Kennedy International School - Lower School vs The École

	K Kennedy International School - Lower School New York, United States	T The École New York, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $24,000 - 45,000	Fees / year $41,000 - 50,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 12 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, French Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 201	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French, Japanese	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1964	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Two campuses in New York City. Lower School Campus is at 225 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017. Upper School Campus is at 815 Second Avenue, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10017. Phone: 212-681-1877 (Lower School) and 212-682-3967 (Upper School).	Location The École is in New York City's Flatiron District, with two campuses a short distance apart. The Maternelle Building is at 206 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. The Elementary & Middle School Building is at 115 East 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010. The campus is easily accessible by foot or bike, and a city bus service is available for eligible grades.
Stages	Stages Lower School (elementary) and Upper School (secondary)	Stages Maternelle (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten), Elementary (1st to 5th), Middle School (6th to 8th), High School (9th to 12th); Léman High School with The École offers a French-American bilingual IB curriculum.
School type	School type International school offering bilingual French-English and bilingual Japanese-English programs	School type Independent, French-American bilingual day school that teaches in French and English.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support English as a New Language (ENL) and French as a Foreign Language (FLE) support	Additional learning support Counseling Department includes a school counselor and a French psychologist; Educational Support Team (EST) provides assessments and interventions; STRIVE Department delivers differentiated instruction with both push-in and pull-out support, including support for newcomers to English or French.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation France; accredited by the French Ministry of Education and part of the AEFE network	Country affiliation France (fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and a member of the AEFE network; affiliated with Mission Laïque Française).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details School Bus Service is being implemented with the NYC Department of Transportation for the 2025–2026 school year; Kindergarten through 6th grade students may qualify for free transportation; for interest, contact office@kennedyinternational.org	Bus service details Yellow School Bus is available for Kindergarten to 6th Grade; the service is provided by the City of New York and serves downtown, the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side; OMNYCards are provided for eligible students living more than 0.5 miles from the Elementary & Middle School Building. Bus inquiries: bus@theEcole.org.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - There is no application fee for Kennedy International School (NO APPLICATION FEE). One-time enrollment / new-student fees - Pre-K 3 & Pre-K: One-time new student fee USD 1,000. - Kindergarten through Grade 8: One-time new student fee USD 3,000. - High School (Grades 9–12): One-time new student fee USD 3,000. Annual tuition by year group (2026–2027 academic year: September 2026 through June 2027) - Pre-K 3 & Pre-K (Full‑time, full day 8:00am–3:30pm): USD 40,000 per year. Includes extended aftercare between 3:15pm and 6:00pm for the full‑time Pre‑K option. - Pre-K 3 (Part‑time options): USD 24,000 per year (available as 5 mornings or 3 full days for Pre‑K 3 only). - Kindergarten through Grade 8 (K–8): USD 42,500 per year. - High School (Grades 9–12): USD 45,000 per year. Overnight trip and exam/registration fees - Overnight school trips (charged as 60% of total trip cost, school lists estimated contributions): - 4th & 5th grade contribution listed as USD 350 (60% of total trip cost). - 8th grade contribution listed as USD 700 (60% of total trip cost). - 9th & 10th grade contribution listed as USD 700 (60% of total trip cost). - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma registration fee for Grade 12: USD 900. Downpayment and installment (service) fees — billing structure and common payment plans - Non‑refundable downpayment required for all tuition plans: USD 4,000. - Installment plan service fees (applied when choosing those plans; do not apply to governmental organizations): - 2‑installment plan service fee: USD 400. - 5‑installment plan service fee: USD 700. - Example payment-flow calculation (numbers shown are arithmetic examples using the published tuition, the published non‑refundable downpayment, and the published service fees): - Example for K–8 (tuition USD 42,500): - Pay non‑refundable downpayment USD 4,000 at enrollment; remaining tuition balance USD 38,500. - If choosing the 2‑installment plan: two equal installments of USD 19,250 each; add the USD 400 2‑installment service fee as charged by the school. - If choosing the 5‑installment plan: five equal installments of USD 7,700 each; add the USD 700 5‑installment service fee as charged by the school. - These example calculations assume the USD 4,000 downpayment is applied toward the annual tuition balance; the