Community Spotlight: Christine Zinkgraf

At French International, we are proud to have a vibrant community dedicated to shaping our school and enriching the lives of our students. Christine Zinkgraf and her family joined FI in 2021, and today her daughters, Mazie (3rd grade) and Ruth (1st grade), are thriving members of our community. Christine serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees and lends her expertise as an advisor on the campus transformation project. Read on to learn more about her love for FI!

Tell us about your family and how / why you came to French International

Five years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, our family faced the important decision of where to enroll our oldest daughter for pre-K. Our top priorities were safety, a strong and inclusive culture, and a high-quality curriculum. FI checked every box—and exceeded my expectations. Year after year, it’s been clear that we made the right choice. Now, with both of my daughters in the lower school, I see them thriving in an environment that fosters creativity, academic growth, kindness, and a deep sense of belonging.

What’s a tradition, big or small, that makes this community feel special to you? 

The gala is one of my favorite annual events at FI. It’s a fun opportunity to dress up, connect with the incredible parents and staff, and support the school in a meaningful way. What makes it truly special is how every student gets to participate through the grade-level art projects. Every year, these projects become more elaborate and imaginative—raising the bar and inspiring generous bids from attendees. It’s a win-win for everyone!

What’s something your child has said or done that made you think “I’m glad I chose FI” or “This school is right for us”?

My daughters often amaze me with the depth and maturity of their conversations—many of which are sparked by what they’ve learned at school. It’s not every day you hear a six-year-old seamlessly shift from discussing sustainability to emotional regulation to solving math problems—often in two languages!

How do you see your child growing, academically or as a person, in this environment

There is a clear and meaningful difference between my daughters’ academic growth and that of their peers at other schools. FI students benefit from an exceptional student-to-teacher ratio, and the educators who guide them each day are truly outstanding. This is reflected not only in how quickly they learn, but also in the way they engage with the world—with compassion, curiosity, and confidence.

What is your favorite way to give back to FI? 

Volunteering! Whether chaperoning field trips, coordinating a gala art project, cooking with kindergarteners, or serving on the board of directors, every opportunity to contribute has been deeply rewarding. The time, talent, and treasure I invest have brought lasting friendships and provided a front-row seat to the continued evolution of this vibrant community.

Why is it important to you to be involved on campus?

During the school year, my girls spend more time with their teachers and peers than they do with their own family. This community has become the village helping to raise our children. I’m deeply grateful for the care, kindness, and guidance they receive every day—and I feel a strong responsibility to give back in any way I can to support the village that so generously supports us.