High School: Grades 9-12

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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 a diverse, multilingual community that enriches classroom dialogue and broadens perspectives.

A dynamic co-curricular program in the arts, civics, technology, athletics, and service learning extends learning beyond the classroom, fostering creativity, leadership, and real-world engagement. Together, these experiences prepare students to thrive at leading universities around the world and to navigate an interconnected global context.

Our Philosophy

The Lycée’s High School program (Grades 9–12) is built on three core pillars that guide every aspect of student life. Through them, the Lycée Français de New York nurtures 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.

Academic Excellence in a Bilingual Context

Students follow the French national curriculum, enhanced by high-level instruction in English. At the High School level, this immersion takes on a unique dimension through courses co-taught by American and French faculty, blending pedagogical methodologies and cultural perspectives within a single classroom. In Grades 11 and 12, students 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.

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.

Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship

High School students deepen their engagement with the world around them, both locally and globally, building on the foundations established in Middle School. All students complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service per year, developing a sense of responsibility and commitment to the common good.

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

Extracurricular activities—including academic clubs, interest-based clubs, and affinity groups—offer meaningful opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and inclusion.

The greatest testament of a Lycée education lies in the accomplishments of our alumni. The approach we offer goes beyond building academic and intercultural skills — it nurtures critical thinking and encourages students to look beyond the curriculum. In turn, they are empowered to shape their constantly changing world, not simply endure it. We don’t just prepare them for the next step in life — we equip them for the long term.

Maxime Dubray
Head of High School
Meet Maxime

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

Baccalauréat français international (BFI)

Curriculum Overview

High School is a culminating stage of learning, where students deepen their knowledge, refine their thinking, and take increasing ownership of their academic paths. Over four years, they develop the rigor, autonomy, and intellectual maturity required for higher education and beyond.

Rooted in the French national curriculum and enriched by a strong English-language coursework, the Lycée offers a demanding bilingual education. Students engage with complex ideas across subjects in both languages, building the ability to analyze, synthesize, and communicate with nuance.

Hallmark experiences—including the French Baccalauréat examinations and the study of philosophy in Grade 12—develop advanced skills in research, writing, and oral expression, while projects such as Connaissance du Monde (CDM), iQUEST project-based classes, and our “Be the Change” social entrepreneurship program foster creativity, collaboration, and real-world engagement.

A Rigorous Bilingual Program of Depth and Balance

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

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.

A Network of Support

With class sizes capped at 24 students, every child is known. In Grades 11 and 12, classes are increasingly organized in small groups, typically of fewer than 20 students, providing a supportive environment that allows for personalized guidance while fostering increasing independence.

A network of support helps students to both succeed academically and to develop their autonomy, confidence, and capacity to take ownership of their learning as they prepare for the transition to higher education.

  • Dialogue Hours: Three times a week, students have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with teachers for academic coaching and personal connection.
  • Advisory Program: Small peer groups led by faculty advisors meet weekly to focus on study habits, organization, relationship skills, and community life. In the final years of the program, advisors closely monitor academic progress and work in close collaboration with College Counselors to ensure a cohesive, holistic approach to supporting each student.
  • Support Team: A dedicated dean of student life, counselor, and grade-level coordinators along with learning specialists and our school psychologist support every stage of development.
  • Restorative Practices: We prioritize reflection and accountability, teaching students how to understand their mistakes, repair relationships, and grow from conflict.

Learning Beyond The Classroom

Service Learning, Leadership, and Global Engagement

Learning extends beyond the classroom through a strong emphasis on service, leadership, and global engagement. Students connect their academic work to real-world challenges through community partnerships, sustained service initiatives, and programs such as iQUEST, including Be the Change, where Grade 9 students design solutions to pressing social issues. Opportunities also extend internationally, with experiences that combine service, cultural exploration, and reflection—including a long-standing partnership in Da Nang, Vietnam, where Grade 10 students engage with local communities while deepening their global perspective.

Co-Curricular Activities

Learning extends beyond the academic day through a wide range of co-curricular opportunities that support exploration, leadership, and connection. Student-led and faculty-guided clubs allow students to pursue shared interests and deepen their knowledge, while affinity and alliance groups create spaces for dialogue, reflection, and belonging. Athletics also play a central role, with students competing in interscholastic leagues across New York City and developing teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit. Together, these experiences help students build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

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

Arrival

  • Student arrival
  • 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

  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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