school's enrollment/contract documents define exact due dates and how payments are posted. The published figures above (tuition, downpayment, and service fees) are the basis for these examples. Billing schedule and payment terms (what is published) - The school states tuition covers the full academic year (September 2026 through June 2027). A non‑refundable downpayment of USD 4,000 is required for all tuition plans. The school publishes service fees for 2‑installment and 5‑installment options, indicating those installment options are available. Exact invoice dates, installment due dates, and the full enrollment contract terms are processed through the admissions/enrollment portal and enrollment contract documents. Boarding - Boarding is not offered; Kennedy International School operates as a day school with Lower and Upper School campus addresses in New York City (day‑school locations listed for Lower School and Upper School). Boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and typical additional fees - Uniforms: A uniform policy is in place and required items are purchased through the school's designated uniform supplier (Untold Horizons). Families should expect a separate cost to purchase required uniform items; the school provides division‑specific uniform guides and an online uniform ordering site. Specific uniform pricing is handled by the supplier's ordering portal. - Overnight trip contributions (listed above) are additional when trips occur; those contributions are published as the family portion (60% examples). - IB registration fee for Grade 12: USD 900 (listed above). - Financial aid processing fee for the aid application (Clarity platform): USD 65 submission fee for families applying for financial assistance. Refund information (what is published / how refund details are handled) - The school's publicly posted pages list tuition, the non‑refundable downpayment amount, and installment service fees, but do not publish a general, detailed tuition refund schedule or full withdrawal/refund policy on the publicly viewable pages. Refund specifics and any pro‑rata or withdrawal refund calculations are handled through the school's enrollment contract and admissions/enrollment portal documentation. Parents should expect the USD 4,000 downpayment to be non‑refundable as published. Fee payment options (what is published) - The school publishes available installment options (2‑installment and 5‑installment plans) and associated service fees; the publicly visible pages do not list an explicit set of accepted payment methods (for example, credit card, ACH/wire transfer, check). Enrollment and billing arrangements (including accepted payment methods and any online payment portal details) are managed through the admissions/enrollment portal and the family's enrollment contract. Discounts and special cases - United Nations staff discount: a 30% tuition discount is published for United Nations staff enrolling children in Pre‑K 3 and Pre‑K. - French Government financial aid (bourses scolaires) may be available to eligible French citizens enrolled in Pre‑K 3 through Grade 9; that program is administered separately by the French Consulate/AEFE. Concise note about publicly unavailable details - The school's public pages provide annual tuition amounts, the required non‑refundable downpayment, one‑time new student fees, published trip contributions, IB registration fee, installment service fees, and the absence of an application fee. The public pages do not publish a complete line‑by‑line, per‑term invoice schedule with exact due dates, a full tuition refund timetable, or a published list of accepted payment methods; those operational details are contained in the school's enrollment/contract documents and the admissions/enrollment portal.	Fee details Application fees and one-time enrollment fees - Application fee: USD 300 per application. - One-time Enrollment Fee (first year only): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 1,000. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 3,500. - Tuition deposit: USD 5,500 required at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment; this deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from the overall tuition. Tuition fees by year group (annual) - Pre-Nursery and Nursery (full-year, full-day program): Tuition USD 46,500 per year. - Pre-K through 8th Grade (full-year, full-day program): Tuition USD 50,500 per year. Per-term / per-installment equivalents (by year group) - Two equal installments (each installment = 50% of the annual tuition): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 23,250 per installment. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 25,250 per installment. - Nine monthly installments (payments due monthly via FACTS): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: gross installment ≈ USD 5,166.67 per month (9 payments). Note: the USD 5,500 deposit is deducted from the overall tuition when calculating the balance due. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: gross installment ≈ USD 5,611.11 per month (9 payments). Note: the USD 5,500 deposit is deducted from the overall tuition when calculating the balance due. - Payment in full (single payment) – early payment discount: - A USD 500 reduction in tuition is applied when full payment is made by the early deadline. Example amounts before deposit consideration: - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 46,000 if paid in full by the early payment deadline. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 50,000 if paid in full by the early payment deadline. - The USD 500 reduction is not available to recipients of financial assistance and does not apply when an employer is responsible for payment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrollment window referenced for the schedule: enrollment before April 30 (for the 2026–2027 schedule shown). The tuition-deposit is required at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment. - Payment-in-full option: single electronic payment due before the early-payment deadline (May 1). A USD 500 discount applies when paid by that date (subject to the exceptions above). - Two-installment option: first installment due before May 1; second installment due before October 1. Each installment equals 50% of the total amount due. - Nine-month plan via FACTS: payments due on the 1st of each month, beginning April 1 and ending December 1 (nine payments). - Mid-year arrivals: prorated tuition rules apply and must be paid in full before the student's start date: - Students beginning between December 15 and April 1: prorated tuition = two-thirds (2/3) of the full-year tuition, in addition to the one-time enrollment and application fees. Examples: Pre-Nursery & Nursery 2/3 = USD 31,000; Pre-K–8 2/3 ≈ USD 33,667. - Students beginning after April 1: prorated tuition = one-third (1/3) of the full-year tuition, in addition to the one-time enrollment and application fees. Examples: Pre-Nursery & Nursery 1/3 = USD 15,500; Pre-K–8 1/3 ≈ USD 16,833. Boarding fees - The École operates as an independent day school for Maternelle through Middle School in New York City; no boarding program or boarding fees are listed. Other costs and optional fees - Lunch program: The school's hot lunch program is provided by Little Green Gourmets; participation and pricing for hot lunch are arranged directly with that provider. Lunch program fees are not included in the standard tuition figures above. - Uniforms: All uniform items must be purchased from the school's designated retailer, Untold Horizons; a Uniform Guide is provided by the school. Uniform purchase costs are separate from tuition. - After-school activities, overnight field trips, and Camp activities: these are additional to the tuition and invoiced separately; some families may opt into a bundled “Global Tuition” that can include some of these options. Specific prices for after-school classes, trips, and camps are itemized separately from core tuition. - Transportation, specialty programs, supplies, or optional services where applicable may incur additional charges; these are not included in the base tuition figures above. Refund information - The USD 5,500 tuition deposit is explicitly stated as non-refundable and will be deducted from the overall tuition. No other explicit refund policy for withdrawals or mid-year departures is provided in the published tuition schedule. Mid-year arrivals are required to pay prorated tuition in full before their start date. Fee payment options (methods and platforms) - Payments may be made by electronic payment directly to The École for single or two-installment payments. FACTS is used for the nine-month payment plan (monthly installments). The early-payment reduction applies to electronic payments made by the early deadline. Specific payment instruments (for example, exact credit card or bank transfer acceptance) are handled through the school's electronic payment processes and through FACTS. Brief note on information gaps found - The published schedule provides clear annual tuition figures, enrollment/application fees, the USD 5,500 non-refundable deposit, payment schedules (dates and installment structure), the early-payment discount, and mid-year proration rules. Exact prices for uniforms, lunch, after-school activities, overnight field trips, and camp activities are not listed in the tuition schedule and are shown as separate costs (uniform vendor and lunch provider are identified). No additional refund/withdrawal policy beyond the non-refundable deposit is published on the tuition page.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The Uniform Policy requires a division-specific uniform that must be worn. Old uniforms with previous branding may be worn alongside new uniform items during the transition period until December 31, 2025.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are available through Untold Horizons, and uniform items must be purchased from Untold Horizons; a Uniform Guide explains it as a set uniform policy, not a dress code. Every student must have at least one polo in their House color for House days, field days, and special events. The policy is gender-neutral; students may choose any item from the formal, casual, and physical education dress codes.
Food options	Food options All students eating in school are supervised at all times. No peanut or tree nut products are allowed. Lunch options include a packed lunch with microwaves available, a catering program with Little Green Gourmets whose menus reflect seasonal availability and global cuisines, and an off-campus lunch option for grades 8–12 with parental consent.	Food options The École offers a European-style hot lunch program with LiTTLE GREEN GOURMETS, with seasonal menus and options for dietary needs. If not participating, students may bring lunch; the school has a nut-free policy and prohibits sodas and candies; packed lunches should use plastic containers and Thermos bottles are allowed. Special dietary options include Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher-style, Gluten-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free, Sesame-free.
