Lycée Français de New York vs United Nations International School

	L Lycée Français de New York New York, United States	U United Nations International School New York, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $51,505 - 51,925	Fees / year $48,456 - 53,767
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,450
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1935	Opened 1947
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 505 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021. The York Wing extension opened in 2015 to expand facilities.	Location New York, United States. Campus: 24-50 FDR Drive, New York, NY 10010-4046.
Stages	Stages Preschool through High School (Nursery-3 through Grade 12).	Stages Pre-K through 12th grade (PreK-12).
School type	School type Private bilingual day school.	School type Day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix 97 countries are represented by UNIS students.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Support is available for learners new to the French or English languages; College Counseling and Secondary advisory are provided, along with primary-level ateliers to support interpersonal development.	Additional learning support The UNIS Student Support Team provides assistance to UNIS students and families from Pre-K through 12, including social, emotional, health and wellness support, learning support, and college preparation.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) under the French Ministry of Education.	Country affiliation Affiliation with the United Nations.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Junior School begins around 8:30 a.m. with homeroom at 8:45 a.m.; JA pick-up is at 2:55 p.m.; Tutorial House ends around 2:50 p.m., with some courses meeting until 4:10 p.m.; lunch lasts about 30–60 minutes and there are scheduled recess periods.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details There are free NYC school buses for students in kindergarten through sixth grade who live within five miles of the school; private buses may be arranged by parents; UNIS students may also receive MetroCards.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition (2026–2027) - Nursery‑3 through Grade 12: USD 51,925 per year. This single tuition amount applies across all grade levels (Nursery‑3 to Grade 12). Application and Enrollment Fees - Application / Re‑enrollment fee: USD 200 (non‑refundable where noted by the school's enrollment terms). Advance Deposit and Enrollment Deposits - New families: non‑refundable advanced tuition deposit of USD 4,000 per student required with the signed enrollment contract; this deposit is credited against tuition. Returning families pay a non‑refundable, non‑transferable enrollment fee of USD 200 plus the same USD 4,000 advanced tuition deposit when submitting re‑enrollment. For families who enroll on or after May 1 the required deposit increases to between 50% and 100% of tuition and fees. Additional Required Fees (per student) - Association des Parents du Lycée (parent association) dues: USD 60. - Lunch (Nursery to Grade 8), 5 days per week: USD 1,920. - Books and supplies (Nursery to Grade 5): USD 200. - Digital books (Grades 6 to 12): USD 50. - School trips — Nature's Classroom (Grades 2 to 5): USD 800. - French national exam fees (relevant secondary grades): USD 350. - New student one‑time fee (first year only): USD 3,000. - Tuition Refund Plan (optional, with discretion to opt out): USD 1,000. - Note: depending on grade, families may have additional purchases such as PE uniforms, specific textbooks, laptops or other materials; those amounts vary by item and grade. Billing schedule and payment terms (how tuition is billed and when payments are due) - The school uses Blackbaud Tuition Management for tuition billing and offers these standard payment plans: annual, semi‑annual, monthly, and a special plan for financial aid recipients. - Annual plan: balance of tuition (after the USD 4,000 advance deposit) due on or before May 1, 2026. - Semi‑annual plan: balance due in two equal payments (50% each); Payment #1 due on or before May 1, 2026 and Payment #2 due on or before October 1, 2026. - Monthly plan: balance due in twelve equal payments beginning March 1, 2026 (Payment #1) and continuing through February 1, 2027 (Payment #12). For contracts signed after May 1, 2026, installments begin the month of contract signature and (for monthly plans) end in February 2027. Financial Aid plan schedules are finalized with the Business Office once aid is awarded; the first payment on that schedule also begins March 1, 2026. - Example calculations (illustrative) after the standard USD 4,000 advance deposit is applied to the listed annual tuition of USD 51,925: - Annual balance due on May 1 (after deposit): USD 47,925. - Semi‑annual payments (two equal installments): USD 23,962.50 each (May 1 and Oct 1). - Monthly payments (12 equal installments): USD 3,993.75 per month (March 1 through Feb 1). These amounts reflect the tuition minus the standard USD 4,000 deposit and then divided according to the chosen plan. