High School: Grades 9-12

At the Lycée Français de New York, high school students are encouraged to think deeply, question confidently, and engage fully.

Guided by a rigorous program leading to the French Baccalauréat, a globally recognized diploma, they explore a broad range of demanding disciplines within an international community that enriches classroom dialogue. A strong co-curricular program in the arts, civics, technology, athletics, and service learning extends learning beyond the classroom, preparing students to thrive at universities around the world.

Our Philosophy

Accredited by both the French Ministry of Education and New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), the Lycée’s High School program (Grades 9–12) is built on three core pillars that guide every aspect of student life:

1. Academic Excellence in a Bilingual Context

Students follow the French national curriculum, internationally recognized for its intellectual rigor and depth, enhanced by high-level instruction in English. In Grades 11 and 12, students who choose our international track may take up to 40% of their coursework in English and enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects such as History, Literature, and Mathematics.

This bilingual pathway accredited Section internationale by the French Ministry of Education allows students to develop a strong academic profile aligned with international higher education standards.

2. Student Well-Being and Personalized Support

Student well-being is central to our educational approach. A structured system of academic and personal support ensures that every student is known and supported. Class sizes never exceed 24 students, and many courses are conducted in smaller, reduced-size groups.

Dialogue Hours provide regular one-on-one time with teachers for academic guidance, while the weekly Advisory Program focuses on executive functions such as academic planning, stress management, personal development, and community building. Close collaboration between teachers, advisors, school leadership, and families allows for additional support when needed.

3. Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship

High School students are encouraged to engage actively with the world around them whether locally or more globally. All students complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service per year, developing a sense of responsibility and commitment to the common good. Extracurricular activities—including academic clubs, interest-based clubs, and affinity groups—offer meaningful opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and inclusion.

Language, cultural, and service learning trips further expand students’ global perspectives through immersion, exchange, and international solidarity projects.

Through these three pillars, the Lycée Français de New York shapes 21st century citizens of culture and courage – curious, critical, and engaged young adults, prepared to navigate a complex, interconnected world with integrity, empathy, and confidence.

Diplomas & Academic Pathways

Graduates of the Lycée Français de New York earn a Lycée High School Diploma and may also pursue one of two internationally recognized French diplomas, offering exceptional academic preparation and global university access.

The French Baccalauréat: A Globally Recognized Diploma of Excellence

Standard French Baccalauréat

Designed for francophone students, the standard French Baccalauréat combines a demanding academic core with personalized specialty subjects aligned with each student’s interests and goals.

Renowned worldwide for its intellectual rigor, the French Bac develops strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It is highly valued by universities across the globe and recognized as a mark of academic excellence and adaptability.

Baccalauréat français international (BFI)

The Baccalauréat français international (BFI) adds a bilingual, bicultural, and international dimension to the French Bac. Students complete advanced coursework in English and History-Geography—through Advanced English Studies or Advanced Placement (AP) courses—and undertake an interdisciplinary research project in Connaissance du Monde (Global Studies).

This pathway is designed for students who wish to highlight their bilingualism and deepen their understanding of North American culture while maintaining the rigor of the French curriculum.

The BFI is internationally recognized for its high academic standards and the strong language proficiency, global awareness, and oral communication skills of its graduates.

Preparing for Life After the Lycée

College counseling at the Lycée begins in Grade 9 and evolves throughout High School, helping students explore academic interests and plan confidently for their future.

Through personalized guidance, university visits, and ongoing exposure to institutions around the world, students are supported every step of the way.

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Curriculum Overview

Students follow the French curriculum taught by French and francophone faculty, integrated with English-language coursework comparable to that of leading New York City independent schools and taught by U.S.-educated teachers. Depending on their interests, Baccalauréat pathway, and post-secondary plans, students spend approximately 30–40% of their instructional time in English.

Grade 9

Grade 9 marks students’ entry into high school and prepares them for the Diplôme national du brevet « option internationale » (DNBi), a French national examination taken at the end of the year. The curriculum emphasizes breadth and academic foundations across disciplines, including French, mathematics, science, history-geography, world languages, arts, music, physical education, and English.

