ICS Côte d'Azur vs The International School of Monaco
ICS Côte d'Azur and The International School of Monaco are both in Cote D Azur, about 35 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. ICS Côte d'Azur also offers French and British, and The International School of Monaco also offers IBCP and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are €12,480 - 16,692 at ICS Côte d'Azur and €9,300 - 34,400 at The International School of Monaco, which puts The International School of Monaco roughly 50% higher. ICS Côte d'Azur takes pupils from 2 to 11, and The International School of Monaco from 3 to 18.
245 Route des Lucioles, 06560 Valbonne, France. Valbonne is a town on the Côte d'Azur.
Location
Testimonio II, 43 Avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco 98000
Stages
Stages
Early Years and Primary School. Early Years follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in French and English for children aged 3 to 5; Primary School integrates the national curricula for France and England in grades 1–6.
Stages
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School type
School type
Co-educational day school.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
35+ nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
FLE (Français langue étrangère) and EAL (English as An Additional Language) for students from PY3 to PY6.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
France and England (integration of the French and English national curricula).
Country affiliation
Monaco
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application, Registration and One‑off Fees - Application fee: EUR 690 for the first child; EUR 540 for each subsequent child. - Registration fee (charged once at acceptance): EUR 1,650 for the first child; EUR 1,000 for the second child; EUR 500 for the third child; EUR 0 for the fourth child. KG1 students are exempt from the registration fee. - Excellence Fund (one‑off at enrolment): EUR 800 per child. - Application, registration and Excellence Fund payments are non‑refundable.
Annual Tuition Fees by Year Group (full‑time attendance) - KG1 (Petite Section, age 3–4): EUR 12,480 per year. Per semester (two semesters per academic year): EUR 6,240. - KG2 (Moyenne Section, age 4–5): EUR 12,480 per year. Per semester: EUR 6,240. - PY1 (Grande Section, age 5–6): EUR 14,004 per year. Per semester: EUR 7,002. - PY2 (CP, age 6–7): EUR 16,692 per year. Per semester: EUR 8,346. - PY3 (CE1, age 7–8): EUR 16,692 per year. Per semester: EUR 8,346. - PY4 (CE2, age 8–9): EUR 16,692 per year. Per semester: EUR 8,346. - PY5 (CM1, age 9–10): EUR 16,692 per year. Per semester: EUR 8,346. - PY6 (CM2, age 10–11): EUR 16,692 per year. Per semester: EUR 8,346. - Tuition fee amounts are for full‑time enrolment; part‑time places are not offered. Semester dates run September 1 – January 31 (first semester) and February 1 – June 28 (second semester).
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Families may choose to pay tuition in one, two, three, six or nine instalments. Exact instalment dates and the payment schedule are provided at the time of enrolment. Example for two instalments (2025/2026): invoice on receipt and a second instalment due 15 December 2025. - Invoices are payable in euros. For bank transfers from foreign banks, transfer charges are payable by the payer. - Payment methods accepted: bank transfer (preferred), SEPA direct debit from a French bank account, and cheques for specific items only (extracurricular activities, holiday courses, travel, registration fees). - Late payment consequences: late interest at the legal rate plus two percentage points, an automatic late‑payment penalty of 10% of the unpaid invoice, collection charges (example fees: third reminder €25, bailiff command €450), and potential exclusion of the pupil for sustained non‑payment. Fees for returned direct debit or cheque are charged (example: EUR 100). - Re‑enrolment: a re‑enrolment down payment is required to secure a place for the following year; failure to pay re‑enrolment charges by the deadline may result in loss of the place. Certain re‑enrolment deposits are non‑refundable after the stated deadline.
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. ICS Côte d'Azur is a co‑educational day school for Early Years and Primary students.