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; Lycée Français de New York does not operate a boarding program and therefore no boarding fees apply. (Day school model; no residential program.) Other costs or occasional fees - Optional or occasional charges that families should expect in addition to the required items above include: certain grade‑specific textbooks, PE uniforms, student laptops or devices, after‑school activities or extended day programs (prices vary by program), and incidental fees for specific trips or performances. Specific mandatory extras by grade are listed above (books, digital books, lunch, Nature's Classroom, exam fees). Amounts for optional items vary by purchase. Refund information - The USD 4,000 advanced tuition deposit is non‑refundable but is credited against the student's tuition. The USD 200 enrollment fee paid at re‑enrollment is non‑refundable and non‑transferable. The school offers a Tuition Refund Plan priced at USD 1,000 (families have discretion to opt out of this plan). Other refund policies (for partial refunds of tuition after the start of the contract, refunds of fees, or refund timing) are governed by the school's enrollment contract terms and business office procedures. Fee payment options (methods accepted) - Tuition and billed fees are processed through Blackbaud Tuition Management (formerly Smart Tuition). Blackbaud's parent and payer documentation shows the platform supports multiple payment methods commonly used by schools, including automatic bank debits (ACH), payments from checking or savings accounts, credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express where accepted by the school), mailed checks, and wire transfers (wires may carry a receiver fee). Families enroll and manage payment schedules through the Blackbaud Tuition Management portal per the school's billing instructions. Wire payments and international payment options are also supported via the tuition manager, subject to any platform fees or bank fees. - Important operational notes on payment handling via Blackbaud: credit/debit cards are commonly accepted; bank/ACH drafts are available; mailed checks and bank online bill pay can be used but may require earlier scheduling so funds are received by the due date; wire transfers incur a processing/wire fee assessed by the tuition manager. Families should follow the school's invoicing and Blackbaud account instructions when scheduling payments. Summary - Annual tuition for 2026–2027 is USD 51,925 for all grades (Nursery‑3 through Grade 12). Required deposits and fees include a USD 4,000 non‑refundable advance deposit, USD 200 application/re‑enrollment fee, and a variety of grade‑linked fees (lunch, books, exam fees, new‑student fee, etc.) as listed above. Tuition is payable via the school's published annual, semi‑annual, or monthly plans through Blackbaud Tuition Management; payment methods include bank ACH, credit/debit card, check and wire where applicable. Refunds are limited: the advance deposit and re‑enrollment fee are non‑refundable; a USD 1,000 tuition‑refund plan is available as an optional charge.	Fee details Application and acceptance fees - Admissions fee (payable upon acceptance): USD 250. - Tuition pre-payment (payable upon acceptance): USD 1,000. - Security deposit (refundable upon graduation or withdrawal, subject to the school's conditions): USD 300. - One-time New Parent Levy (per new family, payable upon acceptance): USD 3,500. Total payable on acceptance (Admissions fee + Tuition pre-payment + Security deposit + New Parent Levy): USD 5,050. Tuition fees (2026–27) — annual amounts by year group - Junior School (Pre-K through Junior 4 / Grade 4): USD 46,856 per year for each grade in this range. - Middle School - Middle 1 (Grade 5): USD 48,592 per year. - Middle 2 (Grade 6): USD 48,592 per year. - Middle 3 (Grade 7): USD 48,592 per year. - Middle 4 (Grade 8): USD 49,259 per year. - Tutorial House (Grades 9–12) - Tutorial 1 (Grade 9): USD 50,911 per year. - Tutorial 2 (Grade 10): USD 50,911 per year. - Tutorial 3 (Grade 11): USD 51,390 per year. - Tutorial 4 (Grade 12): USD 52,167 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms (2026–27) - Re-enrolling students: a nonrefundable re-enrollment deposit of USD 4,000 is due on March 12, 2026; the balance of tuition is paid in two installments: 70% of the annual tuition due on August 1, 2026, and 30% due on January 1, 2027. - Payable upon acceptance (new enrolments): Admissions Fee (USD 250), Tuition Pre-Payment (USD 1,000), Security Deposit (USD 300), and One-time New Parent Levy (USD 3,500) for a total of USD 5,050 due when the place is accepted. Example installment amounts (70% / 30% split) for 2026–27 (rounded to nearest USD) - Junior School (annual USD 46,856): 70% = USD 32,799; 30% = USD 14,057. - Middle 1–3 (annual USD 48,592): 70% = USD 34,014; 30% = USD 14,578. - Middle 4 (annual USD 49,259): 70% = USD 34,481; 30% = USD 