American Curriculum International Schools in Lyon, France
Compare 3 American Curriculum international schools in Lyon, France. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 12,215), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Ombrosa International School - The Nursery Lyon 6 (1971)
About international schools in Lyon, France
In Lyon, “American curriculum” can mean different things: a small number of English-medium schools follow a US-style programme and award or facilitate an American high-school diploma, while several local lycées and bilingual schools offer a dual-diploma pathway that lets pupils keep the French baccalauréat alongside an American High School Diploma delivered online. English and French are the dominant languages on offer, with many schools teaching additional modern languages; full English-medium schools also make French compulsory as a second language. Fees range widely - public international sections in state schools are low-cost, while independent international schools typically charge several thousand to mid-teens of thousands of euros a year, plus application and enrolment deposits - so check each school’s current tariff schedule. Admissions rhythms vary: some international schools accept applications year-round, others run a formal registration season in winter/spring, and dual-diploma routes usually require extra enrolment steps and online work outside normal class hours, so factor in commuting, language support and timing when you plan your move.
What exactly does an “American curriculum” look like in Lyon?
In Lyon an American curriculum may be a conventional US high-school model taught in an English-medium independent school, or a dual-diploma programme where pupils keep the French baccalauréat and also complete the American High School Diploma online with US-certified teachers. These dual programmes typically supplement the French timetable with online modules in US history, English and elective subjects. Prospective families should ask whether a school issues a standalone American diploma, partners with an external provider, or simply offers US-style courses.
How much should we budget for tuition and extra costs?
Costs vary a lot by provider: English sections inside the public system have low annual charges, often a few hundred or a few thousand euros, whereas independent international schools commonly charge multiple thousands to the mid-teens of thousands of euros per year; additional compulsory charges such as one-off enrolment fees, application fees and optional services (transport, lunch, supervised study) are frequent. Always check the school’s published fee schedule and ask what is included, what is billed separately and whether employer sponsorship or payment plans are accepted.
Will my child learn French, and what languages are used for teaching?
Most English-medium international schools in Lyon make French a core subject and offer classes differentiated by ability from beginner to native level; schools that are bilingual or that run an international section mix French and English across the timetable. Many schools also offer a third language (commonly Spanish) and provide English-support classes (ESOL) for pupils who need them. Check how and how often French is timetabled, and whether the school separates learners by level in upper grades.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process involve?
Some independent international schools accept applications year-round and place pupils when space is available, while others run a formal registration window in winter or early spring for the following autumn; public international sections typically have separate selection and testing procedures. Expect language assessment, review of recent school reports, an application fee, and - for many private schools - a non-refundable enrolment deposit once an offer is made. Ask each school for current deadlines, assessment formats and the timetable for fee invoices so you can coordinate your relocation.
Which qualifications will my child leave with at 18?
That depends on the pathway chosen: a pupil at an English-medium independent school may complete an American High School Diploma or the International Baccalaureate or Cambridge programmes where offered, while pupils on a dual pathway can graduate with the French baccalauréat plus an American High School Diploma through an external dual-diploma provider. Confirm with the school exactly which credential(s) it issues and how they are recognised in the countries and universities you plan to apply to.
