In the world. Of the world. For the world. AN AUTHENTIC IMMERSIVE BILINGUAL EXPERIENCE
FOUNDED IN 1935, the LycÊe Français de New York was the vision of Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle, who was French Consul General in New York. With courage and foresight in the midst of the most severe economic and political crises, he created a storied institution that would educate students from the shared democratic values of France and the United States. To be independent, to be forward thinking, to pursue excellence and to embrace the diversity of cultures that make up the city of New York have been fundamental to the school since its beginning.
Internationally recognized rigor. Culturally vibrant community. A universally integrated experience. LycÊe Français de New York offers students from Nursery through twelfth grade an authentic French education imbued with an American spirit of creativity, optimism and ingenuity. Classic yet innovative, fluid yet foundational, our bilingual bicultural curriculum opens students to new dimensions and ways of thinking—inspiring them to become Citizens of Culture and Courage prepared to lead in the 21st century.
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INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED RIGOR The Lycée’s engaging cross-disciplinary program nurtures curiosity while challenging students to grow into independent thinkers, innovators and leaders. Studies at the Lycée culminate in an internationally recognized French Baccalaureate diploma, widely regarded as one of the highest measures of a student’s depth and breadth of knowledge, critical thinking ability and overall academic achievement.
100%
TYPICAL PASS RATE FOR THE FRENCH BACCALAUREATE EXAMS, WITH OVER 75% EARNING HONORS
COLLEGE DESTINATION LOCATIONS IN ANY GIVEN YEAR
> 50% IN THE U.S. ≈ 25% IN CANADA ≈ 25% IN FRANCE, THE
UNITED KINGDOM, OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND JOINT INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AS FAR AFIELD AS AUSTRALIA AND CHINA
4 COLLEGE COUNSELORS WITH EXPERTISE IN THE U.S., CANADA, FRANCE, THE U.K. AND INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
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In the world New York City’s abundant resources and dynamic culture complement students’ intellectual inquiry and exploration, whether they’re examining the work of Degas up close at the MET, running the 100-m dash at Ichan Stadium, appreciating Chinatown’s unique flavor or studying the effects of climate change at Columbia’s Earth Institute.
Of the world Widely regarded as a leader among the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) schools and partners, the Lycée adheres to the same rigorous requirements of the French Ministry of Education as 494 French schools in 135 countries beyond France and its territories, connecting our students to a truly global educational network.
For the world From Algeria to Switzerland, Haiti to Niger, the French language unites our students with more than 284 million people around the world who speak French as their first or second language, providing students with the insight and confidence to find their own way in the greater world— and to shape it for the better.
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A French education, American made Following the curriculum of the French Ministry of Education, the Lycée blends the intellectual rigor and breadth of an authentic French education with a genuine American spirit of creativity, optimism and ingenuity—establishing a learning experience uniquely our own. Students’ studies culminate in the French Baccalaureate, including the choice to pursue one of three options: the traditional French Baccalaureate, the International Option of the French Baccalaureate (OIB) or the French-American Baccalaureate (BFA). Both the French and American educational authorities recognize the Lycée’s excellence: the school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education, the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the Association of French Schools Abroad (AEFE).
High-achieving curriculum, noble purpose Through creative exploration, project-based discovery and experiential learning, Lycée students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish amidst the complexities of modern society. Our program progresses purposefully from Nursery through twelfth grade, guiding students from concrete observation to abstract reasoning. As students move into Secondary School in the sixth grade, they assume increasing responsibility for determining their course of study, enjoy extraordinary choice in academic concentrations and electives, and begin preparations for the French Baccalaureate exams in eleventh and twelfth grade. While investigation, experimentation and lively debate nurture independent thinkers who are able to analyze, evaluate, question and form a persuasive argument, an intentional focus on service, culture and the arts paves the way for intellectual depth, creative evolution and character development in the tradition of the French Culture Générale.
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A bilingual progression unique in New York Guided by one native French-speaking and one native English-speaking teacher, children in our Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms are immersed equally in French and English, allowing them to develop total fluency in both languages by first grade, regardless of the language spoken at home. The portion of the students’ day spent in French increases to 80% in first through fifth grade, a strength and unique aspect of our bilingual program. The purpose of this is to solidify students’ French language skills amidst the predominantly English-speaking environment of New York City. Sixth through twelfth graders will spend anywhere from 50%-70% of their class time in French depending on their interests and course of study.