Other Costs and Optional Charges - Canteen (mandatory through PY6): annual charge for the canteen (4 meals per week): EUR 1,269. Canteen charges are billed separately and are generally non‑refundable if the student is absent; the canteen is compulsory up to PY6. - Uniforms: uniform is mandatory from KG1 to PY6; uniforms are supplied via the school's parent portal / e‑shop and are billed separately. Uniform costs are not included in tuition. - Extracurricular activities, after‑school care, certain school supplies, some day and overnight trips (including “classes vertes”), class photos and certain books are charged separately and billed as extra items. Optional services are charged pro rata when applicable. - Language support and special programmes: EAL (English as an Additional Language) and FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) for PY3–PY6 and the STEP UP programme for students with an Individual Learning Plan are charged in addition to tuition. Typical rates are expressed as percentages of annual tuition: Level 1 support typically 15% of annual tuition; Level 2 typically 7.5% of annual tuition. Combined EAL and FLE support can be charged at higher percentage rates (examples: 20% / 10% depending on level). These charges are applied after assessment and are billed from the first payment.
Refunds, Cancellation and Mid‑Year Leaving - Application fees, registration fees and the Excellence Fund are not refundable. - A non‑refundable deposit (first term) is required to confirm enrolment; in limited circumstances a deposit may be refunded if cancellation is notified within specific short timeframes (for new admissions, refund may be possible if the school is informed by registered letter within 15 calendar days of the admission date). After those deadlines, amounts paid at enrolment are generally not refundable. - For students leaving during the school year, tuition is charged pro rata for entrants, but any term or quarter started is due for students leaving mid‑year (full months/quarters may be charged). Canteen fees are not refundable for absences while canteen is compulsory up to PY6.
Summary of Common Payment Options - Bank transfer in EUR (international transfers: payer pays bank charges). - SEPA direct debit (from French bank accounts). - Cheques only accepted for extracurricular activities, holiday courses, travel and registration fees.
Fee details
One-time application and entry fees - Application fee: €500 (paid when applying; non-refundable). - Registration fee: €2,000 (paid when a place is offered; non-refundable). - Capital Development Fund fee: €10,000 (paid at the same time as the first instalment of school fees, payable from Kindergarten; non-refundable).
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per instalment) - Kindergarten — Afternoon class: Annual €9,300. Instalments: 40% = €3,720; 60% = €5,580. - Kindergarten — Morning class: Annual €13,900. Instalments: 40% = €5,560; 60% = €8,340. - Transition to Class 3: Annual €27,000. Instalments: 40% = €10,800; 60% = €16,200. - Classes 4 to 6: Annual €29,000. Instalments: 40% = €11,600; 60% = €17,400. - Classes 7 to 9: Annual €31,100. Instalments: 40% = €12,440; 60% = €18,660. - Classes 10 to 13: Annual €34,400. Instalments: 40% = €13,760; 60% = €20,640.
Billing schedule and payment terms - School fees are invoiced on an annual basis and payable in two instalments: first instalment 40% and second instalment 60%. - Typical due dates for the two instalments for the 2025/2026 cycle were: first instalment on or before 11 March 2025; second instalment on or before 1 June 2025. Late payments incur a 5% charge on each overdue instalment from the day following the due date. The student's place may be withdrawn for non-payment of instalments. - Enrolment is for the full school year and school fees are payable on a whole-year basis; the school calculates fees pro rata only for admissions during the year according to the published terms.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered. There are no boarding fees because the school does not provide boarding facilities or residency arrangements.
Other costs and typical extras - Items included in the annual school fees: stationery; materials and textbooks; an iPad for Classes 4 to 9; a MacBook for Classes 10 to 13; the annual CAM bus card; external examination registration fees (IB MYP, IB CP, IB DP, Pearson BTEC); outings and short educational visits connected to classwork; the major field trip for Classes 3 to 9; lunch for students in Transition to Class 11; the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) fee and Association Membership Fee for each parent. - Items not included in the annual school fees and charged separately: individual musical instrument lessons; certain extracurricular activities; optional lunch at the Sunrise Café for Classes 12 and 13; specific learning support, which is invoiced on an individual basis. Additional optional activities or services are charged at cost. - Family discounts: published reductions apply for larger families (for example reductions for 3rd, 4th, 5th children as published in the school's terms).
