Compare International Schools in Lyon, France

69 avenue Jean Mermoz, 69008 Lyon, in Lyon's 8th arrondissement

Nursery and Elementary

Private bilingual school

Personalised care; increased supervision and extra tutoring where necessary; support courses in French, Maths or English

France (French national curriculum)

Open Monday to Friday; starts 7:45 am (before-school care available until 9:00 am); morning 9:00 am–12:00 pm; afternoon 1:30 pm–4:30 pm; Nursery 4:30 pm–6:30 pm; supervised study three times a week from 5:00 pm–6:00 pm (CE1).

No boarding. The school provides before- and after-school care on site, with the day opening from 7:45am and supervision available around the school day.

Meals are prepared on site using fresh produce, with seasonal and organic ingredients; menus are drawn up by a dietician. A typical meal includes a starter, a hot dish with vegetables and starch, with a vegetarian option one day a week, and snacks are provided. Nursery meals are supervised by teachers.

New School Lyon is a public school in Lyon that follows the official French curriculum and offers bilingual English–French immersion.

New School Lyon is a bilingual French-English public school in Lyon's 8th arrondissement, serving pupils from TPS to CM2. It follows the official French Ministry of Education curriculum. Bilingual immersion in English from an early age is central to learning. Small class sizes support a personalised teaching approach, which is active and based on a thematic project of general and scientific culture. The environment promotes children's well-being and development.

Small class sizes.

The school promotes children's well-being and personal development. It is designed as a friendly, human-scale environment with small class sizes and personalised teaching, and bilingual immersion from an early age.

The school is bilingual in French and English, with bilingual immersion from an early age.

The school supports mental wellbeing by fostering a friendly, human-scale environment that respects each child's rhythm and needs.

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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.

Ages 3-18; Primary through High School. IB Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme.

Not-for-profit association (French law 1901); independent international school.

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.

English language support (ESOL) is available for students who need it. In secondary school a minimum English level is required to access the curriculum; French is compulsory.

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.

Lunches: Families choose between a packed lunch (microwaves available in all lunchrooms) or a connected refrigerated vending machine with fresh products renewed daily for Grades 5–12; cards are available from the office and refilled online. Pizza days occur every second Friday, with funds raised going to charity, school activities, or the PTA. Snacks may be brought for the morning break; fizzy drinks and energy drinks are not allowed; ISL promotes a waste-free lunch policy.

The International School of Lyon is a not-for-profit association (French Loi 1901). The Board, along with the Director, oversees the school's functioning and finances. The founding industrial members were Bayer Crop Science, Lafarge, Merial, Monsanto and Renault Trucks. Current Chief Board members are: Laurence Arikan (Flexis Mobility) – President; François Rocher (formerly Bayer Crop Science) – Treasurer; Amaury de Carlan (Associé, LexCase); Arnaud de Jaureguiberry (Bayer SAS); Françoise Le Guern (Volvo Group); Donna Philip (former Director, ISL).

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.

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.

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).

ISL fosters social and emotional development through a welcoming, inclusive community. New arrivals are paired with a buddy and a mentor family to help them settle in. The school provides a safe, supportive, nurturing environment that promotes belonging, safety, self-worth and holistic growth. In Primary, weekly pastoral lessons cover a broad range of pastoral and wellbeing topics for Grades 1–5. ISL's mission emphasizes developing curious, responsible, interculturally understanding lifelong learners.

ISL follows an Inclusion Policy that provides ESOL and support for students with special needs. Admission considers whether the school can meet the academic, social and emotional needs of the student, and an individualized learning plan may be used. A SENCO coordinates assessment and appropriate interventions, with teachers differentiating instruction and collaborating with outside specialists. Where needed, ESOL support is provided and external resources or examination accommodations may be arranged.

Fluency in English is not a prerequisite to join ISL; students from many language backgrounds attend, with English language support (ESOL) available for those who need it. In secondary school, a minimum level of English is required to access the curriculum and ensure academic success.

ISL supports student wellbeing through wellbeing initiatives and pastoral care. The OFF February Challenge invites students and staff to reduce social media use as a wellbeing activity. New student integration includes a buddy system to help students settle in and build social connections. Weekly pastoral lessons in Grades 1–5 address wellbeing and related social-emotional topics.

ISL prioritizes safeguarding; all staff are trained in Child Protection and Safeguarding and in mandatory first aid and fire safety procedures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nursery – Elementary – Lower Secondary – Upper Secondary

Private, secular, non-profit international bilingual school, partly under contract with the State.

58 nationalities represented; 75% French and 25% international.

France

Secular

Five school bus lines serve the Grand Lyon agglomeration.

All sites host day students or half-board students; there are no boarding facilities in Caluire or Savoie.

