Lycée Cares: a community service initiative against food insecurity
Lycée Cares is an annual service initiative in partnership with City Harvest aimed at fighting food insecurity across New York City.
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A Community for Students—and for Families
The Lycée offers everything families expect from a top French school and a top New York City independent school—and something rare beyond that: a truly multilingual, multicultural education lived every day.
Students don’t simply learn another language; they learn in it, studying subjects across languages, forming friendships with peers from around the world, and developing the ability to listen, adapt, and connect across cultures. They bring these experiences home—sparking conversations, sharing perspectives, and often introducing their families to new ways of seeing the world. In this way, the Lycée experience shapes not only students, but the families who grow alongside them.
Nine years in, I’m still astonished by the world my child has opened up for us as a Lycée student. To watch him fluidly navigate languages and cultures with such respect and grace is a wonder I never imagined. This school doesn’t just educate our children; it invites us as parents to witness a global harmony that only happens on this one fabulous New York block.
Jennifer Luloff
Lycée parent
Our core value of solidarité-community is at the heart of life at the Lycée, and that spirit extends well beyond our classrooms. Many choose the Lycée because they share a global outlook, an interest in multilingual education, and a desire for something distinctive. That shared mindset creates a powerful bond among parents and guardians, one that makes our community feel both welcoming and deeply connected.
Whether you are an American family seeking an international perspective, a French family in New York for a few years, or part of the global community that calls this city home, you will find a place for yourself here.
A True Home–School Partnership
Open communication and collaboration between families and the school are central to student success. At the Lycée, this partnership unfolds in both French and English, ensuring that families can engage fully and comfortably in school life. Regular conferences, parent gatherings with school leadership, and ongoing bilingual communication keep families informed, connected, and closely involved in their children’s daily experience.
Parent programming—often linked to what students are learning—helps families extend conversations at home and remain active partners in their children’s growth. In partnership with the Parents Association (APL), the school also offers workshops and discussions designed to support families through key stages of child development and adolescence.
The Parents Association (APL)
All Lycée parents are members of the Association des parents d’élèves du Lycée (APL), an independent organization led by parent volunteers that plays a vital role in community life.
The APL:
- Serves as a bridge between families and school leadership
- Organizes community-building and cultural events
- Encourages dialogue and collaboration
- Supports school initiatives and celebrations
- Connects with parent affinity/alliance groups to strengthen inclusion and belonging for all families
Through these efforts, the APL strengthens connections among families while helping sustain the inclusive, international spirit that defines the Lycée.
Parents in School Life
Families are active participants in the educational experience in ways both big and small.
In the early years, parents may:
- Support class activities or trips
- Share professional or cultural expertise
- Participate in classroom projects
As students grow, opportunities expand:
- Speaking at career panels and conferences
- Mentoring or coaching student projects
- Supporting clubs, events, and initiatives
One highlight is the annual Career Fair for Grade 10 and 11 students. More than 50 parents meet with students in small groups to discuss their careers and inspire future pathways. Parents also serve as coaches and jury members during the Grade 9 Social Entrepreneurship Day program, guiding students as they develop and present their ideas.
Shared Experiences, Shared Community
Families help shape the welcoming culture of the Lycée through traditions and events that bring people together. Each year, parents affirm shared values through a Family Agreement and participate in community-wide initiatives such as:
- Cultural celebrations and Spring Fair
- Volunteer days like Lycée Cares
- Primary School community programs
- School festivals and gatherings
Our Cultural Center further enriches family life with evening concerts, films, and lectures that invite families to engage in the arts together.
A Community for Life
For many families—especially those far from relatives or home countries—the Lycée becomes a true home away from home. Parents form friendships, celebrate holidays together, and build lasting connections across cultures. Long after graduation, these relationships remain part of what families remember most about their time at the Lycée.
Our Mission in Action
Celebrating Diversity: The Lycée’s Day of Understanding
The Day of Understanding brings together students, families, and faculty to celebrate the diversity that defines our school community.
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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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Where next?
Admissions
Mission and Values
