About Governor French Academy in Belleville, IL

Governor French Academy in Belleville, IL operates toward a simple goal and under a simple premise. The goal is the preparation of every student for college or college-level education. The premise is that such an education is best achieved by diagnosing what each student needs to achieve the goal and then adjusting that education as much as possible to the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. It is recognized that there are limits to such individualization, but without it, little of importance can be achieved among the highly individualized people that are American students.

Our Mission and Philosophy

Governor French Academy is a diverse, private, non-profit, college-preparatory school designed for students in PreK through 12th Grade. We’ve served the same mission and philosophy from downtown Belleville, IL since 1983 — To find out who our students are, and to help them do it on purpose. We prepare each student for an expeditious, college journey, and help them develop professional ambition for successful careers ahead. We achieve our goals by evaluating each student’s strengths and weaknesses, and customizing our curriculum to meet their needs and aims. For over 40 years, through our uniquely structured program, our students have discovered their ability and passion for mastering skills both academically and socially.

Faculty and Staff

Celebrating the GFA community

Founder’s Day brings generations of the school together for student presentations, alumni memories, performances, shared meals, and a look back at the Academy’s history under founder and first Headmaster Phillip Paeltz.

Public meetings

The College of Governor French meets at noon on the first Wednesday of each month. Published meetings appear on the school’s public calendar.

• Scholastic Book Fair — Held in the OCJ Building from September 21, 2026, through September 28, 2026.

Recent meetings

PTSO general meeting minutes and records are published following approval at each subsequent meeting. Families are welcome to review past meeting notes or attend upcoming sessions.