French International School of Philadelphia - Upper School

Two campuses in Bala Cynwyd, PA: Lower School at 150 North Highland Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, and Upper School at 23 City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Located on the Main Line, less than 20 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. Neighbors include Saint Joseph's University and the Barnes Foundation Arboretum.

Preschool through eighth grade.

Independent private school.

More than 50 nationalities represented; student population exceeds 350; students come from American, French, and international backgrounds.

Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provides on-site psychology evaluations, speech-language pathology, math and reading support, and a school counselor; there is an on-site nurse on campus; annual health checks are conducted for students by district medical staff.

France; accredited by the French Ministry of Education.

Full-day schedule varies by grade: PK3–PK4 8:45 a.m.–2:55 p.m.; K–G3 8:30 a.m.–2:55 p.m.; G4–G8 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

Lower School is a 15-minute walk from Merion Station on the R5 line; Bus 44 runs between Center City and Ardmore and serves the Upper School on City Avenue, stopping at the corner of Old Lancaster Road and North Highland Avenue, 2 minutes from the Lower School.

The school offers a dual curriculum in French and English, with English taught by an American teacher and French taught by a French teacher. French instruction follows the official national curriculum of France, while English instruction follows the standards established by the State of Pennsylvania. Language Arts, Social Studies and Math are taught in both languages, with the balance shifting by grade from preschool through eighth grade (PK2 90% French / 10% English; PK3 82% French / 18% English; PK4 77% French / 23% English; Kindergarten 73% French / 27% English; First Grade 73% French / 27% English; Second Grade 65% French / 35% English; Third Grade 65% French / 35% English; Fourth Grade 62% French / 38% English; Fifth Grade through Eighth Grade 50% French / 50% English). In classes conducted in French, the national curriculum of France is followed; in English, Pennsylvania standards are used. Spanish immersion was launched in 2022 for fourth and fifth graders. Our science program includes monthly preschool exploration, formal science from grades 2–8, and annual science fairs including participation in the Montgomery County Science Fair. All students participate in weekly music classes, art is integrated across grades, and sports are taught in English from grades 4–8; a Spanish immersion program complements the curriculum. Technology is used across classrooms, and Spanish immersion classes began in 2022 for 4th–5th grades.

Average class size is 15 students.

French-language assessments are national tests provided by the French Ministry of Education, and English-language assessments are Terra Nova standardized tests given annually to students from CE2 to 4th grade.

Graduates go on to private and public schools in the Philadelphia area and to international programs. Some graduates have attended Friends Central, Agnes Irwin, Baldwin, The Haverford School, Germantown Friends School, Harriton High School and Central High School (IB).

Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provides support services to the French International School of Philadelphia. These services include psychological testing, counseling, speech therapy, and remedial instruction. A school psychologist, a speech therapist, a math and English specialist, and a counselor are assigned to the school by the MCIU. In Middle School, social development is emphasized, with students meeting twice a week for discussions and collective projects to address teenage issues and interactions with peers and adults.

Support services include psychological testing, speech therapy, remedial instruction, and counseling. A school psychologist, a speech therapist, a math and English specialist, and a counselor are assigned to the school by the MCIU.

The school teaches a dual curriculum in French and English, with English taught by American teachers and French taught by French teachers; both languages are treated as languages to master rather than as foreign languages. The program uses both French and English instruction, with preschool percentages at 90% French / 10% English and a 50/50 balance from sixth through eighth grade. In middle school, half the classes are in French and half in English; Language Arts, Social Studies and Math are taught in both languages; Science and Physical Education are taught in English while Art is taught in French; Spanish and Latin are introduced in grade six. English Support is provided by English support teachers who coordinate with regular English teachers.

A nurse is on staff to manage student health, maintain health records, and handle required forms; physical examinations and updated vaccination records are required for new students. Mental health and related supports are provided through services assigned by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, including a school psychologist, a speech therapist, a math and English specialist, and a counselor. In Middle School, social development is emphasized through twice-weekly discussions and collaborative projects that address teenage issues and peer interactions.

Step 1: Request information online to learn more about the school and program. Step 2: Register for an informational session hosted by the admissions team. Step 3: Complete the online application (fee is $60); if needed, you can print and mail the form; after submission, the school will contact you to schedule a family visit. Step 4: Attend a family visit, with the child meeting an admissions team member for a school readiness assessment (about 20–45 minutes, starting around 8:45 a.m.). Step 5: For grades 1–8, forward the last two years of transcripts and, if applicable, teacher recommendations. Step 6: A decision and enrollment timeline: if the application is complete by January 15, the admission decision is communicated by early February; after January 15, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available. Step 7: Financial aid is available and encouraged for all families; inquire about aid during the process.

The financial aid program is designed to enhance the school's mission and is need-based, determined by the family's ability to meet educational expenses; a financial aid service (School and Student Services for Financial Aid, SSS) is used, with the school's SSS number 3275. For 2026–2027, applicants must upload required documents (2025 W‑2, 2025 1040, two most recent pay stubs) and submit everything by March 1, 2026. French families registered at the French Consulate may apply for a government scholarship; the school also provides guidance for applying to American financial aid; the school is an approved organization for PA EITC/OSTC tax credits to support the Beyond Borders Fund, allowing donors to receive tax credits (up to 90% of donated amount) and a charitable deduction for the rest. For more details and applying, contact the school's finance office; information is available through the financial‑aid pages and related resources.

Decisions are issued on a rolling basis after January 15 as space permits; completed applications by January 15 receive decisions by early February; after January 15, admissions are offered as space is available.