International School of Lyon vs Ombrosa International School - Lycee Multilingue De Lyon
International School of Lyon and Ombrosa International School - Lycee Multilingue De Lyon are both in Lyon, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and Ombrosa International School - Lycee Multilingue De Lyon also offers French. Published annual fees are close, at €7,744 - 18,024 for International School of Lyon and €6,540 - 17,890 for Ombrosa International School - Lycee Multilingue De Lyon. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. Ombrosa International School - Lycee Multilingue De Lyon is the larger school, with around 1,270 pupils to International School of Lyon's 300. Typical class sizes are 15 at International School of Lyon and 21 at Ombrosa International School - Lycee Multilingue De Lyon.
80 Chemin du Grand Roule, 69110 Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France. Located in the peaceful suburb of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, just southwest of Lyon. The campus sits between a family-oriented village and a world-class city.
Location
Ombrosa has four sites in Lyon and Savoie: Campus of Ombrosa Caluire (95 Quai Clemenceau, Caluire-et-Cuire 69300), The Nursery – Lyon (50 Rue Vendôme, Lyon 69006), École bilingue de Savoie in Voglans (215 Rue centrale, 73420 Voglans) and Collège multilingue de Savoie in Le Bourget du Lac (168 chemin de la grande Roche, 73370 Le Bourget du Lac). The Lyon campus sits on the banks of the Saône in a protected area of the Grand Lyon, and the network serves the agglomeration with five school bus lines.
Stages
Stages
Ages 3-18; Primary through High School. IB Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme.
Not-for-profit association (French law 1901); independent international school.
School type
Private, secular, non-profit international bilingual school, partly under contract with the State.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
About 300 students with more than 45 nationalities represented. French is the largest nationality (~30%), with large groups including American, Brazilian, British, Indian, Japanese and Korean.
Pupil nationality mix
58 nationalities represented; 75% French and 25% international.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
English language support (ESOL) is available for students who need it. In secondary school a minimum English level is required to access the curriculum. Extra support for students with learning difficulties is available for an additional fee.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
France
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Secular
School day structure
School day structure
The school opens at 8:05; lessons begin at 8:20. Finishing times are 15:35 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 12:05 on Wednesdays; 14:55 on Fridays. IB Diploma students have a variable timetable.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Five school bus lines serve the Grand Lyon agglomeration.
Additional mandatory and optional fees (per child unless otherwise stated)
- Library deposit (refundable): EUR 350. - PTA membership fee: EUR 20. - ESOL (English support, where applicable, Grades 2–10): EUR 650 per trimester. - SEN (Special Educational Needs) support: - Placement A: EUR 900. - Placement B: EUR 1,800. - Placement C: EUR 2,700. - Placement D: EUR 3,600. - After-school care is charged per term and is non-refundable upon withdrawal. - Lunch service is available through an external provider and is charged separately.
Additional charges may apply for school supplies, online learning platforms, external examinations (e.g. PSAT, SAT, BMAT), residential and extra-curricular trips, additional language support, ESOL, SEN support, and bank transfer charges.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is generally payable in full before 31 August. - Private payers may pay in three or ten instalments by standing order, subject to a signed financial agreement. - Payments for the 2026–2027 academic year run from June 2026 to March 2027. - Students enrolling after 31 December pay 65% of the annual tuition, while those enrolling after 1 April pay 40%. - Accepted payment methods: credit card, cheque, or bank transfer. - One invoice is issued per family; additional invoices cost EUR 50 each. - Late payments incur 4.92% monthly interest plus a EUR 50 late payment fee.
Refunds and cancellations
- Application and capital assessment fees are non-refundable. - The EUR 350 library deposit is refundable upon return of borrowed books and musical instruments in good condition. - Students withdrawing before 31 December may receive a 35% tuition refund, provided written notice is given by 1 December. - No tuition refund is available after 31 December or if a student is expelled.
Fee details
Registration (application) fee - EUR 175 per child (charged only for first-year admission).
Annual tuition (day school) — general (Nursery through Upper Secondary, excluding international section) - Annual tuition per child varies according to the number of siblings enrolled and household means: EUR 6,540 (one child, highest household bracket) to EUR 3,175 (four children in the same family, lowest household bracket).
Annual tuition — international section (from Troisième / Grade 9 onward) - Troisième (IGCSE year 1): EUR 10,330 (one child, higher household bracket) to EUR 5,505 (four children in the same family, lower household bracket). - Seconde (IGCSE year 2): EUR 11,540 to EUR 6,715. - Première and Terminale (International Baccalaureate years): EUR 17,890 to EUR 9,275 (ranges reflect sibling/household allowance adjustments and possible institutional family-support measures).
