Compare French Curriculum International Schools in Myanmar

Location

The LFIR is located at 6 Ou Yin Street (Windermere Gardens), Kamaryut Township, Yangon, Myanmar. The campus sits on a quiet, leafy street off Inya Road and moved to this site in 2020; there are two adjacent campuses on Ou Yin Street serving different parts of the school. The location is central Yangon with easy access by car or taxi.

Stages

LFIR accepts registrations from Toute Petite Section (age 2) to 4ème (Grade 8) for the 2025–2026 school year; education runs from preschool through CM2 in the French system, with CNED continuing to 4ème. The 2025–2026 age range starts at age 2 and progresses through middle school.

Type

The LFIR is a non-profit educational institution affiliated with AEFE and follows the French national curriculum; it is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education. It is described as a true international school with representation from multiple nationalities.

Pupil Nationality Mix

LFIR represents 15 nationalities, with about 65% of students international. The school's published breakdown shows 21% French, 35% Myanmar, and 44% other nationalities among international groups. This points to a diverse local and international mix.

Additional learning support

LFIR provides language support for non-French-speaking students and offers personalized, targeted support for students, including specific assistance for new French-speaking learners. There is emphasis on individualized learning and small class sizes.

Country affiliation

LFIR is part of the AEFE network (Agency for French Education Abroad) and is the only AEFE-affiliated French international school in Myanmar.

Religious affiliation

No religious affiliation is indicated; LFIR presents itself as an inclusive, secular international school open to students of all backgrounds.

School day structure

Snack is at 10 am and lunch runs from 12 to 1 pm, supervised by staff. After-school activities take place on campus at 3 pm or 4 pm. Uniforms are not used; school emphasizes a flexible dress code.

Bus service

There is no published information about a LFIR-provided bus service in the official materials; families should contact the school to arrange transport options.

Application / initial enrolment fees

- Initial enrolment fees (one-time, paid at first registration; non-refundable):
- TPS (Toute Petite Section) half-day: USD 350.
- TPS full-day: USD 550.
- All levels from PS (Petite Section) through Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 1,700 per pupil.
- Association membership fee: USD 10 per family (non-refundable, included in the tuition structure).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts)

Notes on presentation below: the school publishes annual tuition rates and the school year runs from the beginning of September to the end of June. The amounts below show the published annual tuition for each level under the two family-rate categories ("Personal" and "Employer participation") and a per-term figure calculated by dividing the annual tuition by three to show an approximate per-term amount.

- TPS (half-day):
- Annual tuition (Personal): USD 3,500. Per-term (annual ÷ 3): USD 1,167.
- Annual tuition (Employer participation): USD 4,850. Per-term: USD 1,617.
- Of which annual administrative fee (10% of tuition): USD 350 / USD 485.

- TPS (full-day):
- Annual tuition (Personal): USD 5,500. Per-term: USD 1,833.
- Annual tuition (Employer participation): USD 7,600. Per-term: USD 2,533.
- Of which annual administrative fee (10%): USD 550 / USD 760.

- Maternelle (PS / MS / GS):
- Annual tuition (Personal): USD 9,500. Per-term: USD 3,167.
- Annual tuition (Employer participation): USD 13,100. Per-term: USD 4,367.
- Of which annual administrative fee (10%): USD 950 / USD 1,310.

- Élémentaire (CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2):
- Annual tuition (Personal): USD 11,100. Per-term: USD 3,700.
- Annual tuition (Employer participation): USD 15,300. Per-term: USD 5,100.
- Of which annual administrative fee (10%): USD 1,110 / USD 1,530.

- Collège (6ème, 5ème, 4ème, 3ème):
- Annual tuition (Personal): USD 11,500. Per-term: USD 3,833.
- Annual tuition (Employer participation): USD 15,900. Per-term: USD 5,300.
- Of which annual administrative fee (10%): USD 1,150 / USD 1,590.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard payment deadline for the annual fees and school fees: payment in full is required no later than July 31. An option to pay in two instalments is available with an additional service charge of USD 100 per year. Deadlines for the two-instalment plan are the dates specified in the school's financial regulations. Late payments incur penalty interest of 5% of the total amount due. Invoices are issued in USD.

- Deposit option: families may make a deposit (by bank transfer in USD or EUR, or in cash in USD or EUR) to cover small one-off payments during the year; the balance is returned or carried over at year-end.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not listed as a service or fee in the school's financial regulations; there are no boarding fees published.

