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France, Paris
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Ermitage was founded in 1941 by Anne-Marie Thommeret during WWII; the first school was destroyed by Allied bombing targeting the railroad, and students relocated within Maisons-Laffitte. In the 1980s, under Christopher Hunter, bilingual education and internationalism were established, offering a French curriculum with enhanced English instruction. The International Option of the French Baccalaureate began in 2003, and Round Square membership followed in 2005; the IB Diploma Programme was introduced in 2009. By 2012, the school achieved a 100% pass rate on the French Bac and the IB DP, and in 2020 earned 24 IBO distinctions following the second IB evaluation. In 2019, ownership changed to Laffitte Education and Benjamin Hunter became Head of School, continuing the school's international focus.
Ermitage is a close-knit community that includes parents, teachers, management, and current and former students, with mutual aid and informational resources such as the Amicale Parents Association. Members participate in community events throughout the school year, including a Christmas market, Halloween, International Day, prom, a dance contest, and the IB graduation ceremony. The community also supports students via a Buddy System and an Orientation Program to welcome new students, and uses tools like ManageBac and EcoleDirecte to stay connected. Alumni stay connected through reunions and anniversary celebrations, with Round Square opportunities offering international trips, student exchanges and service projects.
The Amicale Parents Association serves the Ermitage community by providing mutual aid and informational resources to families. It organizes many festive events throughout the year and helps coordinate welcoming activities for new families (e.g., Welcome Picnic and Parents' BBQ). Parents participate in parent-student conferences and can act as ambassadors for new families. The association supports the school's community by distributing resources, coordinating with school administration, and fostering a sense of belonging among families. Alumni and parents stay connected through the Amicale via reunions and networking opportunities, and the association collaborates with Round Square activities when appropriate.
Ermitage International School Paris is located in the historic park of Maisons-Laffitte, a 20-minute train ride from central Paris. Founded in 1941, the school utilizes traditional French residences and converted stables as classrooms and boarding houses for its 1,500 students. Parents can choose between the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, and DP) or the French Bilingual program, which prepares students for the International French Baccalaureate (BFI). Students engage in specialized offerings like the Equestrian program, which utilizes the town's heritage as a horse racing center. As a member of the Round Square network and a UNESCO partner, the school integrates practical service through initiatives such as the ICU2 project, providing vision care to thousands of people annually. Extracurricular activities range from competitive athletics to IB Visual Art exhibitions. Boarding is available in five or seven-day formats within residential French homes, creating a multicultural community for students aged 3 to 18.
