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Show de Fin d'Année 2026 !
(costumes par @BertinYabre)
Team
Administration
Virgil de Voldère - Founder & Director
Bolesław Poniatowski - Director of Operations
contact: info@lpeny.com
(646) 504-9694
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Virgil de Voldère
Founder & Director
Virgil is the co-founder of the Virgil de Voldère Gallery a private contemporary art gallery. From 2005 to 2012 the VDV Gallery was a primary market gallery located in Chelsea representing a group of young and mid-career artists working across various media. These artists have gone on to achieve international recognition and exhibit their works in institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris and at the Venice Biennale.
In September 2008, Virgil launched a French dual-language program at P.S. 84, a public school on 92nd Street and Central Park West, with the help of the NYC Department of Education, the French Embassy, EFNY (Education Française New York), and a team of active parents. P.S. 84 currently offers classes in K-5th grades and a French after school program for children and adults, providing over 300 families with French dual-language education.
From 2009 to 2011, Virgil has held a seat on the Upper West Side Community Education Council (CEC3, former School Board) and concentrates on promoting second language education in public elementary and middle schools. Since 2013 Virgil is now on the board of EFNY (Education Francaise New York) to help promote the creation of new French Dual Language Program in NY City public school.
Virgil de Voldère has a BA in Art History and Intellectual History from the Gallatin School, New York University. Born in Paris, Virgil moved to New York in 1998 and lives on the Upper West Side with his family.
Virgil was awarded the Palmes Académiques by the French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and the Minister of French National Education Vincent Peillon for his contribution to French Education in 2014.
Bolesław Poniatowski
Director of Operations
Born in Saint‑Germain‑en‑Laye, Bolesław (Bolek) began his professional journey teaching Biology and Geology in Paris after completing a Master’s in Human Physiology. Certified by the French Ministry of Education in 2003, he taught in the Paris suburbs before moving to New York, where he joined Lyceum Kennedy in 2006.
Over 12 years at Lyceum Kennedy, Bolek became a familiar and trusted presence in the community. He taught multiple science subjects, served as Interim Head of School, Dean of Students, and Dean of Upper School, and played a central role in launching the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from St. John’s University.
In 2018, Bolek joined The École, where he strengthened administrative operations and helped shape major initiatives such as the Pre‑Nursery program, the medical and nursing services, developed bus transportation options, and the development of the Middle School. He is also known for organizing beloved school events—from large back‑to‑school picnics to joyful dances and community gatherings.
Since August 2023, Bolek has served as Director of Operations at La Petite École, bringing his trademark enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, and deep experience to the school’s growing community. Beyond school life, he volunteers with Muddy Paws Rescue, inspired by his passion for dogs.
Teachers - Assistant Teachers
Upper West Side
Aminata Cissé - Lead Teacher
Maya Yanowitch - Co Teacher
Ami
Maya
Greenwich Village
Elizabeth Bruce - Assistant teacher
Fatou Ndeye - Co Teacher
Jimena Faerber- Assistant teacher
Joëlle Ourigou - Co Teacher
Nolwenn Burban - Co Teacher
Selena Rook - Co Teacher
Elizabeth
Fatou
Jimena
Joëlle
Nolwenn
Selena
Musiciens in Residence
Josephine Ancelle - Musician in Residence
Joséphine Ancelle grew up in Paris in a family of actors and musicians. She took her passion for singing to New York at the age of 18, where she developed her career by regularly performing at many of New York’s renowned venues, such as The Bitter End or The Living Room. She has been invited to play numerous times for French Institute Alliance Française’ (FIAF) events, as well as other French festivals. Between 2007 and 2011, Joséphine released one full length album, two EPs, and two singles of her Franco-American compositions, with her song Les “Je T’Aime” receiving radio airplay in France and Germany.
Shortly after joining the team of visiting artists at La Petite École in 2012, Joséphine began writing songs for the preschool, which focus on accompanying the children in their daily routine. She loves knowing that her songs are helping young children learn about the world around them!
In addition to pursuing her career in music, Joséphine completed her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2016, having found a new passion for this field that combines science, compassion, and creativity. Joséphine also became the mother of twin girls in 2016; her daughters inspired her to start teaching music classes for toddlers in French…
Retrouvez les musiques de Joséphine et Rémy sur leur chaîne Youtube!
Rémy de Laroque - Musician in Residence
Rémy de Laroque is our guitarist, song-writer and singer who teaches music to our children in both campuses.
Joséphine & Rémy
Nicolas
Nicolas Duchamp is an internationally acclaimed performer and respected teacher, in the tradition of the Paris Conservatory French school of flute playing, of which Philippe Gaubert was among the most famous. Born in Bordeaux France, he received directly the tradition of the French flute playing from his teachers in his native city.
Nicolas has served for many years as principal flutist for the National Opera Comique in Paris and toured extensively in his native France as well as Europe, Japan, China, Vietnam and North America.
Lunch Designers & Naps Assistants
Upper West Side
Greenwich Village
Djoukou Diane Christelle Djedje
Khadidja Toure
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