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Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine

Zimbabwe, Harare

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees ZWL 3,210 - 10,710
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 130
Type Co-educational
Opened 1980
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 12
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Founded in 1980, Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine is the bilingual French international school in Harare, at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, serving Preschool through Upper 6. It operates under AEFE, with the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe and the Association of Parents of Students of the French School Harare. The curriculum follows the French national framework, adapted for an international context, with a focus on bilingual competence, cultural understanding, and preparation for global engagement. Extracurriculars include tennis, swimming, basketball, rugby, judo, dance and music programs (hip-hop, mbira, marimba). The school offers Model United Nations and paid workshops such as Candle Workshop and Jewelry Creation, plus Robotek and JumpStart. Safety and structured daily routines underpin a learning environment that blends French and English instruction and fosters global citizenship. The campus features dedicated bilingual classrooms, student safety protocols, and opportunities to engage with a global community through AEFE and international partnerships.

The Essentials

Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine has 130 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in French, English.

Location

The school is located at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, Harare, Zimbabwe. It sits in the Vainona area of Harare and is accessible via local roads. The address is listed as Visit Us on the school site.

Stages

Preschool through Upper 6.

Type

The school is a bilingual international school offering French and English instruction.

Country affiliation

AEFE-affiliated (Agency for French Education Abroad)

School day structure

Monday–Friday, 08:00–13:00; Saturday and Sunday closed.

Fees

Annual tuition at Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine ranges from ZWL 3,210 to ZWL 10,710 for 2026/27.

Application / First registration fee
- First registration fee (per child, payable once at first enrolment): USD 1,000.00.

Tuition fees (per term) and annual equivalent by school cycle — 2025/2026 school year
- French nationals (1–2 children in the same family):
- Nursery / Maternelle (TPS–GS): USD 1,070.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 3,210.00.
- Primary / Élémentaire (CP–CM2): USD 2,295.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 6,885.00.
- Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 3,010.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 9,030.00.
- Lycée (2nde–Terminale): USD 3,570.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 10,710.00.

- French nationals (from the 3rd child in the same family — concessionary rates):
- Nursery / Maternelle (TPS–GS): USD 1,070.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 3,210.00.
- Primary / Élémentaire (CP–CM2): USD 1,720.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 5,160.00.
- Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 2,150.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 6,450.00.
- Lycée (2nde–Terminale): USD 2,675.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 8,025.00.

- Other nationalities (1–2 children in the same family):
- Nursery / Maternelle (TPS–GS): USD 1,165.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 3,495.00.
- Primary / Élémentaire (CP–CM2): USD 2,480.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 7,440.00.
- Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 3,265.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 9,795.00.
- Lycée (2nde–Terminale): USD 3,570.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 10,710.00.

- Other nationalities (from the 3rd child in the same family — concessionary rates):
- Nursery / Maternelle (TPS–GS): USD 1,165.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 3,495.00.
- Primary / Élémentaire (CP–CM2): USD 1,755.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 5,265.00.
- Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 2,450.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 7,350.00.
- Lycée (2nde–Terminale): USD 2,675.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 8,025.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- School-year billing is structured in three terms. Payment timing required by the school: first term between 01 September and 30 September; second term no later than 15 November; third term no later than 31 March.
- Currencies accepted for school fees: USD or Euro (payments are to be made in foreign currencies only).
- Payment frequency options:
- Single payment in full at the start of the school year (USD or Euro).
- Three instalments: at the start of each term (USD or Euro).
- Nine-month monthly payment plan (request required in advance for the next school year). Families opting for the nine-month plan are charged an administration fee of USD 150.00 (or Euro equivalent) per family per year.
- Non-payment / late payment rules: a missed payment may cancel any pre-agreed payment plan. Overdue payments incur a 10% penalty from the 20th day of delay; the penalty increases to 15% after 60 days. Students may be suspended from classes and registration may be cancelled if fees remain unpaid.

Boarding fees
- The school operates as a day school with specified opening hours and pick-up rules; no boarding fees are listed. Pick-up and supervision rules are detailed in the school regulations.

Other costs and deposits
- Library deposit for book borrowing: USD 50.00 (payable at the start of the school year).
- College (collège) textbook deposit: USD 100.00 at the beginning of the school year; refundable depending on condition/return of textbooks.
- Exam-related costs: parents are required to pay examination fees (DELF Prim, DNB, BAC) and any travel expenses for external exam centres (e.g., travel to South Africa for the BAC exam).
- Late pickup charge: USD 15.00 per 15 minutes per child (any part of a 15-minute period is charged).
- Stationery / class materials: the school provides annual stationery lists by cycle; separate costs for these items are detailed on the school's registration material lists. (Stationery lists are published for Nursery, Primary and Secondary cycles.)

Refund and withdrawal conditions
- The first registration fee is non-refundable from the moment the student attends school.
- School fees already due for any term commenced remain payable in full except in specific, authorised cases. A family wishing to withdraw a pupil permanently must give one term's notice; failure to give this notice will result in fees being payable for that term in full.
- Deposits for library and textbooks are refundable subject to the condition and return of materials.

Fee payment mechanics (channels and practical notes)
- The school's published financial rules specify accepted currencies (USD or Euro) and the permitted payment schedules (single annual payment, three-term instalments, or a nine-month plan with an administration fee). Specific payment channels (for example: bank transfer or card) are not enumerated in the financial rules; parents should use the school's admissions/finance office contact details for instruction on the available payment channels and to arrange payment plans.
Academics

Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine teaches French Curriculum.

Curriculum

An international-level curriculum for your child.

Student Teacher Ratio

A favorable teacher-to-student ratio.

Higher Education Progression

We prepare students for progression to top international universities.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides a structured learning environment in a familial setting.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school is inclusive.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school offers a bilingual education in French and English.

Safeguarding

Student Safety is our top priority. We implement rigorous safety protocols and maintain a secure, nurturing environment to ensure every student's well-being.

Admissions

Admissions

1. Review downloadable admission documents for the 2025-2026 year. These include the 2025-2026 School Fees Structure, the Registration Form, and the List of documents for registration. Stationery lists are available for Pre-School, Primary School (CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2), and Secondary (Collège / Lycée). A 2025-2026 School Calendar is published to help plan enrolment. 2. Complete the Registration Form and gather the documents listed in the List of documents for registration. The Pre-School Stationery, Primary School Stationery (CP to CM2), and Secondary School Stationery guides are provided to assist preparation. Prepare the required items in advance to avoid delays. 3. Submit the Registration Form together with the required documents and arrange payment according to the 2025-2026 School Fees Structure. Fees are published in the 2025-2026 School Fees Structure. Ensure all documents are complete before submission to avoid delays. After submission, admissions will confirm receipt and guide the next steps. 4. The school is located at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, Harare, and office hours are Monday to Friday 08:00–13:00. You may also reach the admissions team by phone using the main school line.

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