Per-term amounts (approximate) - The school publishes annual tuition figures. Per-term figures below are approximate and calculated by dividing the published annual amount by three (annual ÷ 3) to provide a term-level reference only: - General day-school annual range per term (approx.): EUR 2,180.00 to EUR 1,058.33 (annual EUR 6,540 ÷ 3 to EUR 3,175 ÷ 3). - Troisième (approx. per term): EUR 3,443.33 to EUR 1,835.00. - Seconde (approx. per term): EUR 3,846.67 to EUR 2,238.33. - Première / Terminale IB (approx. per term): EUR 5,963.33 to EUR 3,091.67.
Billing schedule and payment terms - The detailed billing schedule, payment terms and any available family support or payment plans are set out in the school's application file and general information booklet; the published public overview gives annual amounts and notes sibling- and household-adjusted rates.
Boarding fees - Ombrosa operates as a day school across several local sites and offers daytime services (including midday meal service and before/after-school care). No boarding/internat fees are published for the school's sites.
Other costs and extras - Complementary fees: Certain international classes and specific teachings generate additional (complementary) fees. - Meals/canteen (demi-pension) and before/after-school care (périscolaire) services are provided and typically carry separate charges. - Textbooks and school supplies: lists of required manuals and supplies are published for each year group; costs for books and personal supplies are separate from tuition. - School trips, exams (IGCSE / IB-related charges), extra-curricular club fees and any optional activities may incur additional charges as specified in the school's fee documentation.
Refunds and withdrawal - Specific refund, cancellation and withdrawal conditions (including any non‑refundable elements) are set out in the school's formal registration/fee documentation and general information booklet; the public summary indicates fee levels but refers to the application file for full terms.
Fee payment methods - Public pages list tuition and fee levels but do not publish a detailed list of accepted payment methods. The school's application/fee documents specify billing modalities and permitted payment methods.
Notes for parents (concise, factual) - The registration fee is payable at first admission (EUR 175 per child). - Annual tuition is quoted as ranges that depend on sibling count and household allowance; international-section years (IGCSE/IB) carry higher published annual fees and specific complementary charges. - Per-term figures above are approximate (annual ÷ 3) to give term-level context; the school's registration documents give formal billing schedules and any available payment plans.
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
In Grades 6–8, ISL follows an in-house Middle School curriculum designed by subject specialists. The curriculum is broad and balanced and builds on the inquiry-based, transdisciplinary framework of the IB Primary Years Programme, moving toward an interdisciplinary approach to learning. The programme is fully aligned with ISL's Vision and Mission. Aims include connecting learning to real-world situations, enabling inquiry into issues of significance locally, nationally and globally, developing open-minded and internationally minded students, fostering empathy and a sense of common humanity, and encouraging personal responsibility to contribute to the public good, along with developing critical thinking, research, analytical, communication and collaboration skills. There are cross-curricular projects such as Grade 6 Leading Your Learning Project, Grade 6 STEAM Project, Grade 7 UN SDG Project, and Grade 8 Personal Project. In High School, Grades 9–10 follow the Cambridge IGCSE while Grades 11–12 prepare students for the IB Diploma Programme, with ISL Diploma available for graduates who do not complete the full IB Diploma.
Curriculum details
The school coordinates the French national curriculum with the International Baccalaureate, and offers bilingual access from nursery onward. From 3e (G9/Y10) upward, students choose between the French General Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate; Cambridge IGCSE is available in some paths, and Singapore mathematics is used to develop mathematical skills. The multilingual environment includes French, English, German, Japanese, Spanish and Chinese.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Average class size is 15. There are about 300 students and 46 educational staff, yielding an approximate student–teacher ratio of around 6.5 to 1.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
In the last two years of high school ISL offers the IB Diploma Programme, a challenging university-access qualification, while Grades 9–10 follow the Cambridge IGCSE. Assessment spans continuous coursework, with four skills evaluated (listening, speaking, reading and writing), and includes language options such as Language Ab Initio and Language B courses. The Cambridge IGCSE History course follows the Cambridge IGCSE 20th Century specification. ISL Graduation Requirements specify 21 credits to graduate, with the IB Diploma programme automatically qualifying students for the ISL Diploma; minimums include English (4), French or another language (4), Maths (3), Social Science (3), Sciences (3), PE (½ per year), Art/Music (½ credit/year, optional), Extended Essay/Senior Project (½ credit/year, 1 total), Theory of Knowledge (½ credit, 1).
