CIPEC International School vs Sainte Victoire International School
CIPEC International School and Sainte Victoire International School are both in Marseille, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer French programmes. CIPEC International School also offers British and Cambridge (Primary), and Sainte Victoire International School also offers Cambridge IGCSE and IB. Published annual fees are €11,490 - 12,990 at CIPEC International School and €11,500 - 21,100 at Sainte Victoire International School, which puts Sainte Victoire International School roughly 33% higher. CIPEC International School takes pupils from 3 to 11, and Sainte Victoire International School from 6 to 18.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), French Curriculum
Curriculum
French Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
French, English
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
1984
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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Location
Fuveau, 13710, France, on the Domaine Château l'Arc estate opposite the Sainte-Victoire mountain. Aix-en-Provence is about 20 minutes away and Marseille about 30 minutes away. The daily commute is facilitated by a private transport service from home to school.
Stages
Stages
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Stages
Primary, Middle, and High School
School type
School type
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School type
Private international bilingual school with on-site boarding
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
France
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Private transport service from home to school is available
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration fees
- There is no one‑time entrance fee and no annual enrolment fee. Acceptance of a offered place must be confirmed within 15 days with a non‑refundable deposit to hold the place.
Tuition fees (by year group) — annual and per term (per‑term amounts shown are the annual fee divided into three equal terms for database display)
- Kindergarten (ages 3–5; K1–K3): Annual fee €11,490 · Per term (calculated) €3,830.
- Primary (Grades 1–5): Annual fee €12,990 · Per term (calculated) €4,330.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school publishes tuition as an annual charge. The per‑term figures above are a three‑term division of the published annual fee for database use (they are calculated values, not separately published term rates).
- An acceptance confirmation requires payment of a non‑refundable deposit within the 15‑day acceptance window. The school applies pro‑rata adjustments for students who leave during the school year; tuition is not charged for months not completed.
Boarding fees
- CIPEC operates as a day school for ages 3–11 and does not offer boarding provision. No boarding fees apply.
Other costs and optional fees
- Tutoring option: €750 per year. - Third‑language option: approximately €490–€590 per year (third‑language option is listed as a separate annual charge). - School bus service: approximately €1,990 per year. - Morning day care (early arrival) and after‑school tutoring/options are charged separately (examples shown: morning day care from €750/year; after‑school Smart Playtime circa €850/year). - Sibling discount: the published schedule applies a reduced fee for additional children from the same family (example published discounts: second child –7.5%, third child –15%). - Uniform: no compulsory uniform requirement is listed; there is no mandatory uniform expense. Personal items and some small consumables (notebooks, some photos, school T‑shirts) are reported as included in the published price in the school's fee notes.
Refund information
- The acceptance deposit is non‑refundable. For families who leave during the school year, tuition is adjusted pro‑rata and fees are not due for months not completed. Specific amounts and the deposit amount are not published in the public fee summary.
Fee payment options
- The public fee information does not provide a detailed list of accepted payment methods (for example: credit card, bank transfer, SEPA direct debit) in the published fee pages. The fee pages instead describe the deposit, annual tuition and optional itemised charges.
Notes on calculations and published detail
- Annual tuition figures above are the published school-year charges; per‑term numbers are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three and are provided for database use only (they are not separately published term invoices). The school's published fee information includes itemised optional services (bus, tutoring, third language, morning care) and sibling discounts; the acceptance deposit amount and specific payment methods are not listed in the publicly available fee summary.
Fee details
Application fees - There is no admission fee or registration fee for the 2025–2026 academic year (no droit d'inscription / no droit d'entrée).
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Primary (Elementary) - Pre-Grade 1 and Grade 1: EUR 11,500 per year (EUR 3,833.33 per term). - Grade 2 and Grade 3: EUR 12,900 per year (EUR 4,300.00 per term). - Grade 4 and Grade 5: EUR 13,000 per year (EUR 4,333.33 per term).