14,778. - Tutorial 1–2 (annual USD 50,911): 70% = USD 35,638; 30% = USD 15,273. - Tutorial 3 (annual USD 51,390): 70% = USD 35,973; 30% = USD 15,417. - Tutorial 4 (annual USD 52,167): 70% = USD 36,517; 30% = USD 15,650. Additional and incidental fees - Capital surcharge: USD 1,400 per child, charged in addition to tuition. - UNIS Parents' Association membership dues: USD 200 per family. - Textbooks and field trips: variable (as required by Middle School and Tutorial House). - 1:1 device assignment insurance deductible deposit (Grades M1 to T4): USD 250 per family; refundable upon return of devices in good condition subject to the school's device-return conditions. - Optional fees (examples): after-school programs, lunches (contracted on an annual basis), private music lessons and instrument rental; these are charged in addition to tuition and other mandatory fees. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. UNIS is a PreK–12 day school; there are no boarding facilities or boarding fees. Refund information - All payments are generally non‑refundable, with stated exceptions for return of computer devices in good condition and the security deposit upon graduation (or withdrawal where the school's policy allows refund of the security deposit). Specific refund timing and conditions for the New Parent Levy and the Security Deposit are stated in the school's fee policy (examples for prior-year enrollment deadlines are included in the school's terms). Fee payment options - The school provides a Parent Portal (portal access is available for families) for account management. For other electronic payment channels used by the school for financial transactions (including donations), accepted methods include online credit-card payments, electronic funds transfer, Venmo, checks, phone payments, and securities transfer where applicable. (These electronic and check/EFT channels are used by the school for institutional payments and giving transactions.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school; there is no boarding.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are not worn at UNIS; students dress in neat and clean attire.
Food options	Food options A 225-seat cafeteria with a full-service kitchen provides freshly cooked, healthy, and organic menu items. The cafeteria includes a salad bar, a sandwich station, and a hot meal station.	Food options UNIS offers a dining program through Elior Independent School Dining. Dining plans are 100% optional and available for students in grades J1 through Tutorial 4. UNIS is allergy aware.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership LFNY is an independent school governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board oversees the school's activities, recruits and supervises the Head of School, enacts the school's mission and policies, and manages the school's finances, capital assets and endowment. Ex officio members include the Head of School and the Co-Presidents of the Parent Association (APL).	Governance and ownership UNIS is a not-for-profit organization under U.S. law and is chartered by the New York Regents to provide an international education for UN-affiliated families and other families seeking a similar education. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the mission and policies of UNIS and is composed of eighteen Trustees; members are appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and regulated by UNIS By-Laws. The School recognizes Honorary Trustees from UNIS, the United Nations and UN member states and observers.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers a bilingual curriculum that blends the best of French and American educational traditions. Instruction emphasizes project-based learning, rigorous academics, and creative exploration to support student learning, development, and wellbeing. The program integrates language learning, the arts, and cultural instruction to deepen the core curriculum. In the Secondary level (grades 6-12), there is intensive preparation for the French Baccalaureate alongside in‑class and extracurricular intellectual exploration. Language mastery is supported by exposure to multiple languages taught by native-speaking instructors, and STEAM is integrated across all grade levels with facilities such as a Makerspace and a Media Lab. Graduates are prepared for higher education worldwide, with matriculation at universities across North America, Europe, and beyond.	Curriculum details The UNIS curriculum is a Pre-K-12 International Baccalaureate program. The school is accredited by the International Baccalaureate, the Council of Independent Schools, and the New York State Association of Independent Schools. The UNIS curriculum aligns to Common Core Math Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, NY Next Generation ELA standards, and British Columbia Social Studies Standards. UNIS is a founding IB school, and the IB learner profile is reflected in UNIS's approach to learning.