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.

My daughter takes great pride in her school, and her favorite T-shirt features its colors.

She eagerly participates in spirit weeks, dress-up days, and various entertaining events like the color run that she never wants to miss.

I also value the morning rituals in the US, including the morning announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Such practices do not exist in France.

My daughter feels deeply engaged with her school .