Shaping “citizens of culture and courage” in the world, of the world, for the world — since 1935
For 90 years, the Lycée Français de New York has been more than a school—it is a “living entity.” Founded during the Great Depression by Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle, then Consul General of France in New York, alongside French and American university educators, business people and public officials, the Lycée was envisioned not just as a premier academic institution, but as a community to shape the thinkers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.
A school should be more than simply a provider of intellectual nourishment. Although essential, this would still not be sufficient. Students are called upon not only to receive and grow, but also to contribute. They are required to give something of themselves to each and every one of their fellows, and indeed to the school itself, which we view as a living entity.
Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle
Founder of the Lycée Français de New York (1935)
Over the decades, the Lycée has evolved to meet the needs of its students in a complex world, nurturing generations of engaged citizens while remaining true to the vision of its founder. From just 18 students in Grades 2, 4 and 6 in October, 1935, the school has grown into a vibrant international community of some 1,250 students each year and more than 35,000 alumni from over 150 nationalities.
The Lycée Français de New York: A Living Entity
1935
On October 3, the Lycée opens its doors to 18 students in Grades 2 to 6, with a budget of $2,500 raised through an amateur theatrical performance.
1938
The Lycée receives its final charter approval by the Board of Regents of the State University of New York (SUNY) and extends its upper grades for studies toward the French Baccalaureate.
1940
The first group of candidates are awarded their French Baccalaureate. The graduating class includes several students who had arrived at the Lycée from France as refugees.
1939-1945
World War II deeply touches the Lycée and its students. The school responds by supporting war-related charities, and even offering a first-aid class to students. Later, alumnus Pierre Frye wrote to his classmates about his experience at D-Day: “It’s only when a classmate doesn’t get back up that I grasp the true meaning of those bombardments.” Many students had joined forces such as the Free French, the Norwegian Army, and the Royal Air Force. Sadly, six did not return, including Charles de Fontnouvelle, son of our founder Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle.
1950's
The Lycée continues to grow during this time, including with the opening of a modern extension to its East 95th Street building, as well as a rise in sports and official Lycée school spirit.
1961
Maurice Galy arrives as President and remains for 30 years. He writes to students about these years of rapid growth for the school: “How, then, could we not express our joy at seeing the Lycée Français de New York play an ever more important role in Franco-American cultural exchange, and serve as one of New York’s most vibrant centers for the influence of French culture and education?”
1970's
After many moves and expansions from our original home on East 60th Street, the Lycée is home to more than 1,000 students.
1978
The first ever Gala fundraiser kicks off, strengthening the Lycée’s ties with New York’s French cultural institutions. President Maurice Galy met with French President George Pompidou, as well as President General Charles de Gaulle.
1983
The Lycée welcomes Christiane Lafon, its first female academic leader, as proviseure.
1985
As the Lycée celebrates its 50th anniversary, the school is officially granted authority to issue its own American high school diploma.
1995
The Lycée is officially accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) for the first time, deepening its connection with New York City private schools and strengthening its American credentials for a population of students increasingly interested in colleges and universities in the U.S.
1998
A group of dedicated parents and trustees developed a bold new vision for the Lycée, including plans to sell off its buildings to create a single, purpose-built campus and offer state-of-the-art education for all students under one roof.
2001
Yves Thézé, Head of School, is just one month into his role on 9/11, a crisis he manages across all five of the school’s buildings. Lycée students rally to support our local FDNY outpost. Michel Colbert, Class of 1980, is the sole community member to perish in the attack.
2003
The Lycée opened its 505 East 75th Street campus for all students with an inauguration by French President Jacques Chirac in the presence of Simone Veil, then President of the Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah, and Dominique de Villepin, Lycée alumnus and Minister of Foreign Affairs. This moment was pivotal for the school. Enrollment rose from 1,000 to over 1,300 in the first decade.
2006
In February, the Lycée community—including students and special guests Petula Clark and Angélique Kidjo—holds a fundraising concert created by Remy Loumbrozo to support Habitat for Humanity following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
2010
The Cultural Center, a hub for French and Francophone culture, opens for Lycée students, its community, and the broader public in New York City.
2015
The Lycée launches its 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, with a bold new mission focused on student-centered French-American education of the highest standard. The program would transform the student experience across academics, co-curricular programs, and student advising and support.
2016
The opening of the 20,000 sq.-ft. York Wing adds collaborative spaces, student support services, and classrooms designed for creative, project-based learning—nurturing initiative, collaboration, and civic responsibility.
2018
Lycée students and faculty participate in the National Walkout Against Gun Violence in support of the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.
2019
Evelyne Estey is appointed Head of School. Past Trustee and CFOO, she guides the community through the COVID-19 pandemic and further programmatic transformation at a challenging time in the history of the school, and the world.
2020
In response to COVID-19, the Lycée becomes one of the first schools in New York City to re-open in a hybrid learning model in September 2020, following three months of quarantine from March to June 2020.
2024
Jérémie Bourdon is appointed Head of School in March. Under his leadership, the Lycée begins its next phase of evolution and growth.
2025
The Lycée celebrates its 90th anniversary, reflecting on nearly a century of growth, adaptation, and transformation—ever-evolving, yet rooted in its founding principles: shaping citizens of culture and courage, in the world, of the world, for the world.
From its very beginning, the Lycée has looked outward—across borders, cultures, and generations. Today, as we educate students to thrive in a rapidly changing world, we honor the vision of Monsieur de Fontnouvelle and continue to nurture a school that grows, adapts, and belongs fully to the future.
Page after page, year after year, the Lycée yearbooks recount the history of our community. Take a trip down memory lane by checking out our Through the Decades: Lycée Français de New York Yearbooks playlist!
The source for the history of the Lycée is Dr. Jane Ross’s important book: Two Centuries of French Education in New York: The Role of Schools in Cultural Diplomacy (TBR Books, 2020).
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Mission and Values
