Jean-Yves Vesseau, Head of School at The École

Meet Jean-Yves Vesseau, Head of School at The École, the independent, French-American bilingual school located at 206 Fifth Avenue and 115 East 22nd Street in Flatiron & NoMad.

1. Share with us what is unique about The École and the importance of bilingual education.

At The École, our students grow within an ambitious French-American bilingual curriculum that allows them to learn, think, and express themselves in two languages, through two cultures. That in itself is a remarkable journey, but what makes our school truly unique is the way we meet each child where they are and encourage them to raise the bar and go further—always with the support they need to flourish.

Our motto is WE CARE, and what sets us apart is our conviction that real learning can only happen when children feel happy, safe, and valued. When those conditions are in place, children not only achieve academically—they thrive as individuals.

2. Describe your role at The École. What aspect of the job excites you the most?

As head of school, I oversee everything connected to teaching and learning—from recruiting passionate educators to fostering a school culture where students are in the ideal conditions to grow and succeed. I especially enjoy building strong, collaborative teams. My role also involves bringing together teachers, staff, and families so that we all move in the same direction, driven by the same care for our students.

What excites me most is the daily life of the school—the conversations at drop-off, the energy in the classrooms, the joy during recess on the open street and neighborhood playgrounds. And of course, nothing compares to the pride I feel watching our 8th graders cross the stage at graduation—confident, bilingual, and ready to take on the world.

3. What can teachers and students at The École look forward to during this upcoming school year?

This year will be a particularly special one for our community: we are moving into a brand-new Elementary & Middle School building, just two doors down from our old home on East 22nd Street. The move means larger classrooms, filled with natural light, a new gym, and thoughtful design that supports innovative teaching. I’m really looking forward to the laughter, ideas, and friendships that will soon fill those spaces.

This move is a strong signal of our long-term commitment to the Flatiron & NoMad neighborhood – a community we are so proud to be part of. Together with our Maternelle building on Fifth Avenue, this new building reflects the exceptional teaching and learning I am privileged to witness every day at The École—and it will give our students and teachers even more room to dream, to collaborate, and to create.

4. Prior to joining The École, you had taught at several schools around the world, including in Montpellier, Rome, Warsaw, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Taipei. What brought you to New York City? What inspired you to choose a career in education?

After seven wonderful years in Taiwan, where I developed a French high school, it felt like the right moment for a new challenge. The École was recruiting a new head of school, and the project was incredibly inspiring: first, reopening the school in 2020 after COVID, and then the opportunity to help it grow into one of the most recognized bilingual schools in New York City.

As for what led me into education, it began with teachers who left a profound mark on my own life. Their passion, their belief in me, and the joy they found in teaching opened my eyes to what education can do. It is thanks to them that I chose this path, and why I remain so committed to helping students discover not only their potential, but also the confidence to use it.

5. For those aspiring to work in education, what professional advice can you share?

Stay curious, never stop learning, and remember that teaching is not only about transmitting knowledge—it’s about sparking inspiring, listening, and adapting to every child. The best educators are those who bring both expertise and humanity into the classroom.

6. When you’re taking a break from The École, how do you like to spend your time in Flatiron & NoMad?

I love listening to jazz in Madison Square Park, enjoying a coffee on the public chairs along Broadway, and discovering the neighborhood’s incredible dining scene. Two of my favorite Flatiron & NoMad spots are Mama Mezze and Vin Sur Vingt.

7. Finally, choose three words to describe Flatiron & NoMad.

Vibrant, diverse, bustling.

Header & Thumbnail Photo Credit: The École