International and private schools offering the National French Curriculum abroad can be referred to under a variety of names, such as “French schools” or “French lycées”. These private institutions follow the French national curriculum. In general, they benefit from financial support from France and offer more affordable tuition fees than other international schools. However, due to high demand, they can have long waiting lists. To optimize your chances of enrollment, we recommend that you contact several of the schools listed below.
Why choose the French National Curriculum?
Choosing the right school is a monumental decision for any parent, one that shapes the future of their children. French curriculum schools offer a unique approach to education that is recognized globally for its rigor and breadth. Here are some compelling reasons why opting for a French school could be the right choice for your child.
Academic Excellence
French schools are renowned for their high academic standards. The curriculum is carefully structured to ensure a comprehensive understanding of core subjects such as mathematics, science, and literature. The Baccalauréat, or Le Bac, as it is commonly referred to, is a testament to this rigorous educational approach. It prepares students not just for higher education but also for a challenging world, cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for intellectual rigor.
Bilingual Proficiency
One of the most compelling reasons to choose a French school is the bilingual education students receive. From an early age, students are immersed in both French and English, and sometimes even a third language. This not only enhances cognitive skills but also prepares students for a globalized world where multilingualism is an asset. The proficiency in languages that students gain is beneficial not only in academic and professional settings but also in personal development and cultural understanding.
Cultural Richness
French curriculum schools provide an environment rich in cultural heritage. Students are exposed to the vast world of French art, literature, history, and philosophy, which enriches their educational experience and broadens their worldviews. This cultural immersion goes beyond textbooks, encouraging students to engage with the arts and ideas in a way that fosters a lifelong appreciation and curiosity for learning and understanding diverse perspectives.
Global Recognition
The French educational system is globally recognized and respected. Degrees and qualifications from French institutions are highly regarded worldwide, which can be a significant advantage in a competitive global job market. This recognition opens doors for higher education opportunities at prestigious universities around the world and increases employability in various international sectors.
Social and Emotional Development
Beyond academics, French schools place a strong emphasis on the overall development of the child. The educational philosophy often includes a focus on social skills, ethics, and emotional intelligence. Activities and school life are designed to nurture respect, empathy, and a sense of community among students. These schools aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible and emotionally mature.
Extensive Network and Opportunities
Attending a French school can also mean becoming part of an extensive global network. Alumni associations and connections can provide significant support and opportunities throughout one’s educational and professional career. This network can be particularly valuable for those looking to work in international fields or organizations where French is a pivotal language.
In conclusion, French curriculum schools offer more than just an education; they provide a comprehensive learning environment that prepares students to thrive in various aspects of life. From academic rigor to cultural immersion and emotional intelligence, the benefits of attending a French school are vast and impactful.
How much do French Schools cost?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $10,000 | $30,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $835 | $2,500 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $1,500 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $500 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $2,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $12,235 | $35,500 |
Top rated French Schools in the World
Discover top International School, Private Schools . Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
Préfleuri International Alpine School 
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Vaud - Villars
- Co-Education
- 3 to 13 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 12,500 - 17,850 chf
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, French Curriculum
- Foundation:1948
- Community: 15 nationalities
- Language:English, French
- Bilingual learning in a Swiss Alpine setting
- Integrated skiing and outdoor education
- Nurturing creativity through arts programs
Annual tuition fees at Préfleuri International Alpine School range from 12,500 chf to 17,850 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Day School : From 12'500 to 17'850 chfBoarding School: From 60'000 to 70'000 chf
French International School of Hong Kong
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Hong Kong - Hong Kong Island
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 135,000 hkd
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, Cambridge Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1963
- Community: 2700 students • 45 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, DELF, French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual Immersion: French & English
- Direct Pathway to Global Universities
- Unique Blend of Asian & Western Culture
Annual tuition fees at French International School of Hong Kong start at 135,000 hkd.
