HS French Students Travel to France
by Richard Espenant, high school French teacher
Spring break was an opportunity for one group of students to broaden their understanding of French language and culture with a visit to a historic school near Paris.
Spring break was an opportunity for one group of students to broaden their understanding of French language and culture with a visit to a historic school near Paris.
This spring break, eighteen USN students (Zoe Bauer, Elise Blackburn, Lauren Carrero, Emily Davis, Sam Fisher, Chandler Floyd, Josh Huang, Arden Igleheart, Kiana Jansen, Maggie Milam, Mckenzie Myers, Kellon Patey, George Plummer, Rebecca Sosman, JC Swope, Rachel Weaver, Lilly Woo, Josephine Zenker) and two faculty members (Robin Lynn Clinard and Richard Espénant) traveled to the Maison d’Education de la Légion d’Honneur (MELH), our partner school located in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris. They arrived early on Thursday, March 12, and stayed at the school for a week.
Over the course of their stay, the group was able to visit many landmarks throughout the city including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Orsay museums, the Sacré-Coeur basilica, and Notre Dame. For the weekend, the students were able to more closely experience the French culture through staying with girls from the school.
While some stayed in Paris, others went as far south as Versailles or as far north as Lille. From watching French movies to participating in the preparation of meals, the students experienced France as citizens rather than tourists. On the last night of the trip, the MELH students organized a goodbye party to give a proper send-off to their American cohorts. There was everything from macaroons to chocolate pastries, and students were able to enjoy their last night in France.
We would like to thank the USN faculty members for making arrangements with students missing a few days of classes, Dr. Durnan and Mr. Robins for being very supportive of this partnership, the MELH Surintendante—Madame Lorente—as well as MELH students and teachers Catherine Baudry, Cécile Bertrand, Grégoire Badufle, et Corinne Le Mage for making this trip possible and unforgettable.
Over the course of their stay, the group was able to visit many landmarks throughout the city including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Orsay museums, the Sacré-Coeur basilica, and Notre Dame. For the weekend, the students were able to more closely experience the French culture through staying with girls from the school.
While some stayed in Paris, others went as far south as Versailles or as far north as Lille. From watching French movies to participating in the preparation of meals, the students experienced France as citizens rather than tourists. On the last night of the trip, the MELH students organized a goodbye party to give a proper send-off to their American cohorts. There was everything from macaroons to chocolate pastries, and students were able to enjoy their last night in France.
We would like to thank the USN faculty members for making arrangements with students missing a few days of classes, Dr. Durnan and Mr. Robins for being very supportive of this partnership, the MELH Surintendante—Madame Lorente—as well as MELH students and teachers Catherine Baudry, Cécile Bertrand, Grégoire Badufle, et Corinne Le Mage for making this trip possible and unforgettable.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Lower School welcomes new faculty for 2026-2027
Please join us in welcoming to USN: LS Spanish Teacher Connor Mitchell, LS Music Teacher Marisa Frank, LS Learning Support Specialist MacKenzie Grant, Fourth Grade Teacher Alexis Novotny, Second Grade Teachers Cara Bishop and Lindsay Moates, First Grade Teachers Marisa Depke and Molly Roth '10, and Kindergarten Teacher Ellen Haber '00. Also, Naturalist Carrie Riley transitions to LS from the HS Science Department.Read More -
Middle School welcomes learning specialist
Learning Specialist Rachel Harley has over a decade in middle school education. Her office is located in room 1171 on the first floor of the Gordon Wing, in the former Middle School conference room.Read More
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Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.