Before- and after-school care is available; a demi-pension (half-board) service is offered. The canteen publishes seasonal menus.

The school is an independent, secular, non-profit private school managed by a non-profit association under the 1901 law. It operates across four sites in Lyon and Savoie and offers national and international curricula, including IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate; the Lyon campus is registered as an IB World School.

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.

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.

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.

Parcours talent (talent track) is listed among higher education options via Emlyon Global BBA (English track).

The school emphasizes the human dimension of education and aims to build long-term fulfillment and success. It fosters mindful and active partnership between students, families, and supervising staff. Students benefit from an all-rounded educational experience, including sports, cultural activities, and clubs that support social development and peer engagement. The school encourages learning through projects and international exchanges, which helps students develop social awareness and collaboration skills. Conferences and collaboration with former students and the supervising team support students' personal growth and informed choices about their future in a social context.

The school teaches in English as part of its international curriculum, with IGCSE, International Baccalaureate, and a Dual Diploma offered. A bilingual version of the French National Curriculum is taught from nursery level, with French and English language teaching adapted to pupils' needs (beginner to native speaker). From Year 9/10 onward, pupils prepare for Cambridge IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate. The curriculum enables gradual acquisition of up to four foreign languages, with languages including French, English, German, Japanese, Spanish and Chinese. The school integrates bilingualism and plurilingualism to support multilingual learning across its four sites.

Ombrosa addresses safeguarding and student wellbeing through harassment awareness education designed to promote a safe learning environment. The program uses videos, exchanges and discussions to stimulate student understanding and responses. Students are taught to recognize, analyze, and deal with harassment as victims or witnesses. The program covers the roles of victims, harassers, and witnesses, along with short-, medium-, and long-term consequences. It provides information on reporting platforms and means of seeking assistance.

Ombrosa addresses safeguarding by including harassment awareness to promote a safe learning environment. It uses videos and exchanges to stimulate discussion and understanding about harassment. Students are taught to recognize, analyze, and respond to harassment as victims or witnesses. The program describes the roles of victims, harassers, and active or passive witnesses, along with the consequences. The school provides information on national platforms for reporting or seeking assistance. It emphasizes mindful and active partnership with families and staff to support safeguarding.

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.

Waiting list may be established. The date of reception of the complete application is taken into account.

Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, Lyon, France. The school sits in a privileged environment in the commune of Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, with the Monts d'Or hills to one side and the Saône valley to the other. It is about 10 minutes from Place Bellecour in central Lyon and near Paul Bocuse's three-star restaurant.

Maternelle (nursery/kindergarten) and Élémentaire (elementary). Accueil starts at age 2, and CM1 and CM2 are under contract with the State.

Private Franco-English bilingual school (maternelle and élémentaire) in Lyon.

France

Four-day week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday). The school day runs 8:30–16:30 for elementary and 9:00–16:30 for kindergarten; arrivals are from 8:00 to 18:00, with an on-site canteen.

On-site canteen with multiple lunch service options.

GREENFIELD is a bilingual French-English nursery and elementary school in Lyon, located in Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, about 10 minutes from Place Bellecour. It welcomes children from age 2 and offers enrollment for 2026/27. The school provides daily instruction in French and English, with native English-speaking teachers and French teachers working together. The preschool aims to foster a love of learning and the development of the child's personality, while the elementary program prioritizes mastery of the French language and the first elements of mathematics. The bilingual program is organized around half-day blocks in French and English on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The school day runs roughly 9:00–16:30 in maternelle and 8:30–16:30 in élémentaire, with an on-site cafeteria and before/after-care options. CM1 and CM2 are under contract with the State, guaranteeing the level of schooling required to progress to 6e. The majority of the teaching staff have more than 15 years' experience in delivering the bilingual project, and collaborate across languages to enrich teaching through projects and cross-disciplinary experiences. A founder's note explains that Greenfield was created to offer early bilingual education in a family-style setting that emphasizes respect, self-esteem, tolerance and open-mindedness. The school emphasizes a warm, supportive environment and a family atmosphere.

The school provides bilingual instruction in French and English with native English-speaking teachers; daily half-days in French and English.

1. Pre-register online to request enrollment without waiting for the next entry to avoid being on the waiting list. Greenfield keeps small class sizes, with about 20 children per class, so places are limited. By pre-registering, you help initiate the enrollment process and enable the school to prepare the required enrollment file. Pre-registration is possible year-round for the current year, subject to available places.

2. All year round, you can submit a registration request for the current year, subject to available places. After you submit the request, you will receive the complete enrollment file to review and complete. This process allows you to start enrollment at any time rather than waiting for a fixed intake date. The online pre-registration option is designed to facilitate timely processing.

To avoid being on the waiting list, pre-register online; registration requests are accepted year-round for the current year and are subject to available places.