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates have matriculated to universities around the world. The College Counseling program supports students through the application process. Representative destinations include Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Yale University, NYU, and the University of Pennsylvania.	Higher education progression Graduates attend colleges and universities across the United States and in many other nations. UNIS students apply to and enroll at universities in ten or more countries. The College Counseling Office provides a structured program with events such as the UNIS College Fair, which hosts over 150 colleges, and a College Counseling Timeline to guide students through the process.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school provides co-curricular and after-school programs and clubs that support social-emotional development, leadership, and community building. The school fosters openness and responsibility for others through arts, athletics, and clubs. The school offers classes and clubs in art, cooking, theater, music, writing, government, computer programming and engineering to support social and emotional growth through collaboration. The school provides guidance through College Counseling and Secondary advisory to support interpersonal development. The school fosters a diverse and inclusive community where voices are respected and differences are celebrated. The school promotes belonging and collaboration across a broad range of activities.	Social & emotional learning The UNIS Student Support Team (SST) provides assistance to Pre-K through 12 students and serves as a liaison with higher education, health and psychological services, educational specialists, and other schools. The program aims to promote students' social, emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being, with a focus on social and emotional competency, general health and wellness, safety and risk prevention, learning support, and college preparation. It supports smooth transitions for families entering UNIS and for students moving between grades and divisions.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning support is provided to UNIS students through the School-wide Student Support Team, with proactive and responsive programs for individual needs and differences.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school teaches languages beyond French and English. The school hires native-speaking instructors to teach these languages. The school follows EU standards of language assessment in secondary language courses. The school offers immersive language experiences and cross-cultural exchanges to deepen linguistic and cultural understanding. The school includes close-to-home immersive experiences in New York City, such as trips to Chinatown and cultural centers.	English as an additional language English is the common and primary language of instruction at UNIS. The community includes students who speak many languages, and the school honors and celebrates home languages while English remains the primary language of instruction. ELL support is offered at beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels, and as proficiency develops, the amount and type of support adapts to meet individual growth and learning needs.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school provides mental wellbeing support through student services including College Counseling and Secondary advisory, and ateliers in the Primary School. The school's instruction team helps navigate every stage of students' interpersonal development. The school provides staff support to help students thrive. The school fosters an inclusive community that respects diverse identities and voices. The school offers clubs and cultural activities that promote belonging and community.	Mental wellbeing The Student Support Team promotes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being for all students, focusing on social and emotional competency, general health and wellness, safety and risk prevention, learning support, and college preparation.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school places emphasis on safety and risk prevention within its student support programs.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Back-to-school 2003 marked a turning point with the opening of a 158,000-square-foot facility that unified the Lycée Français de New York's campuses on a single site. The York Wing extension added 20,000 square feet of digitally-enabled flexible classrooms to support collaborative teaching and learning. The campus includes a 354-seat auditorium that hosts performances and the Cultural Center, a 225-seat cafeteria with a full-service kitchen, and a rooftop playground for elementary students. A digital media lab with a TV studio, production booth and editing bays, plus a makerspace with a digital printer, support hands-on learning and creative exploration.	