International School of Los Angeles
-
Los Angeles - Burbank
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 19,995 - 24,900 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1978
- Community: 1032 students • 65 nationalities
- Examinations:French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Dual-language immersion English/French
- Emphasis on global citizenship
- Personalized learning approach
Annual tuition fees at International School of Los Angeles range from 19,995 usd to 24,900 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
International Bilingual School of Provence
-
Aix-en-Provence - Luynes
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 12,300 - 36,600 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1984
- Community: 950 students • 75 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingualism with French Immersion
- Rural Provençal Setting
- Individualized IB Diplomas
Annual tuition fees at International Bilingual School of Provence range from 12,300 eur to 36,600 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
École Jeannine Manuel London
-
England - London
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 19,590 gbp
- Curriculum:French Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2015
- Community: 500 students • 40 nationalities
- Examinations:French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual education, French & English.
- Emphasis on innovation and creativity.
- Strong global citizenship focus.
Annual tuition fees at École Jeannine Manuel London start at 19,590 gbp.
From £7,580 per term
Lycée Français International de Zurich
-
Zurich - Zurich City
- Co-Education
- 3 to 17 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 7,500 chf
- Curriculum:French Curriculum, German Curriculum, IB Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1956
- Community: 1360 students • 35 nationalities
- Examinations:French Baccalaureate, French National Brevet Diploma
- Language:Bilingual, French, German
- Bilingual program in French and English
- Globally recognized French curriculum
- Culturally diverse student body
Annual tuition fees at Lycée Français International de Zurich start at 7,500 chf.
Includes schooling from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. for primary pupils, and until 5 p.m. for secondary pupils
Institut International de Lancy
-
Geneva - Lancy
- Co-Education
- 3 to 19 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 16,870 - 29,790 chf
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1903
- Community: 1500 students • 96 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, French Baccalaureate, French National Brevet Diploma, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual learning, French/English
- Emphasis on sustainability education
- Rich mix of 68 nationalities
Annual tuition fees at Institut International de Lancy range from 16,870 chf to 29,790 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
from 16 870 to 29 790 CHF
École Jeannine Manuel Lille
-
Hauts-de-France - Lille
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 6,650 - 24,000 eur
- Curriculum:French Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1993
- Community: 980 students • 60 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual immersion from early age
- Renowned for cultural diversity
- STEM-oriented teaching approach
Annual tuition fees at École Jeannine Manuel Lille range from 6,650 eur to 24,000 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
CIPEC International School
-
Aix-en-Provence - Luynes
- Co-Education
- 2 to 10 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 10,990 - 12,490
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge Curriculum, French Curriculum
- Foundation:1984
- Community: 180 students • 37 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, DELF
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual English-French curriculum
- Global citizenry emphasis
- Personal growth through sport
Annual tuition fees at CIPEC International School range from 10,990 to 12,490 , depending on the student's grade level and program.
We do not charge admission or registration fees. Canteen, snacks, books, notebooks, school photos and T-shirts are all included in the price. Other options are available, e.g. morning childcare, tutoring,...
EIB de la Jonchere
-
Yvelines - Bougival
- Co-Education
- 2 to 14 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 12 - 15 eur
- Curriculum:French Curriculum
- Foundation:2017
- Community: 300 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, French National Brevet Diploma
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual curriculum from age 3.
- Emphasis on sports and arts.
- Vibrant eco-responsible campus.
Annual tuition fees at EIB de la Jonchere range from 12 eur to 15 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
In addition to tuition fees, there are registration and excellence fees. The school offers different lunch and transport options.
Hattemer Bilingue
-
Ile-de-France - Paris
- Co-Education
- 2 to 6 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 10 - 12 eur
- Curriculum:French Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1885
- Community: 300 students • 15 nationalities
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingualism from Kindergarten level
- Direct method teaching approach
- Cultural immersion through field trips
Annual tuition fees at Hattemer Bilingue range from 10 eur to 12 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
In addition to school fees, Hattemer Bilingue schools require a registration fee if you are enrolling for the first time.Both schools also offer lunch options as well as day care/evening...