Students also participate in iQuest, the Lycée’s project-based learning program, which introduces social entrepreneurship and strengthens skills in research, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

Grade 10

Grade 10 is a pivotal transition year, preparing students for the French Baccalauréat cycle while allowing them to begin refining their academic interests.

Students continue a strong core curriculum in mathematics, science, history, world language, French and English literature, and physical education, while expanding their learning through a broader range of electives in areas such as computer science, fine arts, music, theater, and economics.

Grade 11

In Grade 11, students enter the French Baccalauréat cycle and choose between the Standard French Baccalauréat and the Baccalauréat français international (BFI).

Alongside a common core of subjects—including sciences, French and English literature, civics, a world language, and physical education—students select three specialty subjects (spécialités) from a wide range of humanities, sciences, economics, and computer science offerings.

All students take at least one mathematics course. The year culminates in national French and Mathematics written examinations and, for some students, Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

Grade 12

Grade 12 represents the culmination of the High School journey. Students continue with two specialty subjects and may choose optional courses aligned with their academic and professional goals. The core curriculum includes philosophy, history-geography, civics, English, sciences, physical education, and a world language, with additional electives available in music, fine arts, cinema, Latin, or Greek.

Students pursuing math- or engineering-focused pathways may enroll in advanced college-level mathematics courses. Senior year is marked by the final French Baccalauréat examinations, taken in May and June.

How is Progress Assessed?

In High School, assessment is based on a combination of continuous evaluation and national examinations, reflecting both day-to-day academic engagement and cumulative mastery. Throughout the year, students’ academic performance is closely monitored by the teaching team.

Students with specific needs are identified through close collaboration between teachers, advisors, and the school leadership. Tracking tools help assess individual situations and, when necessary, implement personalized action plans.

Each plan is developed in partnership with families and monitored regularly to ensure that every student receives support tailored to their needs.

What does a day in High School look like at the Lycée?

Arrival

8:05am

Morning

8:20am - 11:55am

Lunch & Recess

11:55am – 1:45pm

Afternoon

1:45pm - 4:15pm

End of the Day

4:15pm

Arrival

Student arrival and Advisory check-in, supporting well-being, academic planning, and personal development with guidance from a dedicated teacher-advisor

Morning

8:20am – Classes begin
2 hours of instruction
15-minute recess
2 hours of instruction

Lunch & Recess

One-hour break (from 11:55am to 12:55pm or from 12:45pm to 1:45pm)
High school students have access to the school cafeteria, which offers balanced meals prepared under the guidance of a dietitian.
Students may also bring their own lunch and eat in designated “breathing spaces.”
Many students choose to eat off-campus, taking advantage of the wide variety of food options available near the school.

Afternoon

3 hours of instruction
3:25pm – Dialogue Hours, held three times a week for one-on-one academic support

End of the Day

4:15pm – Dismissal
After-school activities can extend the day at school until 5:45pm, including music, robotics and arts.
Our Athletics program also provides students with opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, and physical well-being outside of class.

Our mission in action

iQUEST: Innovation and Leadership in Action

Launched in Grade 9, Innovation QUEST (iQUEST) is a signature Lycée program designed to help students develop the skills needed to navigate and shape a complex world.

#Innovation

#Leadership

Be The Change: Ninth Graders Become Social Entrepreneurs

All Grade 9 students take the Lycée's “Be The Change” social entrepreneurship course, which aims to inspire students to become active, compassionate leaders in a global community.

#GlobalCitizen

#Innovation

#Leadership

The Shakespeare Competition: From the page to the stage

Every year, the Lycée participates in the ESU National Shakespeare Competition, where students take the stage to perform the Bard’s greatest monologues.

#Academic excellence

#Leadership

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Academics

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Our Philosophy

1. Academic Excellence in a Bilingual Context

2. Student Well-Being and Personalized Support

3. Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship

Diplomas & Academic Pathways