Facilities overview UNIS operates across two campuses: a four‑story Manhattan campus on the East River and a smaller Queens campus near the site of the original UNIS. The Manhattan campus, built in 1973, spans about 226,000 square feet and houses PreK–12 with roughly 200 classrooms, 15 science laboratories, and three libraries. Many classrooms and offices on the Manhattan campus overlook New York City from its riverfront site, and the campus includes a roof gym in a bubble and an outdoor running track on the roof. The Queens campus serves Grades K–8, including the Junior and Middle Schools, and is located near the original UNIS site.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities There are two gymnasiums totaling more than 12,000 square feet with two regulation basketball courts. The athletic facilities support activities such as wall climbing, volleyball, soccer and gymnastics. A rooftop playground provides outdoor play space for elementary students. These spaces enable a broad athletic program across grade levels.	Sports facilities UNIS uses gymnasia, playgrounds, and rooftop field spaces for physical education and athletics; the Manhattan campus features a roof gym in a bubble and an outdoor running track on the roof. The school maintains an extensive athletics program with 38 school teams and participates in interscholastic competition.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The main building houses pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in a 158,000-square-foot facility with specialty classrooms, learning labs and studios for project-based learning. The York Wing adds 20,000 square feet of digitally-enabled flexible classrooms for collaborative teaching and learning. The campus includes a digital media lab with a TV studio, production booth and editing bays, and a makerspace with a 3D printer to foster hands-on problem solving. A Primary music room and movement room, along with a 354-seat auditorium and cultural spaces, support arts-integrated learning.	Academic facilities The Manhattan campus has approximately 200 classrooms, 15 science laboratories, and three libraries within about 226,000 square feet of space. The Queens campus provides the K–8 Junior and Middle School programs.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular and after-school programs and clubs offer opportunities to develop talents beyond class time, including art, cooking, theater, music, writing, government, computer programming and engineering. After-school offerings include 68 clubs and 43 competitive sports teams across middle and high school. The Lycée also supports Social Entrepreneurship and an Artists-in-Residence program as part of its cultural and creative activities.	Extra curricular facilities UNIS offers a broad range of language and travel opportunities, with nine languages offered and a full mother‑tongue program; Grade 8 includes an exchange trip with schools in Spain and France. The Arts program includes drama and theatre, with productions and performances such as citywide events at venues like Carnegie Hall. UNIS‑UN is a student‑run conference held in the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations. After‑school care and environmental programs augment the curricular offerings, and the school supports extensive travel, clubs, committees, and community‑service opportunities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1935 by the Consul General of France in New York, Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle, and a group of French and American officials, the Lycée Français de New York began with 24 students in a small basement. In 1938, final charter approval was granted by the SUNY Board of Regents and the Lycée awarded its first French baccalaureate. By the 1970s the school had expanded to teach more than 1,000 students, and in 1994 a new building on East 73rd Street increased small-class offerings. In 2003 Primary and Secondary were brought together on East 75th Street in a campus inaugurated by French President Jacques Chirac, and in 2015 a bold vision transformed teaching and learning, followed by the 2016 York Wing expansion. Over more than 80 years the Lycée has grown to nearly 35,000 students and graduates representing more than 150 nationalities.	History UNIS was established in 1947 by United Nations parents to provide an international education while preserving diverse cultural heritages. The school opened in Lake Success, NY to 36 children from 15 countries who spoke 10 languages. In November 1950 the formal opening of the new quarters included the presentation of the United Nations Flag by Henri Laugier on behalf of the Secretary-General. In 1967 UNIS was one of eleven schools participating in the newly founded International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. A cornerstone for the permanent UNIS building was dedicated by Secretary-General U Thant, with opening planned for September 1972 to accommodate 1,200 pupils, and UNIS celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2017 and its 75th anniversary in 2022.