Other costs and recurring ancillary fees

- Solidarity (social) fund: USD 50 per child, invoiced in addition to tuition and non-refundable.
- Third-party liability insurance: mandatory; the school can subscribe and invoice families (currently USD 50 per year).
- Association membership fee: USD 10 per family (non-refundable, included in tuition structure).
- Extra-curricular activities (AES): annual registration for external students USD 50; AES participation requires payment (USD 100 per activity based on one hour/week) and AES fees are non-refundable.
- School trips, optional courses, exam-related travel/accommodation, language certification fees (DELF, Cambridge, etc.) and certain optional course exam fees are charged separately and are the family's responsibility. Signed permission for trips constitutes a financial commitment and, where stated, no reimbursement is provided. Damage or loss of school property is chargeable to the family.
- Uniforms: there is no school uniform; basic school supplies and certain materials are provided by the school.

Discounts and special reductions

- 5% discount on school fees for full payment in USD or EUR made before the published early-payment deadline (date specified in the financial regulations). A 15% discount applies to the third enrolled sibling (applies to the youngest sibling). A sponsor discount (USD 500) is offered when an LFIR family sponsors a new enrolling family.

Refund information and withdrawal rules

- Registration fees and annual administrative fees are non-refundable in all cases. Any month started is due in full. A temporary absence does not entitle to any reduction or refund of tuition fees. If a family gives the required notice (two months) prior to departure, school fees are reimbursed pro rata temporis when fees were paid in full or in the permitted instalment plan; specific refund mechanics for instalments are set out in the financial regulations. Extra-curricular activity fees are non-refundable. For school trips, when payment and signed permission are required, no reimbursement is made unless otherwise specified. Late-payment penalties apply as described under payment terms.

Fee payment options

- Accepted currencies: USD, EUR and MMK. Invoices are issued in USD; payments may be made in USD, EUR or MMK.
- Accepted methods: cash or bank transfer to the school's published bank accounts (USD and EUR accounts in France; a MMK account in Myanmar). When paying by bank transfer, families must specify the invoice number and the student's name and class. The regulations note that bank charges, exchange differences or other banking fees are the family's responsibility. Credit-card payment is not listed among the accepted methods in the published financial regulations. Bank account details for transfers are provided in the school's financial regulations.

Key contractual points to note

- All registrations and re-registrations are subject to unconditional acceptance of the school's financial regulations; payment of initial enrolment fees is required to validate registration. The financial regulations describe the precise payment deadlines, penalties and refund rules that govern tuition and ancillary fees.

Uniform Requirement

There are no uniforms. Students may dress freely; a LFIR T-shirt is provided to each student, and additional T-shirts are available for a small fee.

Food Options

Students bring their own snacks and lunch to school. Lunchtime is supervised and there are fridges and microwaves on site, with a small kitchen available to primary students; water is available throughout the campus.

Governance and Ownership

LFIR is a non-profit international school. The school is partly managed by a Management Committee of elected parent volunteers who represent the parent community, and the Association of Parents oversees governance and elects members for the Committee. Representatives from the Association sit on the School Council each term, and a student representative also sits on the School Council.

Curriculum

The LFIR (French International School of Yangon Joseph Kessel) follows the French national curriculum and is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education as part of the AEFE network; on-campus instruction runs from preschool through CM2, after which CNED provides courses up to 4ème (8th grade). Primary School covers five grades (US Grades 1-5 equivalents) with 27 teaching hours per week, from 8:00 to 14:45, no Wednesday afternoon classes, and regular after-school activities. The primary curriculum is organized around five domains and follows the French National Curriculum with a focus on Languages to think and communicate; Methods and tools for learning; Training of the individual and the citizen; Natural and technical systems; Representations of the World and of human activity. The weekly subject mix in primary includes French (9h), English (5h total), Myanmar (1h), Mathematics (5h), Science & Technology (2h), History & Geography (2h), Physical Education (3h) and Art (2h), with English taught across main subjects. Language certifications are offered for English (Cambridge) and French (DELF Prim/Junior), while tests are optional with some fees and discounts. Secondary School comprises Middle School (collège) and High School (lycée); the first middle-school year was reintroduced in 2023 with CNED materials guided by LFIR teachers in class, and CNED marks assignments, with the five-domain curriculum continuing through middle and high school, ending in the French baccalauréat; the DNB (Diplôme National du Brevet) is prepared as part of the secondary program.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The LFIR supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a welcoming, joyful and caring environment and attentive, personalised support from the staff. It hosts a highly international community with 15 nationalities represented, which fosters tolerance and intercultural openness as part of SEL. The campus provides facilities for education, arts and sport, with emphasis on play and collaborative learning to support students' social development. After-school activities (AES) are offered with 20+ options, promoting social interaction, teamwork and student well-being beyond the classroom. For non-French-speaking students, language support helps them participate and feel included, contributing to SEL through belonging and confidence-building.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The LFIR does not publicly disclose information about a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) unit or formal SEN policy. The site describes language support for non-French-speaking students through the FLE/FLSco programme, and offers an intensive French language package for beginners. The teaching team includes staff with diverse backgrounds (e.g., an occupational therapist), but there is no explicit SEN program published as part of the school's offerings. LFIR is described as a general international school within the AEFE network, not a specialist SEN institution. Information about SEN provisions beyond language support is not publicly detailed on the site.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