Refund and withdrawal policy - Application, registration and Capital Development Fund fees are non-refundable. Annual school fees are non-refundable for cancelled enrolment, withdrawal, or early departure; the school's terms state that, under the published conditions, school fees will not be refunded for cancelled enrolment, withdrawal, or early departure.
Fee payment options and invoicing - Payments are accepted by bank transfer to the school's account and by cheque drawn on a bank based in Monaco or France where permitted; the school provides bank account details on invoices. Cash payments and credit-card payments are not accepted under the school's published payment conditions. The school may require identification and supporting documentation for third-party or corporate payments.
Included notes - The figures above are the published one-time fees, annual tuition fees, instalment breakdowns and the main payment and refund terms for the current academic-year fee schedule.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
ICS Côte d'Azur delivers the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) in English and French for Early Years and Primary. Early Years (ages 3-5) follow the IB PYP in French and English. Primary School (grades 1-6) integrates the national curricula for France and England while following the bilingual IB PYP. STEAM and Innovation initiatives focus on problem solving, creativity and critical thinking. A culture of care provides a warm, welcoming environment for students from early years through primary. ICS Côte d'Azur is a member of the Globeducate network.
Curriculum details
IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). The school is bilingual in English and French across Early Years to Secondary School. Mathematics is taught through a bilingual English-French curriculum based on the Singapore Maths Programme. Information Technology is an integral part of the curriculum.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
12:1
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme results for 2025 were the best in ISM's history, with 100% pass rate for both programmes. Five students achieved 40+ points in the IB Diploma Programme, representing 17% of the cohort. Helena Venturi achieved a perfect 45 points in the IB Diploma Programme.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Post-primary education can be pursued in French schools offering the national curriculum, or in international schools in France and across the world with instruction in French, English, or both languages. Many ICS Côte d'Azur students join Globeducate sister schools on the French Riviera, notably Mougins British International School and The International School of Nice. The IB Continuum after the Primary Years Programme (PYP) includes the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19, and the Career-related Programme (CP) for ages 16-19.
Higher education progression
Graduates have progressed to universities including Saint Louis University, LUISS University, and The International University of Monaco (IUM).
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
ICS Côte d'Azur has a rolling admissions policy: applications are welcome at any time of year and a new student can join mid-semester if a place is available. The school is currently accepting in-year applications for 2025-2026; contact to check which grades have availability. Admissions process: 1. Fill out the enquiry form to arrange a phone call or visit with the bilingual primary school. 2. A first visit to the school and a meeting are conducted with the Admissions Manager. 3. Submit the online application form with required documents and pay the application fees; the application is not processed until payment is completed on the last page of the form (you can save and return to it later). 4. After submission and payment, the child's file is reviewed by the Head of School; the child will be invited to spend a taster morning at ICS Côte d'Azur to assess French and English, or an online meeting if the taster day cannot be attended. 5. The school communicates its decision to accept or decline the applicant. 6. The family confirms enrolment, pays enrolment fees, signs the registration form and Financial Terms. 7. Onboarding with the family follows after joining. For required documents, see Requirements.
Admissions
1. Submit an application. ISM accepts applications without discrimination of gender, race, religion or nationality, from all parents committed to international education. The school rarely allows exceptions to admission, ensuring the learning environment remains appropriate for all students. 2. Review and selection. The Head of Admissions, the Director and teachers review the applicant's school reports and other documentation requested by the Admissions Office to determine suitability. For Kindergarten to Year 6, readiness is assessed for a bilingual English–French programme; for Year 7 to 11, readiness is assessed for an English-language programme leading to IGCSE and IB Diploma examinations. 3. Admission decision. A place is offered to eligible applicants where a place is available. The Admissions Office communicates the offer and the family completes enrollment steps as required. If no place is available, applicants are notified accordingly.