Go anywhere, go everywhere From UCLA to the Écoles préparatoires and Sciences Po, the London School of Economics to Yale and Middlebury, the Lycée’s graduates matriculate into outstanding postsecondary programs around the world. The rigorous preparation for the French Baccalaureate not only qualifies our students for admission to French universities, it also equips them with the tools to excel at top institutions in the U.S., Canada and beyond. In fact, American colleges consider the final year of the French curriculum to be equivalent to postsecondary study, and many award first-year credits for regular twelfth-grade coursework at the Lycée. In addition, the Lycée offers a number of American AP courses as well as preparation for the SAT and ACT. Our exceptional college counseling team serves as the gateway to life beyond the Lycée. Our college counselors regularly travel to institutions all over the globe to meet with admissions officers and to explore the extraordinary range of choices our students have for college. Our counseling team provides students with invaluable, one-to-one support and insight as they help them identify interests, define goals and navigate the application process.
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55 NATIONALITIES REPRESENTED AMONG THE LYCÉE’S STUDENT BODY
155 FULL-TIME NATIVE FRENCH-SPEAKING AND ENGLISH-SPEAKING TEACHERS
80 TEACHERS
RECRUITED FROM THE FRENCH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
25 TEACHERS WITH PHDS
OR AGGRÉGATION (THE FRENCH EQUIVALENT TO A PHD FOR EDUCATORS)
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CULTURALLY VIBRANT COMMUNITY The LycĂŠe is a close-knit, pluricultural community of multifaceted diversity. By embracing both our commonality and our individuality, we create a supportive environment where cultural identity thrives, intellectual inquiry grows and a mutual exchange of ideas transcends the boundaries of the classroom.
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Biculturalism—a limitless experience As students achieve native-level fluency in both French and English, they develop extraordinary adaptability, empathy, intuition and an exceptional openness to new ideas. In fact, research has shown that people who are bilingual have more agile brains, solve problems more creatively and communicate with greater understanding. Lycée students become more than just bilingual; they become truly bicultural. Through an authentic, immersive experience, students absorb the substance of both the French and the American cultures and acquire a sense of confidence and curiosity as they move fluidly from one environment or way of thinking to another.
Innovative teachers, nurturing guides At the Lycée, devoted faculty members are leaders in their fields of expertise and native speakers of their languages of instruction. Caring and committed to their students’ personal and academic growth, faculty members work collaboratively across grades and subject areas to develop programs and teaching approaches that deeply engage our students in academic and extra-curricular life at the school at every level. The Lycée’s heavy emphasis on professional development and innovation attracts top talent from both the French Ministry of Education and New York City’s best independent schools. In Secondary, faculty members maintain office hours in a fashion similar to that of college professors, leaving the door open for ongoing dialogue and mentorship.
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A pluricultural community The students and families who comprise the Lycée’s eclectic and vibrant community represent over 60 nationalities, speak more than 30 languages and come from every walk of life—further enriching the diversity of viewpoints and modes of cultural expression on our campus. Here, the cliché “home away from home” takes on new meaning as our international community readily welcomes not just students, but entire families, forming strong bonds through their shared Lycée experience and global outlook. Festivals, events and gatherings create a spirit of connectedness and warmth within our community, which serves as a veritable extended family for many. School volunteer opportunities for our families abound, while our parent organization offers daytime workshops and evening programs on topics of interest to families. Our dedicated Cultural Center serves as a community gathering place, offering evening panels, films and musical events focused primarily on French and Francophone cultures for both the school community and the general public.
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World and ancient languages Neither French nor English would qualify for the traditional notion of “foreign” language study at the Lycée, where both serve as native languages of learning. That’s why all Lycée students explore Mandarin in third through fifth grade, giving them an eastern language and culture to complement their western language experience. In sixth grade, students select the world language and culture they’ll study through twelfth grade, choosing either to continue in Mandarin, or to study Spanish, Italian or German. Language and cultural exchange programs with schools in such countries as Argentina, China and Germany provide real-world context for language learning. We also offer Latin and ancient Greek electives to broaden students’ understanding of essential texts in world literature and philosophy.
Active citizenship and service To develop citizenship and persons of character, the Lycée’s curriculum encourages students to look beyond their own lives and acquire a compassionate awareness of the circumstances and challenges facing others. From the earliest years, classroom activities may revolve around issues of global concern such as climate change, human rights and health. Service and community involvement are central to life at the Lycée, where both institutional commitments and student programs address causes of importance within our community at the local, national and international level. Beyond a wide array of community service projects and activities, the Lycée maintains a robust service-learning program integrated into the curriculum under the guidance of a dedicated faculty member. From our close work with an area dual-language charter school in New York City and the Lycée Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable for under-served children in Haiti, to efforts benefitting orphans in Vietnam, WWII veterans here at home, and senior citizens on the Upper East Side, service at the Lycée opens students’ eyes to the needs around us and develops their sense of responsibility and leadership.