House system	House system —	House system The École uses a House system; every student must have at least one polo in their House color for House days, field days, and special events. House color polo is integrated into the Uniforms policy.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Kennedy International School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is part of the AEFE network. It is recognized by the New York State Education Department for Kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th grade.	Governance and ownership The École is an independent school in New York City. It is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is a member of AEFE; it is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française and a NAIS member; it is also a member of the Parents League of New York, AFSA, and FISNA.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The curriculum integrates the French Ministry of Education guidelines, the Japanese Ministry of Education guidelines, and New York State Next Generation Learning Standards. It offers a balanced bilingual program for students from preschool through 12th grade. The program is registered by the New York State Board of Regents. In the Upper School, a Pre-IB Track for 9th–10th grade prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for 11th–12th grade. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups and DP core including Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE).	Curriculum details The École is an independent French-American bilingual school serving students aged 2 to 14 in New York City's Flatiron District. It offers a bilingual curriculum in French and English for preschool through middle school. The program develops bi-literate, bi-cultural thinkers who see the world from two perspectives. In 2022, a high school track was opened in partnership with Léman High School, offering a French-American bilingual IB curriculum for graduates and French-speaking middle-school students. There are two classes per grade from 1st through 8th grade, and in 2025 the Elementary & Middle School Building moved to 115 East 22nd Street.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The IB Diploma Programme is widely recognized by more than 2,000 universities in 100+ countries worldwide; many universities offer advanced placement, scholarships or other incentives for IB students.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Social Emotional Learning guides the Preschool and Elementary curriculums. In Pre-K 3, the SEL focus builds foundational social and emotional skills to help students become productive and respectful members of the classroom and school community. Students have ample opportunities to practice SEL, observe positive role models, and establish positive relationships with peers and teachers. In Elementary, the school prioritizes students' social and emotional well-being, weaving in opportunities to become supportive and productive members of the school community and beyond. Students are taught core values of respect for all people and cultures, responsibility for their own actions, and leading with kindness and compassion.	Social & emotional learning The École adopts a holistic approach to social, emotional, and academic development. The Counseling Department includes a school counselor and a French psychologist and provides counseling in French or English for individuals or groups. Social-emotional learning is central and is delivered through guidance lessons, advisory classes, and both short-term and longer-term counseling. The counseling team is a visible presence in all grades, offering crisis counseling and support for conflict resolution as needed. Regular guidance lessons cover friendship, bullying, diversity, feelings, and kindness, and Counselor Chats for parents complement the school program.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The Educational Support Team (EST) is composed of a French-speaking psychologist, a school counselor, special education teachers, administrators, and outside providers. They meet weekly to review students who require additional academic or social support and design tailored interventions, monitoring progress. If a deeper evaluation is necessary, EST guides families and teachers and refers to outside providers. The STRIVE Department provides flexible, personalized learning with push-in support in the classroom and pull-out small-group instruction to meet students where they are. STRIVE includes two full-time certified French teachers and two full-time certified English teachers who differentiate across all subjects and support newcomers to English or French, spanning Pre-Nursery through 8th Grade.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school provides English as a New Language (ENL) to support English Language Learners for success by developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. ENL is delivered in small classes and collaborates closely with the student's English teacher to harmonize the themes across content areas. For students with basic knowledge of French, French as a Foreign Language (FLE) strengthens French language skills through targeted instruction. ENL and FLE are designed to help students participate fully in both English and French programs.	English as an additional language STRIVE supports students who are newcomers to English or French. The program uses push-in support delivered in the classroom and pull-out small-group instruction for targeted language development. The STRIVE team includes two full-time certified French teachers and two full-time certified English teachers who differentiate across all subjects, including English, French, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Instruction is designed to meet students where they are and to accelerate bilingual proficiency across Pre-Nursery through 8th Grade. Language support is integrated with the school's bilingual curriculum to support overall academic achievement.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The curriculum is designed to address students' social and emotional needs, recognizing individual differences to support each student's success. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students.	