Exam results
French General Baccalaureate (2025) had a 100% success rate with 100% honours; 61% of students achieved distinctions (B–TB) and the general average was 14.2/20. The International section had a 95% success rate with an average of 32 points, and 33% of students passed the Bilingual Baccalaureate.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Graduates join higher education institutions in France and abroad, including INSA Lyon (PASS option mathématiques), EDHEC Nice and EDHEC Lille (International BBA, French and English tracks), Sciences Po Paris, Emlyon Global BBA, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon 2, Bellecour Ecole, and abroad at University of Sussex, Rutgers University, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, McGill University, Santa Barbara City College, among others.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Parcours talent (talent track) is listed among higher education options via Emlyon Global BBA (English track).
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
1. Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year. A formal decision regarding admission is typically not made until all required documents have been received. The online application is the recommended method for admission; a visit to ISL prior to applying is advisable where possible. The online admissions platform is undergoing an upgrade and will go live on the 16th of March; for questions about admissions, contact the admissions office. 2. Required documents must be uploaded through ISL's online application system. Documents required are: a Student Application Form with one passport-sized photograph; two full years of school transcripts (the most recently completed year and the previous year, with translation if needed); confidential teacher recommendations (Early Years: one from the previous class teacher; Grades 6–12: one from Mathematics and one from English or the relevant mother tongue teacher, sent directly by the applicant's previous school); a copy of vaccination certificates. If a document cannot be obtained, the Director will determine whether there is sufficient information to make an admission decision and may request additional information (translations may be requested if needed). 3. Admission decisions: The decision to admit rests with the Director in consultation with the Primary or Secondary Principal; the school reserves the right to contact a student's previous school to verify records. All students admitted to ISL must have a legal guardian residing in France, and any applicant turning 18 before starting must provide proof of visa before a place can be offered. 4. Acceptance of admission: After required documentation is provided, families are notified usually within one week of application. The accounts department bills the enrolment fee; once this is paid, the place is guaranteed. A tuition contract must be completed and signed before a student may start school; ISL reserves the right to refuse entry to a student whose financial arrangement does not meet these requirements. 5. Waiting lists and related processes: There are currently no waiting lists at ISL; if an application is accepted and no space is available in the appropriate class, the student will be placed on a waiting list and notified. When a place becomes available, it will be offered to a student on the waiting list. Waiting-list selection criteria include siblings already attending or applying, the existing gender balance of the class, background/experience in an IB programme, and any of the Criteria for Admission. 6. Deferrals and re-entries: An accepted or waitlisted applicant may defer the place to the following academic year, provided that the school receives notification in due time and there are spaces available; the admission and enrolment fees are deferrable for one academic year. Students who are enrolled and then leave can re-enter the school at a later date, provided that re-entry occurs no more than two academic years after departure; new application documents may be required. 7. Re-registration: Every February the Admissions Department gathers preliminary information about parents' intentions for the following year and bills families for a 500€ per student deposit for the next school year. Payment of the deposit guarantees a student's place for the following year and will be deducted from the tuition fee; no refund is given if a student leaves in the meantime. 8. Financial aid: The school does not have a bursary system in place, but a special calendar of payment may be put in place following agreement with the Director.
Admissions
1. Information and application. Information and application files can be requested from the school. Applications are studied by the Head of Studies of the required class. Depending on availabilities, a waiting list may be established, and the date of reception of the complete application is taken into account. Registration fee (first year only) is 175€ per child for admission in 2025-2026. 2. Nursery entry. In nursery school, an interview with the director is required. The interview is part of the admission process at Ombrosa. 3. Elementary entry. For entry up to CE1 (G2/Y3), an application file and interview are required. From CE2 (G3/Y4), an assessment, interview and application file are required. 4. Secondary entry. In secondary school, an assessment, interview and application file are required. 5. Fees and payment. Annual school fees are identical per family and are adjusted based on the number of children enrolled and the household allowance. International classes from troisième (G9/Y10) to Terminale (G12/Y13) incur complementary fees. Reference points for 2025-2026 include: non-international fees from 6 540 € (one child, household allowance maximum bracket) to 3 175 € (four children, household allowance minimum bracket); international section starting in troisième: 10 330 € (troisième) / 11 540 € (seconde) for one child, down to 5 505 € / 6 715 € for four children; Première (G11/Y12) and Terminale: 17 890 € (one child) to 9 275 € (four children). The international section also references a policy to support families offered by the school and more details in the general information booklet.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have a bursary system in place, but a special calendar of payment may be put in place following agreement with the Director.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
There are no waiting lists at ISL at present; if an application is accepted and no space is available in the appropriate class, the student will be placed on a waiting list, and the parents will be notified. When a place becomes available in the class, it will be offered to a student on the waiting list. Criteria used to decide which student on the waiting list is offered a place include siblings already attending, existing gender balance of the class, background/experience in an IB programme, and any of the Criteria for Admission.
Waitlist
Waiting list may be established. The date of reception of the complete application is taken into account.