Community	Community The Lycée Français de New York is more than a school; it's a family, a home away from home. The community is united by a global outlook, embraces cultural differences and believes in the power of a bilingual, international education to shape young minds. With myriad opportunities to volunteer and participate in Lycée life, the community—from parents to students to alumni, faculty and staff—finds lifelong friendships and experiences.	Community UNIS has a close connection to the United Nations, offering opportunities to meet and visit the UN through programs such as UNIS-UN and UN Day. UN Day marks the day the United Nations officially came into being and celebrates the school's diversity and shared humanity. The school hosts Master Classes during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown featuring distinguished guests including a US Supreme Court Judge, the Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a Tony Award-winning actor, and the creator of The Daily Show. The Global Citizens United Nations Connection reinforces the UN spirit in the curriculum and experiences.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Association (APL) coordinates with the Lycée and serves as an influential voice by facilitating communication between the school and parents, working closely with the administration, faculty, staff and the Board. All parents are members of the APL and can volunteer to participate in community life. It offers opportunities to socialize and to volunteer, including welcome coffees, cocktails, lectures, and events that are part of the school's rich cultural life. The Lycée Families page notes the community includes more than 60 nationalities, reflecting a pluricultural environment. For more information, contact apl@lfny.org.	Parent teacher association UNIS has a Parents' Association (UNIS PA) that partners with the school administration, faculty, and staff. All UNIS families are automatically members and pay PA dues annually. Monthly PA meetings are held and members contribute through committees and activities. The PA committees include Arts, Bridge2UN, Cultural Events, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), New2UNIS, UNIS Athletic Association, and Social Responsibilities Committee. New families are welcomed through New2UNIS. The PA sponsors events such as Deepavali (the Festival of Lights) and the International Food and Fun Fair, with 20+ PA-sponsored events and thousands of attendees.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual AI gaming and machine learning clubs and Lego robotics exist. Chess, debate and Young Philosophers are offered. Mandarin language clubs are available. In secondary, students participate in 3D printing, robotics, coding and VR, plus national programs such as Harvard Model Congress, Debate and Model UN.	Academic & intellectual The school offers a wide range of activities beyond the classroom, including travel programs, clubs, committees, publications, and community-service opportunities. Students participate in travel programs and a broad selection of student clubs and conferences that emphasize research, debate, and global issues.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative French theater club, theater workshop, visual arts and cooking club exist. Choir is offered as a free activity. In secondary, performing arts include music, dance, theater, visual arts and culinary arts, and the school stages a musical each year; Première Scène French Theater Festival and Rough Cut Film Festival are part of the programming.	Arts & creative UNIS arts programs offer opportunities for studio practice, problem solving, and cultural investigation through classical and contemporary music, acting, directing, and playwriting, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, computer graphics, and digital photography. Programs include Music, Visual Arts, Theatre, and Film.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Mandarin language club. Le Lynx is the bilingual student newspaper. The school operates in a bilingual environment with activities offered in French or English.	Cultural & language Students can engage in international programs through UNIS Model United Nations and UNIS-UN Conference, reflecting international engagement. Equity and Inclusion Board involves cross-cultural initiatives and student leadership.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports include soccer, basketball, gymnastics and tennis. Chess, choir, theatre and debate are offered as student activities. Yoga adventure and Fun movement kids club provide additional recreational options.	Social & hobbies Students can participate in more than fifty student clubs and conferences; there is an annual Club Fair for Tutorial House students to explore and join clubs. UNIS supports student-led conferences and a variety of clubs such as UNIS-UN Conference, UNIS Model United Nations, Equity and Inclusion Board, and UNIS Student Council.