Mental wellbeing The Counseling Department centers on social-emotional learning and mental health. They provide short-term, longer-term, and crisis counseling available in French and English across all grades. Counseling lessons cover mental health topics and preventive health classes (addictions, sex education, and digital wellbeing) to support overall wellbeing. Counselors maintain a visible presence in the school and collaborate with families and outside providers as needed. The STRIVE Department complements wellbeing by creating flexible, personalized learning environments that support students' social and emotional growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The École requires all students and parents/guardians to sign The École's Code of Conduct and Anti-Bullying Policy at the start of each school year. Crisis counseling is available to provide immediate support after traumatic events. The Counseling Department offers guidance on safety, and safeguarding is supported by collaboration among the EST and outside providers as needed. The school provides ongoing safeguarding resources through in-class guidance and advisory programs to support student safety and wellbeing.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school operates two Manhattan campuses: Lower School at 225 East 43rd Street and Upper School at 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017. From preschool through 12th grade, the school offers bilingual education. An 11,000-square-foot expansion on the 3rd floor of the 815 Second Avenue building will double the size of the Upper School and provide a dedicated high school floor. The expansion will include new classrooms, a state-of-the-art science lab, a creative art and design lab, and a welcoming student center.	Facilities overview The École has two campuses in Manhattan's Flatiron District: a Maternelle Building at 206 Fifth Avenue for Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten, and an Elementary & Middle School Building at 115 East 22nd Street for 1st through 8th grade. The Maternelle Building is five stories tall and houses seven light-filled classrooms, plus multi-purpose spaces that serve as a gym, auditorium, and cafeteria, with an outdoor rooftop playground and garden. The Elementary & Middle School Building contains sixteen classrooms, a dedicated library, and spaces for performing arts, music, art, sport, and STEM/design technology. In 2025, the school moved the Elementary & Middle School Building from 111 East 22nd Street to 115 East 22nd Street, doubling its square footage from 23,000 to 46,000 square feet over two and a half floors to support two classes per grade from 1st through 8th. The campuses combine tranquil learning spaces with active environments close to Madison Square Park.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The Maternelle Building includes a full-floor space that serves as a gym, an auditorium, and a cafeteria, and a rooftop playground and garden provide outdoor space for recreation. The Elementary & Middle School Building includes dedicated spaces for sports among other subjects. Baruch College provides access to state-of-the-art sports facilities and equipment for physical education year-round.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Upper School expansion adds 11,000 square feet on the 3rd floor of the 815 Second Avenue building, providing new classrooms. The expansion includes a state-of-the-art science lab. It also includes a creative art and design lab. A welcoming student center is part of the new facilities.	Academic facilities The Elementary & Middle School Building houses sixteen classrooms, a stunning library, and dedicated spaces for performing arts, music, art, sport, and STEM/design technology.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular Activities offer a broad range of enrichment classes. Activities vary by semester and may include sports, foreign languages, music, art, dance and acting. The program supports physical, artistic and intellectual development. Afterschool information and registration for 2025–2026 is available.	Extra curricular facilities After-School offers over 110 activities in Semester 2 2025-2026 across four categories: Academic & Character, Art & Music, Sports & Fitness, and Science & Technology. Activities include language classes (Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian), SHSAT Enrichment, Little Ecologists, The Little Workshop; Construction Games and Lego, Chess, Genius Gems, Scratch Coding, Robot Genius League, Club STEAM, Weird Science Television, Kidz Architects; Model-Making Workshop, Cooking, Knitting & Crocheting, Studio Art, DJ, Broadway Musical, Theatre, Photo & Graphic Design, Embroidery; Judo, Swimming, Team Sports, Tennis, Capoeira, Gymnastics, Parkour, Intro to Taekwondo, Fencing, Dance, Momentum Athletics, Ping Pong, Pickleball, Yoga, Gravity Gym. The second-semester runs from January 26, 2026, to June 18, 2026.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Kennedy International School (previously Lyceum Kennedy French American School) was founded in 1964 by Éliane Dumas, a distinguished French schoolteacher and long-time Lycée Français de New York faculty member, who named the school after John F. Kennedy. She developed the school with the French Ministry of Education to serve French and francophone families in Manhattan, and she served as headmistress for more than twenty years. In 1986, Dr. Koji Sonoda, a linguist from Japan, acquired Kennedy International School, expanding offerings to include a Japanese program and Japanese Saturday school and broadening the community to families from many countries into the 1990s. Today Kennedy International School is known for its diverse international student body.	History Founded by the Wood family with Yves Rivaud and Clyde Javois in 2008, The École launched as Manhattan's first school of its kind. It opened on September 8, 2009 at 111 East 22nd Street with 22 Nursery–5th grade students. By its first eight years the school grew to over 200 students across Nursery–8th grade. Philippe and Laurence Roux joined the leadership in 2017 to refine the philosophy, expand the community, and restore the spirit of the original group for a bilingual French-American program. In 2020 Jean-Yves Vesseau became head of school, Pre-Nursery began in 2021, and a Léman High School bilingual IB track started in 2022; in 2025 the building moved to 115 East 22nd Street, doubling space and enabling two classes per grade.