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In the world In Parcours, semester-long cross-disciplinary classes in areas ranging from science and health to architecture and design, middle school students work in teams to complete a final project—developing the creativity, independence and collaborative spirit essential for flourishing as 21st century citizens.
Of the world At the Lycée, students learn alongside teachers fully immersed and fluent in their content areas. Over five years, we’ve awarded more than 50 grants to encourage faculty research and professional development. From our Italian teacher’s widely cited investigation into the effectiveness of iPads as language-learning tools to a team of Primary teachers’ research to advance biliteracy in our students, faculty grants help our teachers enhance teaching and learning across the school.
For the world All ninth graders engage in a special social entrepreneurship unit with implications far beyond the classroom. Over the course of a semester, students identify a local issue linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and devise a viable social enterprise focused on solving the problem. The course culminates in a weekend event and pitch, with coaching from area entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
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A UNIVERSALLY INTEGRATED EXPERIENCE Everything at the LycÊe is viewed through multiple dimensions—most importantly, our students themselves and their personal growth. From friendships to free time, the arts to athletic competition, every aspect of the human experience is embraced, and every individual is included.
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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS, INCLUDING ART, THEATER, MUSIC, DESIGN, CODING, ROBOTICS, DEBATE, JOURNALISM AND MORE ARE OFFERED ACROSS THE SCHOOL
43
COMPETITIVE SPORTS TEAMS
150
ARTIST AND AUTHOR VISITS ANNUALLY
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Space to create and innovate Our state-of-the-art LEED-certified building creates an environment conducive to collaborative learning and an open exchange of ideas. Thoughtfully designed to support educational innovations, our facilities offer enhanced STEAM resources, including a maker space, media lab and technology-enriched learning tools; a 354-seat professional-grade performance space; two large art studios, two music studios, flexible classrooms; two full-sized gymnasiums, one equipped with a climbing wall; and a rooftop playground. Our building’s two towers, joined by shared spaces on the main floor, house Primary and Secondary respectively—offering distinct, yet connected, learning environments tailored to students’ developmental needs.
Culture and the arts—connecting to our shared humanity Lycée students become fully immersed in an aspect of culture that transcends national boundaries—the collective need to explore the human condition and express ourselves through art. Music, visual art, drama and other forms of artistic expression are not only fully integrated into the regular academic curriculum, but they are also available for further exploration through after-school clubs and activities ranging from theater productions in French or in English to the culinary arts and dance. At the heart of our arts program and fully integrated into the academic curriculum, the Lycée Cultural Center works in partnership with our teaching team to provide Lycée students with a wealth of resources. Most notably, the Cultural Center’s Artist-in-Residence program brings renowned working artists to our campus three times a year to engage an entire grade in a creative endeavor—from circus arts to music, writing to illustration—over the course of a week.
In the world From the one-to-one iPad program to the well-equipped makerspace and media lab, the carefully balanced use of technology at the Lycée both enhances students’ learning and gives them the skills to thrive in a world that’s increasingly technology-dependent. Our primary digital learning program introduces students to the standards of the virtual world—from the role of networks to digital citizenship—while empowering them to create and innovate.
Of the world Whether they’re fashioning olfactory art alongside a perfumer through our Artist-in-Residence program or exploring the intricacies of our genes with scientists at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center, frequent contact with active professionals in diverse fields exposes students to a broad array of career paths.
For the world By developing a sense of responsibility and service to others, the Lycée’s students grow into active, engaged citizens of planet Earth. Fifth-grade delegates plant and harvest a sustainable garden each spring with vegetables served in our cafeteria. Secondary students on our Environmental Task Force spearheaded a project that brought composting to the forefront of the Lycée’s environmental initiatives.
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Pioneers in social and emotional learning (SEL) Building on the empathy naturally developed in our bicultural program, we proactively nurture our students’ understanding of themselves and one another through specific SEL initiatives. This not only advances our mission to develop citizens of moral substance and character who appreciate a diversity of perspectives, it also prepares our students to flourish in their academic and professional lives. In Primary, the LycÊe has partnered with Yale University’s Center for Emotional Intelligence to pioneer the RULER approach, which teaches students to identify and speak the language of emotions. In Secondary, our robust advisory program helps students build positive decisionmaking skills, adapt in times of transition and take ownership of their health. Students meet with a dedicated faculty advisor for weekly group sessions and daily one-on-one check-ins.
