieur Patrick A. Benoit, more than 60% of the students in French I through French III who participated in the exam earned national recognition. Honors included seven students receiving honorable mention, three earning bronze medals, nine receiving silver medals, and six earning gold medals.

An exceptional congratulations is extended to pre-freshman James Irwin who earned Platinum distinction in Le Grand Concours, an honor awarded to the top-ranked student nationwide in his level and division. Platinum recognition represents a perfect or near-perfect score and stands among the highest distinctions possible on the National French Exam.

These accomplishments reflect the dedication of students and the strength of a French program that encourages not only linguistic proficiency, but also thoughtful engagement with culture, literature, history, and global perspectives.

In addition to teaching courses from French I through French V Honors and AP French, Monsieur Benoit serves as moderator of the French Club and the Société Honoraire de Français, fostering continued appreciation for French language and culture both inside and outside the classroom.