Community	Community Camp Kennedy provides week-long camps and seasonal programs that blend play-based learning with cultural exploration, arts, sports, and field trips, with instruction in French and Japanese. Camps welcome Kennedy students and neighborhood children and run across spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions. Parent Representatives are elected by Kennedy parents to strengthen family voice within the School Council and they host Coffee Mornings for questions and connection. A Weekly Newsletter keeps families informed about school life.	Community The École serves an international community in New York City's Flatiron District as a French-American bilingual school. The community is strengthened by active parent involvement through the Parents Association, which partners with faculty and administrators to enhance student life. The Association has spearheaded numerous initiatives and helped form lasting bonds across the school. The leadership emphasizes bringing together a diverse group of international families in close friendships and collaboration.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parents Association (PA) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charity formed to operate independently while collaborating with the school administration and staff. It is a volunteer-led body that strengthens the bridge between families and school life. The PA leads and supports a wide range of activities, including book fairs, career day, coffee hours for parents, end-of-year picnic, International Day, second-hand uniform sales, French book subscriptions, holiday and Halloween decorations, and Teacher Appreciation Week. The PA is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Federal Tax ID: 74-3213495), and donations go directly toward student events, classroom enrichment, and school-wide family activities. Donations can be made via Venmo or Zelle, and corporate matching is encouraged. Stay connected via email or WhatsApp groups.	Parent teacher association Active and engaged parents are essential to The École's education and student life. The Parents Association has spearheaded many initiatives over the years and helped form lasting bonds across the community. The Association collaborates with school leadership on events, volunteer programs, and family activities to support students. The PA's work reflects the school's bilingual, international focus and commitment to a welcoming, inclusive community. The PA's activities are central to the school experience and contribute to a supportive school culture.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Extracurricular activities provide enrichment across physical, artistic and intellectual areas. Activities vary by semester and may include sports, foreign languages, music, art, dance, acting and more. The program supports development beyond the classroom.	Academic & intellectual The École offers a French-American bilingual program across Maternelle to High School, built on two complementary educational systems for learning. In Elementary, humanities, math, and social sciences are taught in English and French by native-speaking teachers; art, STEAM, music, and theatre are taught in English or French, and Mandarin and Spanish begin in 3rd Grade. In Middle School, foundational subjects are taught in both French and English by native-speaking specialists, with art, STEAM, theatre, sport, and music taught by either French or American faculty; students continue studying Spanish or Mandarin through 8th Grade. In High School, Léman High School with The École provides a French-American bilingual IB curriculum, extending the dual-language program through 9th–12th grade.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Enrichment classes include music, art, dance and acting. The offerings vary by semester. These activities develop artistic skills and creative expression.	Arts & creative The École extends Art & Music through after-school and daytime programs. Elementary students study art, STEAM, music, and theatre in English or French, guided by native-speaking teachers. The After-School program offers 110+ activities per semester, including swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, DJ Master, Broadway Musical, and studio art, led by school staff or partner organizations. Camps also feature daily art, music, and theater workshops in a bilingual immersion experience.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Foreign languages are offered as part of extracurricular activities. Language offerings vary by semester. Participation supports linguistic development through enrichment opportunities.	Cultural & language The École teaches in English and French through a French-American bilingual program across all grades. In Maternelle, the classroom is co-taught by a native English speaker and a native French speaker, delivering a fully immersive bilingual experience. In Elementary, Mandarin and Spanish begin in 3rd Grade, and in Middle School students continue with Spanish or Mandarin through 8th Grade. In High School, Léman High School with The École offers a bilingual IB curriculum, with electives taught in French as part of the two-language program.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports are included in extracurricular activities. The program provides opportunities for physical activity and teamwork. Activities vary by semester.	