EIB Grenelle
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Ile-de-France - Paris
- Co-Education
- 2 to 6 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 15,393 - 16,650 eur
- Curriculum:French Curriculum
- Foundation:2021
- Community: 150 students • 37 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual learning from Pre-K
- Rich blend of French and global cultures
- Innovative technology-based pedagogy
Annual tuition fees at EIB Grenelle range from 15,393 eur to 16,650 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
In addition to schools fees, we require registration fees as well as an excellence funds. The school also offers lunch options that are not included in the school fees.Discover Popular Destinations
Parent and Student Reviews
- This school is amazing!! They have excellent teachers who go above and beyond to help the students achieve the best grades possible. The relatively small number of students per class, makes it so that the teachers can easily help students individually during the class or even after through e-mails or meetings. Programs such as the IB are excellent in preparing seniors on their way to University. The school facilities themselves are top of the line enhancing the students learning abilities in the classroom. There is a wonderful atmosphere in the school, we can sense that the students are happy and enjoy learning. Overall this is a fantastic school!
- February, 2023As a teacher myself, I have a very discerning eye when it comes to evaluating an academic environment; LILA – Los Feliz is truly 5 star in every category. My son is happy and enthusiastic about his experience. The after school programs are also great – we do Tae Kwon Do, Art, and Chess. The teachers are so dedicated and skilled. We are not a French speaking family, but we are thrilled that our son is becoming a bilingual, compassionate, and independent member of the global community!
- February, 2023Our boys attended this school from 2012-2017, they ‘grew up’ so happily here. It’s a wonderful diverse environment for learning and community. Although we speak limited French at home they emerged as bilingual; more importantly as boys who are open, accepting, worldly wise and curious. This school and the learning experience it offers will stay with you forever.
- February, 2023Our kids have been attending for 7 years now. While no place is perfect, we’ve found the school to be an amazing and beautifully cultivating educational experience for our kids. It’s not easy to get in and we consider ourselves very lucky. The community there is fantastic and we’re finding parents we absolutely adore. I highly recommend you visit the school and see for yourself. We love it there and couldn’t recommend it more highly!
- February, 2023Thank you so much for everything ! My son is so happy to be at IBS and he likes school for the first time in his life!!
- February, 2023I just want to say thank you to you and the school for all the greatness you have given us. For Jess, the school has enriched his life – he loves school, he loves being there and the teachers have only positive wonderful things to say! His progress is unbelievable!
- February, 2023So many thoughts for your from sunny California, UCLA, where I am now a student. My dream come true and somewhere I know it is thanks to you and IBS. I will always cherish all my souvenirs from IBS and remember you as the best teachers ALWAYS!
- February, 2023Thank you IBS for giving my son a wonderful experience during our short stay in France! He was understandably nervous starting a new school with the certaintly looming of lessons in a foreign language that he didn’t speak. During his term with you he learnt enough French to take his exams in the UK a year early and the confidence to say that he didn’t want to speak only two languages. We can’t thank you enough for that. He made some good and lasting friends at the school…his comment in the first few days was that he’d forgotten that one could be somewhere where everyone was nice. It doesn’t say much for his school in the UK but it’s a great compliment to you – teaching staff and pupils alike.”
- February, 2023IBS is a wonderful opportunity for our children to make friends with kids from all over the world…the school has a beautiful campus in a brilliant environment. The staff are friendly and are excellent in their level of teaching…
- February, 2023During these complicated times, the school has been our anchor, and we are truly grateful. The seamless switch to online learning during lockdown was both efficient and impressive.
- February, 2023Heaven for a child who wants to be encouraged to think and discuss and experiment rather than regurgitate facts.
- February, 2023Thank you to the teachers and the team at EJM that are doing a great job for the children ! My two kids are so happy and it really comforts us in our choice.
Summary
French curriculum schools stand out for their rigorous academics, bilingual education, and cultural richness. These institutions prepare students for global opportunities with a respected degree and a holistic approach to development that includes emotional and social growth. Choosing a French school opens doors to a vast network of global connections and a culturally enriched life.