- Middle School / IGCSE (Grade 6–10) - Grade 6, 7 and 8 (tuition only): EUR 15,200 per year (EUR 5,066.67 per term). Boarding supplements (optional): - 5-day boarding (Monday–Friday) supplement: EUR 11,200 per year (EUR 3,733.33 per term). - 7-day/full boarding supplement (Monday–Sunday) : EUR 16,500 per year (EUR 5,500.00 per term). - Combined totals (tuition + boarding): - Tuition + 5-day boarding: EUR 26,400 per year (EUR 8,800.00 per term). - Tuition + 7-day boarding: EUR 31,700 per year (EUR 10,566.67 per term). - Grade 9 and 10 (tuition only): EUR 17,400 per year (EUR 5,800.00 per term). Boarding supplements (same as above): - 5-day boarding supplement: EUR 11,200 per year (EUR 3,733.33 per term). - 7-day/full boarding supplement: EUR 16,500 per year (EUR 5,500.00 per term). - Combined totals: - Tuition + 5-day boarding: EUR 28,600 per year (EUR 9,533.33 per term). - Tuition + 7-day boarding: EUR 33,900 per year (EUR 11,300.00 per term).
- High School / International Baccalaureate (IB DP1 & DP2) - IB Programme (DP1 & DP2): EUR 21,100 per year (EUR 7,033.33 per term). Boarding supplements (same as middle school): - 5-day boarding supplement: EUR 11,200 per year (EUR 3,733.33 per term). - 7-day/full boarding supplement: EUR 16,500 per year (EUR 5,500.00 per term). - Combined totals: - Tuition + 5-day boarding: EUR 32,300 per year (EUR 10,766.67 per term). - Tuition + 7-day boarding: EUR 37,600 per year (EUR 12,533.33 per term).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment is accepted either as a single full payment on final enrolment or by trimester payment. When paying by trimester, each trimester payment is due on the 5th day of the first month of the relevant trimester. The payment plan choice must be indicated on registration forms. A 25% deposit (acompte) against the annual fees is required to reserve a place at enrolment.
Boarding fees and boarding-related charges - Boarders incur the boarding supplements listed above (5-day or 7-day options). Those supplements cover laundry, weekend activities and holiday transport for full boarders where noted. - Additional boarding-related charges and services: - Monthly laundry subscription available for weekly boarders: EUR 250 per month (optional). - Extra weekend (2 additional nights): flat fee EUR 350 (includes transport, laundry and meals). - Extra single night outside the school period or during a weekend: EUR 150 per night.
Other costs and mandatory extras - Uniform: a compulsory SVIS uniform is charged as a forfait of EUR 500 (TTC). An advance payment of EUR 500 for the uniform is required at the time of final enrolment. Additional uniform items may be ordered at extra cost. - Deposit of guarantee for boarders: EUR 500 per year per boarder is required at the start of the school year to cover incidental expenses (pocket money, medical costs, private lessons, purchases, transport, accidental damage, etc.). A detailed statement is produced at the end of each trimester; the school may request additional funds if the deposit is exhausted. - Diplomas and external exam fees (IB examination registration, Cambridge IGCSE, official language exams, etc.) are charged in addition to tuition. Private lessons, extra-curricular trips, cultural trips and certain outings are not included in the tuition and will be billed separately.
Refund and cancellation terms (applicable rules) - The 25% deposit is required to reserve a place. Specific refund language for that deposit is not set out beyond the general cancellation terms; the following administrative provisions apply: - If a student is expelled by the school or withdrawn by the parents, the current trimester and the following trimester remain due. - If an enrolment is cancelled after 1 July for the first trimester, or within 30 days before the start of the second or third trimester, the following full trimester is due. - Damages caused by a student are charged to the parents; invoices are issued at the end of each trimester.
Fee payment methods and invoicing - The school provides bank coordinates and an IBAN/SWIFT option and offers an autorisation de prélèvement (direct-debit) option for payments; full payment at registration and trimester payment schedules are offered. Credit card payment is not specified in the published enrolment documents for the 2025–2026 fee schedule. Invoices are produced and a detailed statement is provided at each trimester.
What is included in tuition - Tuition fees include scheduled class lessons, supervised study periods, required textbooks, use of sports facilities, daily meals (where included in the boarding package), and civil liability insurance. The uniform, private tuition, extra-curricular trips, cultural outings, health expenses and additional transport not provided by the school are excluded from the tuition and billed separately.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
On-campus private boarding for middle and high school students. Boarding is available as 5-night (Mon–Fri) or 7-night (Mon–Sun) options; capacity for around 60 boarders. The boarding houses 30 rooms, each accommodating three students, with two bathrooms per room and a kitchen area; each room has a private terrace with panoramic views. The boarding facility is located about 20 meters from the school, with access to a range of sports and activities and 24/7 supervision.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
Balanced and varied meals are provided in a dining space on campus, with meals served indoors or on the outdoor terrace; the dining area overlooks the lake.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
SVIS joined Ermitage Education Group in 2023, becoming part of a network of international schools.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school's international vocation is based on bilingualism French-English, with continuous use of both languages throughout the day. Teaching is inspired by Anglo-Saxon education, with core subjects taught in the morning and humanities emphasized in the afternoon. The school prepares students for recognized diplomas (Cambridge and Alliance Française) and conducts ongoing assessment. It also prepares students for entry to international, public, and private schools. The program includes a commitment to cultural awareness through world celebrations and environmental topics, with the day enriched by activities and a focus on language development. Smart Wednesday offers after-school activities for kindergarten and primary students, including sports, language support, and English courses.
Curriculum details
The school offers a fully bilingual education in French and English from primary through secondary. The Primary School blends the National Curriculum for England (Cambridge) with the French programme and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Middle School combines elements of the French national education system with Cambridge standards, with classes taught in both French and English, preparing students for the IGCSE. In High School, all instruction is delivered in English and follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), after completing the IGCSE curriculum in Years 10–11. These programmes prepare students to access top universities in France and around the world.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Maximum 20 students per class.
Student teacher ratio
The school has small class sizes.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The school prepares students for entry into international, public, or private schools.
Higher education progression
Students are prepared for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and are positioned to access top universities in France and around the world.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
Experiential learning strengthens students' social, emotional, and interpersonal skills. Hands-on learning is delivered through collaboration across grade levels, meaningful projects, and school trips that foster engagement and teamwork. SVIS fosters a caring environment built on trust, understanding and genuine care to support personal growth and well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Tailored support is provided for each student, taking into account individual needs and learning pace.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
From primary school through high school, bilingual education in French and English is provided with genuine language immersion. Students benefit from ability-based groups that help everyone progress at their own pace.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
The environment fosters well-being, curiosity and confidence. The experiential learning approach strengthens social, emotional and interpersonal skills, contributing to students' mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Located on Domaine de Fontvieille in Luynes, CIPEC International School sits in a natural setting among pine trees. The school offers a bilingual French–English learning environment with ongoing use of both languages throughout the day. Class sizes are small, with a maximum of 20 students per class, and the staff is international. On the Domaine de Fontvieille, on-site spaces support a range of activities, including a forest area for outdoor play and a stadium for sports. All activities and events take place on campus, including world festivals, nature and environmental celebrations, arts, theatre, and music, with the Smart Wednesday enrichment program available on-site.
Facilities overview
The school is located at Domaine Château l'Arc in Fuveau, Provence, at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain. The campus provides a peaceful, inspiring environment for students from primary through high school. Bright classrooms and an auditorium support both small-group and larger teaching sessions, with a natural outdoor play area and a spacious dining area on site. An on-site boarding house is part of the campus, and a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II sits on the estate. The school offers IGCSE and IB qualifications.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
On-site spaces include a stadium for sports and outdoor activity areas within the Domaine de Fontvieille. Students participate in sports competitions on campus. The expansive outdoor setting includes a forest area suitable for exploration and outdoor learning.
Sports facilities
Students have one hour of sport each day on campus. An on-site golf course enables regular practice and skill development. SVIS runs dedicated on-campus sports programmes, including the SVIS Golf Academy and SVIS Tennis School. Boarding life includes sports and outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, baseball and basketball. Leisure and excursions such as bowling, trampoline parks, amusement parks and paintball are offered as part of activities.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The curriculum blends the French national program for French language and mathematics with the British program for English language and mathematics, taught in English. The school prepares students for recognized diplomas such as Cambridge and Alliance Française, with ongoing assessment to support progress. It also prepares students for entry into international, public, or private schools.
Academic facilities
Bright classrooms support learning in small groups. An auditorium is used for lectures and large-group teaching sessions. The school offers bilingual education and programmes in IGCSE and IB. The campus supports students from primary to high school within a unified academic pathway.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The school offers theatre, visual arts, and music as part of its arts program. Activities are integrated into on-site learning, including world festivals, nature and environmental events, and other celebrations. There are sports competitions on-site and an Eco-Ecole program recognized by the school. An after-school enrichment program, Smart Wednesday, provides on-site activities such as sports and English support.
Extra curricular facilities
After School provides a complete extracurricular programme that supports well-being and discovery. There are dedicated on-campus sports programmes, including the SVIS Golf Academy and SVIS Tennis School. Boarding life offers sports and outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, baseball and basketball. Boarding life also includes leisure and excursions such as bowling, trampoline parks, amusement parks and paintball. Boarding students experience a bilingual and multicultural environment.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
SVIS is housed on Domaine Château l'Arc, a historic estate opposite the Sainte-Victoire mountain. The estate has hosted notable figures and cultural activity, including Bernard Buffet, who created major works there. SVIS began welcoming students in 2011 across Primary, Middle School, and High School. The campus offers a bilingual education from primary through high school, supported by Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate programmes. Boarding is on-site, just 20 meters from the school, with a 30-room boarding house and private terraces.
Community
Community
CIPEC International School is a French-English bilingual international school that maintains continuous exchange in both languages throughout the day. It is located at Domaine de Fontvieille, 505 Route de Bouc Bel Air, 13080 Luynes, and operates with small class sizes (maximum 20 students) supported by an international teaching staff. The school fosters a multicultural community through world festivals, nature and environment celebrations, and other cultural activities that are integrated across the curriculum. After-school activities are offered under Smart Wednesday, opening to all kindergarten and primary students, with options including sports, recreational activities, English classes, and tutoring.
Community
SVIS has an international and multicultural community, with students from 42 countries. Educational trips, events and competitions broaden horizons and strengthen community bonds. The on-site boarding house supports a bilingual and multicultural living environment. Sports, arts, and cultural activities are integrated into daily life.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
The PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) brings together volunteer parents who wish to become involved in school activities. The PTO also hosts social events, including coffee mornings, to foster connections and support international families as they settle into the local community.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers an excellent education with small class sizes (max 20 students per class) and an international teaching staff. The timetable is Anglo-Saxon inspired, with fundamental subjects in the morning and humanities in the afternoon. It prepares students for entry into international, public, or private schools and includes preparation for Cambridge and Alliance Française diplomas, along with ongoing assessment.
Academic & intellectual
SVIS offers a comprehensive extracurricular programme open to all students. Clubs include Journalism Club, Chess Club, Football, Coding Club, Astronomy, Year Book, Running Club, Touch rugby, Model United Nations (MUN), and more. Most activities are led by teachers, with some student-led initiatives, particularly from older students who contribute to school life on a voluntary basis. Participation is connected to the IB journey, with extracurricular engagement formally recognised as part of earning the IB diploma.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The year features world festivals, nature and environmental celebrations, animations, fairs, and performances. These events are integrated into different subjects throughout the week. The school fosters creativity through these artistic and cultural experiences as part of the learning process.
Arts & creative
SVIS provides opportunities to explore the arts and culture through on-campus clubs and workshops. The arts-focused options include Journalism Club and Year Book, reflecting the creative and cultural dimension of the programme. Activities extend beyond sports to foster creativity, collaboration and personal expression across primary, middle and high school. All clubs are designed to appeal to a range of interests and ages.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The international vocation of the school is based on bilingualism French-English, with ongoing exchange in both languages throughout the day. Students are immersed in two languages and in multiple cultures. Multicultural exchange and openness to world cultures are central to the school experience.