Social & hobbies The Student Council, recess clubs, and the House system provide regular opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and social skills in Elementary and Middle School. Elementary notes these initiatives build a strong sense of character, while Middle School highlights involvement in the student council, clubs, and the House system. After-School offers 110+ activities each semester across categories such as Academic & Character, Art & Music, Sports & Fitness, and Science & Technology, including options like swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, and language classes. Camps also include language and performance workshops that encourage social engagement and exploration.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The École has an active Parents Association that partners with faculty and administrators to enhance student life. The Parents Association has spearheaded numerous initiatives to support the school community. TEPA also maintains a scholarship fund to assist families with financial need for after-school programs, uniforms, and lunches. This reflects the school's commitment to community and family involvement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded in programs across the grades. The Elementary program includes Student Council, recess clubs, and the House system, while Middle School expands these opportunities with clubs and leadership initiatives. In High School, Leadership and Service is emphasized as part of the bilingual IB pathway, with students participating in leadership-building activities and community service to prepare for university and global citizenship. The bilingual IB pathway strengthens collaborative and leadership skills through interdisciplinary learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Engagement in physical activities supports wellbeing. Sports and movement are part of afterschool offerings. Activities vary by semester.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and Fitness are core components of After-School life, with activities such as swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, tennis, and team sports. The campus includes outdoor recess during Camps at Madison Square Park or the rooftop, and maintains a nut-free environment to protect students with allergies. The school's European-style lunch program promotes healthy eating, with nut-free policies and locally sourced ingredients. Mindfulness and structured physical activity are integrated to support students' overall well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French, Japanese, and English are taught. The curriculum follows the French Ministry of Education, the Japanese Ministry of Education, and New York State Next Generation Learning Standards. The school is registered by the New York State Board of Regents.	Language provision French and English are the languages of instruction. Non-French-speaking students can enroll up to Kindergarten and receive STRIVE language support (Stimulate, Transform, Reach, Identify, Value, and Enrich). Each class maintains a minimum of 60% French-speaking students. The École serves an international community from Maternelle through High School, including a bilingual IB program at Léman High School for 9th–12th grade.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers a balanced bilingual program for students from preschool through 12th grade, integrating French, Japanese, and American educational systems.	Bilingual teaching The École teaches in French and English as part of a French-American bilingual program. Instruction runs from Maternelle (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten) through Middle School, with Léman High School providing a French-American bilingual IB curriculum for 9th–12th grade. The École serves an international community across Maternelle to High School. Non-French-speaking children can enroll up to Kindergarten and receive personalized language support through STRIVE (Stimulate, Transform, Reach, Identify, Value, and Enrich). There is a minimum of 60% French-speaking students per class.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Preschool programs are bilingual. Elementary programs are 50/50 bilingual.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations French Ministry of Education accreditation; AEFE network membership; MOE inspectors regularly review the school to ensure adherence to the French curriculum and educational practices, enabling transfer to French schools globally. New York State Education Department recognition for Kindergarten through 12; Pre-K3 through Kindergarten are regulated by the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) offered for 11th and 12th grades; the school is part of the global IB network, with the DP recognized by 2,000+ universities in 100+ countries.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Application (Rolling Admissions): Submit online application via the admissions portal. After submission, complete the checklist of supporting documents needed to move forward in the admissions process. Rolling admissions allow applications at any time. The admissions team will review the submission and guide you to the next step. Interview: After the application and supporting documents have been uploaded and completed, the admissions office will connect with you to schedule an interview and any further assessments needed. The interview assesses readiness and fit with the bilingual program and may include language assessments. Additional information or materials may be requested. Enrollment: After the interview and assessments take place, the admissions office will contact you with a final decision via email. If admitted, you will receive instructions to enroll and any remaining forms or deposits. You may contact the admissions office with questions as needed.	