I'm a French mom with a child in an American school. I like the school spirit, the shorter days, and the less rigid approach.

The author is French, but raising her 9-year-old in America. Courtesy of Virginie Romary My 9-year-old daughter is enrolled in an American public elementary school. The school system here differs significantly from the one in France. I like that it is less rigid, with many extracurricular activities and a strong sense of community. I moved from France to the US 10 years ago. My 9-year-old daughter was born in Florida, and when it was time to enroll her in school, I chose not to enroll her in a French school. I wanted her to experience the American education system to be part of the community. I like the school spirit here What I appreciate most about American schools is that they function as communities, whereas in France, they are primarily places for academic instruction. I admire how school spirit is actively promoted here.