LFIR supports English as an Additional Language (EAL) through a French-as-a-foreign-language framework (FLE/FLSco) for non-French speakers, designed to bring students to the required level quickly. Teachers are experienced in supporting non-French speakers and can communicate in English (and often Myanmar in many classes) to ensure participation. Non-French-speaking students receive a package of French classes via the IFB-French Institute in Myanmar in addition to school French, helping them access the curriculum more rapidly. Most children already speak English when they join, and English language exposure is integrated through daily interactions and English classes. Details about languages and EAL support are outlined in the LFIR materials for non-French speakers.

Mental Wellbeing

The LFIR emphasises a caring and inclusive environment which supports students' mental well-being, reinforced by a staff committed to attentive, personalised care. The international mix, with 15 nationalities represented, fosters tolerance and social belonging, contributing to emotional well-being. After-school activities (AES) offer structured, supervised opportunities for social engagement and personal interests, supporting resilience and well-being. The campus library, arts resources and regular physical activity are part of a holistic approach to student welfare and balance. Language support for newcomers helps students feel accepted and confident, further supporting emotional and social well-being.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and child protection are supported by health management and safety procedures: all LFIR staff are trained in first aid, with a designated doctor and regular medical check-ups for students. In health issues, the emergency contact provided at registration is contacted first, and French doctors may attend to students when needed. Civil liability insurance is compulsory for each child, and up-to-date emergency contacts are required. The school operates a PPMS (Individual Security Plan) for each campus, with a professional security team on site and periodic checks by the French Embassy's Head of Security to ensure safety criteria are met. The LFIR collaborates with the French Embassy in Myanmar to maintain safeguarding and security standards on campus.

History

The LFIR was founded in 1993 by the Total group to educate the children of its French employees. It was renamed Joseph Kessel school in 2011. In 2016 it joined the AEFE network and became LFIR – Lyce9e Fransais International de Rangoun Joseph Kessel. The LFIR is a non-profit association and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education, functioning within the AEFE network. For the 2025-2026 school year, LFIR accepts registrations from Toute Petite Section (age 2) to 4e8me (8th grade), with more classes expected to reopen as students progress.

Community

LFIR hosts a truly international community with 15 nationalities represented among students. The school emphasizes a family-like environment that welcomes local, binational, and international families. Students participate in environmental and citizenship activities, and LFIR also hosts cultural events such as a Christmas market and open days. LFIR offers more than 20 after-school activities, expanding opportunities for cultural, athletic, and creative engagement.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The LFIR is governed as a non-profit by a Management Committee elected by the Association of Parents. All parents become members of the Association of Parents when their child registers, and they elect the Management Committee. Parent representatives sit on the School Council each term, alongside student representatives who also participate. Elections for the Management Committee take place at the Annual General Meeting in May, with discussions on the schools finances and plans. Parents can volunteer their time and skills by contacting the school or current Committee members.

Facilities Overview

LFIR moved to its current location in 2020, with the preschool/primary school and the middle/high school on two adjacent campuses on Ou Yin Street (Windermere Gardens), a quiet street off Inya Road. The setting is a beautiful, secure and peaceful environment with child-friendly playgrounds. The campus provides facilities for education, sports, arts, reading, and playing; classrooms are spacious and well-equipped with digital devices, and a large library hosts reading and project work. An auditorium supports performing arts shows for parents, and swimming classes are held in small groups at Sakura residence. The site also features a padded motricity room, a covered sports court, and a full-size football field for training and competitions.

Sports Facilities

The LFIR provides a padded motricity room, a covered sports court, and a full-size football field used for training and competitions. Regular physical activity is integrated into the curriculum, and younger and older children are accommodated in appropriate facilities. For swimming, classes are conducted in small groups at Sakura residence by experienced instructors. Two spacious playgrounds support outdoor play, and the school auditorium hosts performances.

Academic Facilities

The LFIR is a non-profit educational institution of excellence and a member of AEFE, fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and following the French national curriculum adapted to an international environment. The curriculum combines French instruction with strong English support; French is taught with a dedicated program for non-French speakers, while English is taught from preschool with increased hours in later years. The primary curriculum follows the French model with bilingual elements (French 9 hours, English 3 hours in core class time, plus 2 hours of English-in-class instruction), and includes Myanmar language once per week; language certifications are offered in English (Cambridge) and French (DELF Prim/Junior). The school uses CNED to extend studies beyond French in some cases up to the end of middle school. The campus houses a library, art spaces, and theatre facilities to support the academic program.

Extra Curricular Facilities

LFIR runs an activity hub (AES) with 20+ after-school activities, including sports, science, pottery, fencing, coding, music, dance, Lego, and arts & crafts. Activities take place on campus after school at 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm and are open to LFIR students and external participants. The AES program has planned terms, for example 23 February to 12 June 2026 for the second term, with opportunities for continuing and expanding beyond the classroom. Language certifications and additional extracurricular offerings are coordinated through the school to complement the academic program.

Academic & Intellectual

The LFIR is a non-profit educational institution of excellence and is part of the AEFE network, fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education. It offers the French national curriculum adapted to an international environment. The school provides education from preschool through CM2, with CNED continuing to 4ème (the 8th grade). Its mission emphasizes academic progress, personal growth, multicultural appreciation, eco-responsibility, and citizenship development.

Arts & Creative

The LFIR provides facilities for education, sports, arts, reading, and performing arts. The campus includes a large library, art supplies, theatre costumes, and an auditorium where performing arts shows are presented to parents. After-school activities include arts, music, and other creative offerings, with AES providing 20+ on-campus activities after class from 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm.

Cultural & Language

Instruction is delivered in French and English, with fluency in both as an objective. French language support includes a French as a Foreign Language program offered at the school and through the IFB-French Institute of Myanmar. English is taught from preschool with three hours per week of English classes (rising to more in middle school), and some subjects are taught in English; daily use of English occurs in class and in extra-curricular activities. Myanmar language and culture are taught one hour per week, aided in preschool by a Myanmar assistant teacher. From secondary, students study at least one other foreign language (usually Spanish or German), with CNED available for additional language study; language certifications include Cambridge English certificates and DELF Prim/Junior.

Social & Hobbies

After-school activities (AES) offer 20+ options including sports, science, pottery, coding, music, and dance, with classes on campus after school at 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm; the program runs on campus and is open to LFIR students and outside students. The LFIR Activity Hub supports ongoing engagement with on-campus activities and events, including eco-delegates and other student-led initiatives. The school environment also includes cultural celebrations such as Thadingyut and Thingyan and a focus on international and multicultural experiences.

Community & Service

LFIR emphasizes eco-responsibility and citizenship as part of its mission; eco-delegates meet regularly to plan actions such as mural projects, composting, street clean-ups, and gardening. Myanmar language and culture teaching and festival celebrations foster community ties and cultural understanding. The school is home to around 15 nationalities, reflecting its international community.

Leadership & Professional

The LFIR Team includes a director, teachers, a support team, and a Management Committee representing the Association of Parents. Sophie Wierre serves as LFIR Director and TPS/PS teacher; she joined LFIR in 2024 and has over 20 years of teaching experience and more than 5 years as director. The Administrative & Financial Director, Victor Dufort, joined LFIR in 2025, overseeing administrative and financial operations, supported by a broader team of teachers and staff.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The LFIR moved to its current Ou Yin Street campus in 2020, a secure and peaceful setting with child-friendly playgrounds. The new campus provides facilities for education, sports, arts, and reading, including a padded motricity room, a covered sports court, and a full-size football field; swimming classes are conducted with instructors at Sakura residence. Classrooms are designed for collaboration and digital learning, and regular physical activity is integrated into the curriculum. The campus also includes a large library and performing arts space, supporting a balanced approach to well-being and learning.

Admissions

1. The LFIR – French International School of Yangon Joseph Kessel is a non-profit educational institution of excellence. It is a member of AEFE and fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education, part of a network of 580 AEFE schools in 139 countries. 2. The school follows the French national curriculum adapted to an international environment and uses CNED to continue from CM2 to the 4ème (8th grade). For the 2025-2026 school year, LFIR accepts registrations from Toute Petite Section (age 2) to 4ème, with more classes expected to reopen as students progress.

Scholarships

LFIR outlines pathways through AEFE-related opportunities and French higher education connections; no separate scholarship details are published here.

Waitlist

The LFIR publishes information about admissions and grade levels online; specific waitlist details are not provided here.