Admissions A simple admission process with three steps for all grades: 1. an Open House for parents, 2) an online application, and 3) an invitation for the whole family to meet the head of school. If you wish to apply for financial assistance, consult the Financial Assistance information. Maternelle age requirements for the 2026-2027 school year: Pre-Nursery two years old by September 1, 2026; Nursery three by December 31, 2026; Pre-Kindergarten four by December 31, 2026; Kindergarten five by December 31, 2026; from Nursery onward, potty-training is required before the first day of school. Required documents for online application: a copy of your child's birth certificate, a copy of your child's passport, a copy of your child's visa (if applicable), a picture of your child, report cards, and a confidential recommendation form completed by your child's current teacher. Admissions Calendar highlights: Quick Acceptance Applications from September 2025 to December 31, 2025 (decision in less than two weeks; if accepted, one week to sign the contract and pay the deposit); Standard Applications from September 2025 to January 11, 2026 (open houses encouraged; deadline to submit complete application January 11, 2026; decision notice February 2, 2026; deadline to sign the contract and pay the deposit February 9, 2026); If accepted but you prefer to wait, the child will be placed on a waiting list with the seat guaranteed only after the enrollment agreement and tuition deposit are paid; Late Applications after January 11, 2026 are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis; if spaces remain, you will be invited to a family interview; depending on the grade, the child may be accepted or placed on the waiting list; if accepted, three days to accept (sign enrollment agreement and pay tuition deposit); if on the waiting list, an enrollment agreement will be sent as soon as a seat becomes available. Language requirements: 1st through 8th Grade students must speak French. Start the online application by creating an account in the online tool and submitting the required documents.
Scholarships	Scholarships United Nations Preschool Grant: This grant offers a 30% reduction in tuition costs for United Nations staff members enrolling their child in Pre-K 3 or Pre-K programs (ages 2–4). Eligibility is confirmed upon verification of United Nations staff status at the time of inquiry. French Government Financial Aid (Bourses scolaires): If your child is a French citizen and is registered with the Consulate General of France in New York, your family may be eligible for financial aid from the French Government. Applications and award decisions are handled exclusively by the Consulate General of France. Students enrolled in Pre-K 3 through 9th grade may be eligible for financial aid. Students enrolled in 10th through 12th grade are not eligible. Apply for Financial Assistance: A Clarity Application is used to assess each family's financial profile, taking into account assets, income, expenses, and debts. New families must complete the enrollment process prior to the evaluation of their financial aid application. Current families who have not previously applied for financial aid are not eligible unless a significant change in financial circumstances can be demonstrated. Families currently receiving financial aid are required to reapply each year. A $65 submission fee applies. Assistance is available directly within the Clarity application.	Scholarships Financial Assistance: For 2026-2027, The École will allocate $2 million to enable more students to benefit from the dual French-American curriculum. The amount awarded is based on demonstrated financial need, and both financial need and academic excellence are considered for Middle School applicants. About 20% of families receive financial assistance. Financial assistance is open to all families and can complement grants provided to French citizens attending French-government-accredited schools through the French Consulate in New York. The need assessment is processed through NAIS School & Student Services; applicants must submit via the family portal using the school code and pay a submission fee. Third-party payments do not affect eligibility, and families enrolled for less than two years are not eligible to apply until after enrollment. French citizens may also apply for a bourse through the French Consulate; applicants must be registered with the Consulate and meet with its Social Services. For help with the process, contact Mireille Desalm, Director of Admissions.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If your child is accepted and you prefer to wait before enrolling, they will be placed on a waiting list; their seat will be guaranteed only when the enrollment agreement and tuition deposit have been paid. After January 11, 2026, late applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis; if accepted, you will be invited to a family interview; depending on the grade, the child may be accepted or placed on the waiting list. If accepted, you will have three days to sign the enrollment agreement and pay the tuition deposit; if placed on the waiting list, an enrollment agreement will be sent as soon as a seat becomes available.
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