Community & service	Community & service There are opportunities to volunteer and participate in Lycée life. The Environmental Task Force is a student-led group. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging programs exist through the Coalition and other groups.	Community & service Community service is a core component at UNIS; Tutorial 1 and Tutorial 2 students are required to complete thirty hours by the end of the school year, with at least ten hours completed off campus. There are many volunteer opportunities; past projects include Habitat for Humanity, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, NYC Parks Conservation Corps, and museum internships. UNIS Community Cares projects showcase acts of kindness and student-led initiatives to support care providers and first responders.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student government is organized into three bodies: the Conseil des Élèves (CDE), student delegates and the CPET. Harvard Model Congress, Debate and Model UN are national programs in which students participate. Finance Club and student-to-student tutoring club develop leadership and professional skills.	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities include UNIS Student Council and the Equity and Inclusion Board, which organize school-wide initiatives and forums. The Office of Student Activities publicizes opportunities and helps with placements.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics and fitness are offered after school, including soccer, basketball, gymnastics and tennis. Seasonal day camps run in summer, fall, winter and spring. Participants in the Primary Choir perform at the Winter and Spring concerts.	Lifestyle & wellbeing UNIS has an extensive Athletics program, running across three seasons for students in 7th–12th grades, and consists of 38 school teams.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French and English are core languages, with all language learning supported by native-speaking instructors. In addition to these core languages, Arabic, German, Mandarin, Italian, and Spanish are taught through World Languages and exchanges; Preschool and early years integrate English into the day, with Nursery-3 in a 100% French-speaking environment and Pre-K/K transitioning to about 80% French and 20% English. Spanish instruction begins in Grade 6, and students participate in language exchanges and broader immersion experiences throughout the upper grades.	Language provision Nine languages are offered at UNIS. English is the language of instruction. The nine languages include French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, Arabic, German, Japanese, and English, and UNIS also offers seven self-taught languages. The Language A program includes Language & Literature and Humanities in French from Kindergarten through Grade 10, and IB DP Group 6 French and Group 6 Spanish.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Lyce9 Français de New York provides a bilingual program that blends the French national curriculum with English instruction. In high school, students spend about 30 to 50 percent of class time in English, depending on their track and plans for higher education. There are two Baccalaureate tracks: the Baccalaure9at frane7ais international (BFI) and the Classic French Baccalaurat; the BFI includes English-language and History-Geography components and offers AP options, while the Classic Bac remains primarily in French. The school emphasizes bilingual and multilingual instruction with language learning taught by native-speaking instructors for languages beyond French and English.	Bilingual teaching UNIS offers bilingual diplomas. The Section Française Internationale welcomes francophone students from Grande Section (Kindergarten) through Terminale (12th grade) and provides instruction in French for Literature, Humanities, and Mathematics, following the official French curriculum in parts of the program. The Section Française Internationale is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française. The Sección Internacional Española serves Spanish-speaking students, with coursework in Spanish Language and Geography & History in Junior and Middle School and the first two years of Tutorial House, and includes a curriculum integrated with UNIS, with 3 hours per week of Spanish and 3 hours per week of Humanities.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Beyond the classroom, the Lyce9e offers immersive language and cultural exchanges, including a six-week French-language exchange with Louis Le Grand high school for select 10th00grade students. Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic) is taught, with beginning and intermediate levels in the Primary after-school program; German begins in Grade 6; Mandarin is featured through a two-week exchange with Fudan University in Shanghai; Italian begins in Grade 6; Spanish begins in Grade 6 with exchange opportunities. The school also supports immersive experiences and hosts a French Immersion Summer Camp for ages 2.5 to 10.	Immersion programs Immersion is provided through the Section Française Internationale for francophone students from Kindergarten to 12th grade, with instruction in French in key subjects and alignment to the French Ministry of Education. The Sección Internacional Española provides Spanish-language immersion for Junior and Middle School and the first two years of Tutorial House, including three hours per week of Spanish and three hours per week of Humanities under an integrated curriculum. Both sections embody UNIS's multilingual, international-baccalaureate framework.