Cultural & language
SVIS is a bilingual school offering education in English and French from the first year of primary to the final year of high school. The campus life includes an international community with students from 42 nationalities, creating a multicultural environment. Model United Nations (MUN) and other activities foster international awareness and cross-cultural collaboration. Beyond academics, students participate in sports, creative projects and cultural activities as part of school life.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Every Wednesday during the school year, CIPEC opens to all kindergarten and primary children, whether enrolled at the school or not, and offers à la carte activities: sports, recreational activities, English lessons, and tutoring. The activities support social interaction and enrichment beyond standard classes. These after-school options complement daytime learning.
Social & hobbies
SVIS's clubs and workshops offer opportunities to pursue interests beyond the classroom, including journalism, chess, coding, astronomy, Year Book, Running Club, MUN and more. This mix fosters social interaction across year groups and helps students build teamwork and leadership. On-campus sports facilities support a wide range of activities, including football, basketball, tennis and golf, enabling active hobbies. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and develop new skills in a supportive international environment.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Extracurricular activities are integrated into school life, supporting collaboration and a sense of belonging. Educational trips, events and competitions broaden horizons and strengthen community bonds. Activities are designed to include social engagement and cultural experiences as part of SVIS life. The school fosters a community-focused spirit through its diverse, inclusive programme.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Most extracurricular activities are led by teachers, and some are initiated and run by students, particularly older students who contribute to school life. Each year all students are invited to join one or more activities, with the option to change their selection each term. Time spent on extracurricular engagement is formally recognised as part of the IB journey and is essential to earning the IB diploma.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
In a natural setting, the school emphasizes environmental awareness with activities to educate children about environmental topics. Activities for awakening and bodily development support physical growth. The daily schedule balances academics with outdoor and movement-based activities to promote wellbeing.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school has on-campus sports facilities including a football pitch, a basketball court, two tennis courts and direct access to an 18-hole golf course. Golf Academy and Tennis School are dedicated pathways for advanced training. Students have one hour of sport each day to stay active, focused and balanced.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
French and English are the languages of instruction, with a permanent exchange in both languages throughout the day. The school prepares students for Cambridge diplomas and for the Alliance Française diploma. An international teaching staff supports language development in a bilingual environment. Every Wednesday, Smart Wednesday activities include English language courses.
Language provision
Education is fully bilingual in French and English from primary through secondary levels.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school is founded on a French-English bilingual program. There is an ongoing exchange in both languages throughout the day. Teaching is inspired by Anglo-Saxon education, with core subjects in the morning and humanities in the afternoon. Classes are small, with a maximum of 20 students, supported by an international teaching staff.
Bilingual teaching
The school offers bilingual education in French and English from primary through secondary levels. Students are grouped by language proficiency (beginner, intermediate, advanced) to develop fluency in both languages.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. New Admissions Request: Enter your email address on the New Admissions Request page. You will be asked to provide your email; CIPEC will send a link to confirm your address. Click the link in order to continue and register your child. Your contact information remains completely confidential and will not be shared with third parties for marketing. The admissions portal is powered by Scolana.
2. Email Confirmation: The confirmation link directs you to continue the registration process. You should click the link to proceed with the online registration for your child. The process is designed to be confidential and secure. The admissions portal is powered by Scolana.
3. Continue Registration: After clicking the confirmation link, continue with the registration for your child through the online admissions flow. The system is powered by Scolana. The page indicates that the registration process is the path to complete admissions.
Admissions
Step 1: Initial Contact. The admission policy is a process to determine whether the student can integrate the establishment under conditions that will enable them to achieve their objectives. An initial interview between the family and the Headmaster discusses the student's profile and questions from the family. Language needs and the school's bilingual approach are explored during this conversation. The Headmaster explains how SVIS supports student growth and well-being and clarifies any immediate questions.