International and French Programs

ACADEMIC CHOICES: THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OR THE FRENCH SCHOOL PROGRAM?

Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, in southern California, is dedicated to lighting the fires of scholasticism in each student who enters its doors. Utilizing the rigors of European analytical thinking paired with the dynamism of American exploration, Le Lycée offers a unique educational opportunity to students who wish to develop the skills necessary to become serious lifelong learners. Students from all cultures and all backgrounds can benefit from the in-depth college prep curriculum we offer.

There is a place at Le Lycée for every serious student who wants to apply. All it takes is a willingness to learn, a good attitude, and equally good behavior. With that in mind, there are two paths that the Le Lycée student can pursue...
 

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAM (ISP)

This section is designed for the American and International student who wishes to attend college in the United States and would like to learn in English. The faculty designs this college prep program adhering to the guidelines of the California Standards to guarantee that all requirements for college are not only met but far exceeded. Instruction is in English in all classes of this section with the exception of the French class and other language classes. (Everyone at Le Lycée learns French regardless of section or prior knowledge.) What makes this school unique from the other private school college prep programs is its emphasis on a more analytical European style of education including organizational skills, critical thinking skills, and a comprehensive point of view that includes exploration of the social and cultural relevancy and depth of the material. Students are tested with American standardized tests.
 

A FRENCH SPEAKING SCHOOL PROGRAM (FSP)

This section is designed for the student who is fluent in French by the sixth grade and wishes to pursue the French Baccalaureate, or the Franco-American Baccalaureate and/or Capstone as well as to prepare to attend college. This rigorous system was established in the 18th century and is regulated by the French Ministry of Education. Updated programs and teaching directives are published several times a year in the Bulletin officiel de l'Education nationale, de l'enseignement supérieur et de la recherche (B.O.) and is used as a teaching reference by all teachers in the French School Program at Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles. All classes are taught in French with the exception of the English course. The French system is built on a somewhat precise sequence of learning tasks and it becomes less possible to enter the French School Program as the grades advance until it is virtually impossible to enter this program in middle school. This does not prevent students of any background who begin early enough from entering the French School Program. Some of the students who have scored best in the French Baccalaureate and the Franco-American Baccalaureate are those who have come from English speaking households but have been Le Lycée students since early education. As with the the International School Program students, Le Lycée tests the French School Program students with American standardized tests yearly as an assurance that the program is relevant to students who are planning to enter American colleges and universities.
 

DIPLOMAS & CERTIFICATES

Upon successful completion of the 12th grade, all students will be awarded at least one of the following diplomas or certificates.

Students may aim for up to three of these awards. 99% of our students graduate with at least two of these diplomas, which are highly prized by university admissions scouts throughout North America as well as Europe.

• California High School Diploma (ALL students, both ISP and FSP )

• French-American Baccalaureate (FSP only) –this, transcultural diploma, jointly recognized by the American College Board as well as the French Ministry of Education, includes all the French Bac requirements along with a large number of AP classes in English.

• Capstone Diploma (ISP and FSP). The highly prestigious “Capstone Diploma” is the College Board’s answer to the International Baccalaureate. It requires successful completion of two Capstone Seminars along with four AP classes with a score of 3 or higher.

• Classic French Baccalaureate, (FSP only). This is commonly known as “Le BAC.” Students speicalize in either the Economic/Social (ES) , the Scientific (S) , or the Literary/Linguistic (L) track for the traditional Bac exam.

• Capstone Certificate (ISP and FSP) Students are awarded this highly regarded Certificate upon successful completion of the two Capstone AP courses : the Capstone Seminar and Capstone Research.