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Courage on the courts From track to gymnastics, baseball to squash, our 43 after-school competitive athletic teams offer sixth grade, junior varsity and varsity levels of play across most sports. A full two-thirds of our Secondary students proudly don the Lycée’s colors to compete against top New York City independent schools. Our coaches, many of whom are former professional athletes, work with our students to develop athletic excellence, including skills, strategy, leadership, perseverance and teamwork. FALL:
SOCCER, RUGBY, GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, CROSS COUNTRY
WINTER: BASKETBALL, SWIMMING, GYMNASTICS, INDOOR TRACK, SQUASH SPRING: TENNIS, RUGBY, TRACK AND FIELD, GYMNASTICS, BOYS VOLLEYBALL, BASEBALL
Nurturing talents, passions and interests Students at all grade levels are encouraged to take on new challenges, broaden their interests and nurture their talents through any of our 85 after-school clubs and programs. Whether students are drawn to our award-winning robotics clubs, our bilingual student newspaper, coding, digital art, Model U.N. or Harvard Model Congress, they have myriad opportunities to develop their linguistic, musical, theatrical, artistic and technological acumen in an atmosphere of fun, creativity and invention. The Lycée also offers an extended after-school childcare and study support program in French and in English for students in Nursery to fifth grade.
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CITIZENS OF CULTURE AND COURAGE Culturally adept and rigorously prepared, graduates of the LycÊe are curious, ethical and committed participants in the world around them, characterized by a will to excel, the capacity to adapt and a drive to shape the collective good. They inspire evolution when standing still is more comfortable, retain their individuality under the pressure to conform, speak out when silence is safer and consider the world theirs to change for the better. True Citizens of Culture and Courage, they demand much of themselves—in every milieu.
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In the World, of the World, for the World Forensic psychiatrist, reporter and foreign correspondent, global business leader, art director, flamenco dancer, surgeon, documentary filmmaker, digital social entrepreneur, human rights advocate, photographer‌ wherever they go or whatever they do, LycÊe graduates make themselves at home in the world—and a force for positive change.
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WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE The Lycée maintains a commitment to diversity in all its forms—including socioeconomic. Our purposefully moderate tuition rates, financial
Financial aid
aid resources and effective parent-
Lycée financial assistance is available to students of all nationalities. In 2019-2020 we awarded over $4.3 million in financial aid to 15% of our students with the help of generous donors and our endowment. That’s double the amount of aid distributed just five years ago, and the numbers continue to rise. In addition, financial aid from the French Government is available for French applicants.
to-parent support system seek to open the door to a Lycée experience for a wide cross-section of New York City’s vibrant communities and families outside the U.S.
Language fluency requirements
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact
Non-French-speaking parents often find that their child’s life, as well as their own, is enriched by their child’s acquisition of French language and culture. Knowledge of the French language is not required for Nursery or for Pre-K, but is highly recommended for Kindergarten. In recent years, a little over 25% of our youngest students have entered the Lycée with little to no knowledge of French. Starting with first grade, all students must be fluent in the French language to enroll. We also offer after-school study support conducted in French, which is particularly useful for non-French-speaking families.
ADMISSIONS OFFICE Lycée Français de New York 505 East 75th Street New York, NY 10021 T: 212.439.3827, 212.439.4215 admissions@lfny.org www.lfny.org
There is no English requirement to enroll at the Lycée. Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten students are integrated into the regular classroom, where they quickly develop fluency in English. Beginning in first grade, English classes for newly arrived French-speaking students are offered through an English Language Learning (ELL) program, which helps them develop the reading, writing and speaking skills they need for regular English classes.
Explore the Lycée
COMMITTED TO BILINGUAL FRENCH AND AMERICAN EDUCATION OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD, OUR MISSION IS TO PREPARE STUDENTS OF MANY ORIGINS TO BE THINKERS, INNOVATORS AND LEADERS, AT HOME IN THE WORLD. WE INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE EACH STUDENT TO EXCEL AND SEEK ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL CHALLENGE, TO DISCOVER INTERESTS AND FULFILL TALENTS, TO EMBRACE DIVERSITY AND BUILD COMMUNITY, TO UPHOLD INTEGRITY AND CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE NEW YORK IS A BILINGUAL, INTERNATIONAL CO-EDUCATIONAL PRIVATE SCHOOL CHALLENGING STUDENTS FROM MANY BACKGROUNDS IN NURSERY THROUGH GRADE TWELVE TO BECOME THINKERS, LEADERS, AND INNOVATORS, AT HOME IN THE WORLD. THE LYCÉE OFFERS AN AUTHENTIC FRENCH CURRICULUM IN A TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED ENVIRONMENT IMBUED WITH AN AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF INGENUITY, COLLABORATION AND CREATIVITY. STUDIES CULMINATE IN AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FRENCH BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA, WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE HIGHEST MEASURES OF INTELLECTUAL ACHIEVEMENT. THE LYCÉE’S GRADUATES THRIVE IN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE WORLD AND ENDEAVOR TO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF OTHERS.