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The Lycée Français de New York is accredited by both the French Ministry of Education and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is also part of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) network.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Nursery, Pre-K, K 1. Applications must be completed via the online application portal and a non-refundable $200 application fee must be paid. The portal starts the admissions review for Nursery through Kindergarten, and early submission helps begin the interview and evaluation process. 2. For Fall 2026 entry, submit by December 1, 2025 to ensure review in January; all required documents must be submitted by January 16, 2026. Submitting by the deadline supports timely consideration and evaluation. 3. On January 16, 2026, preschool evaluation day is held in person at the Lycée; families outside the New York metro area will receive instructions to participate in remote evaluation. 4. Admission decisions will be shared during the first week of February 2026. 5. If accepted, return a signed contract with a non-refundable tuition deposit of $4,000 within seven calendar days of receiving the acceptance letter. First to Twelfth Grades 0. Language requirement: Starting with first grade (CP), students must speak, read, write, and understand spoken French. 1. The admission process begins in the fall of the year before enrollment; the number of available places varies yearly based on attrition. 2. Application Deadlines: We recommend submitting by December 1, 2025 to be considered in January for first-round review; all required documents must be submitted by January 16, 2026; applications continue to be accepted throughout the year as spaces remain available. 3. For Grades 1-5, a virtual interview with a member of the Admissions Team is required for both current Lycée families and prospective guardians. 4. For Grades 6-12 not in a MOE-accredited program, an entrance exam in French and Mathematics is required on January 10, 2026; invitations are sent by the Admissions Office; outside the New York City metropolitan area, the test may be mailed to the child's school or live-proctored via Zoom. 5. Admission decisions will be shared in the first week of February 2026; if accepted, return a signed contract and pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $4,000 within seven calendar days of the acceptance letter.	Admissions 1. Create a Ravenna account to begin the UNIS application. Through Ravenna you submit the UNIS application, register for a tour and assessment, email a teacher recommendation form directly to your child's teacher, submit additional admissions materials, and check the status of your application. The $75 application fee is paid by credit card and is waived for financial aid applicants. 2. Submit the UNIS application in Ravenna. 3. Schedule the assessment or interview: Prekindergarten to Fourth Grade participate in an in-person assessment; parents attend a panel discussion led by the Director of Admissions; Fifth to Eighth Grades may have a group activity or an interview; Ninth to Twelfth Grades are interviewed. 4. Send the ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet via Ravenna to delegate to your child's current teacher. 5. Take an Admission Test: ISEE or SSAT; testing can be online or at a Prometric testing center; MAP or PSAT may be submitted as substitutes. 6. Receive the Admission Decision: PK decisions on February 26, 2026; Kindergarten on February 5, 2026; 1st–4th on February 11, 2026; 5th–8th on February 11, 2026; 9th–12th on February 20, 2026. For entry in 2026-27, the Manhattan campus window runs September 1, 2025 to November 15, 2025 with interviews by mid-January 2026; midyear entries are possible when spaces exist, with midyear applications due by March 1, 2026 and enrollment by March 17, 2026.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Lyce9e Frane7ais de New York offers need-based financial aid to students of all nationalities. For the 2025b12026 school year, the Lyce9e has committed $7.1 million in financial aid. French citizens may also be eligible for financial aid from the French Government. Applications are submitted via Clarity, the Lyce9ea0s Financial Aid tool, and awards are determined confidentially by the Lyce9e Financial Aid Committee based on demonstrated financial need. Current families can consult deadlines and instructions on MyLyce9e. The French Government Financial Aid program may be available for eligible French citizens registered with the French Consulate in New York.	Scholarships A need-based financial aid program provides awards to newly admitted students based on demonstrated financial need. Financial aid is based on need and UNIS uses its own Financial Aid form; an aid application will not prejudice admission decisions. Financial aid decisions are coordinated after admissions decisions, and submission timing helps the process. SSS begins processing financial aid information on November 1, 2025; it is recommended to submit by December 31, 2025 for consideration in the February/March notification cycle. For more information on eligibility and process, contact Margaret Chiu at (212) 584-3034 or mchiu@unis.org.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →