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United States, Philadelphia
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
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.
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.
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.
The French International School of Philadelphia is a not-for-profit independent school serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It offers a bilingual dual curriculum in French and English, with French instruction aligned to the official national curriculum of France and English instruction aligned to the standards of the State of Pennsylvania. Language Arts, Social Studies and Math are taught in both languages, with the balance gradually shifting from preschool to eighth grade (PK2 90% French / 10% English to 50/50 in upper grades). In addition, a Spanish immersion program began in 2022 for fourth and fifth graders. The 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; sports are taught in English from grades 4–8. The Lower School sits on a two-acre Bala Cynwyd site; the Upper School campus expansion in 2022 added the Air Liquide Center for Science and Innovation and the Casey-Willig Arts Center, with space for up to 150 students. Accreditation comes from the French Ministry of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
