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International School of Nice

France, Côte d'Azur

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €15,225 - 26,607
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 480
Type Co-educational
Opened 1987
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Russian
Typical class size 18
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School of Nice (ISN Nice) is a private, co-educational English-language day school in Nice, part of the Globeducate network. It delivers the full IB continuum for students aged 3–18, with the Primary Years Programme in the lower school, and the IB Diploma Programme in the high school, alongside IGCSE preparation in middle and upper levels. English is the language of instruction, with French taught weekly to all students. The campus on the western edge of Nice opened in 1987 and houses a library, SPACE Centre, STEAM room, Marine Learning Hub, science labs, artists' studios, a music block, and a 300-seat theatre, plus a gym, canteen, and sport facilities including a full-size basketball court, football pitch, tennis and volleyball courts. ISN Nice offers a range of after-school activities and clubs, including drama with LAMDA/ABRSM exams, the Globeducate Academic Olympics, and Model United Nations.

15 Av. Claude Debussy, 06200 Nice, France

The Essentials

International School of Nice has 480 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location

ISN Nice is a private, co-educational day school on the Côte d'Azur in Nice, France. The campus is on the western edge of the city, five minutes from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, with easy access to the A8 motorway. The address is 15 Avenue Claude Debussy, 06200 Nice.

Stages

ISN Nice provides a full English-language international education for ages 3-18, from preschool through Grade 12. The school is organized into Primary School, Middle School and High School, with High School following the IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme.

Type

Private, co-educational day school; IB World School; English-language instruction; non-sectarian. Globeducate network affiliation.

Pupil Nationality Mix

ISN Nice has around 65 nationalities represented and more than 40 home languages spoken by the student body.

Additional learning support

REACH Centre provides one-to-one support and Individual Education Plans for diagnosed learning needs (ages 3-18). EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is available to help students acquire English.

Religious affiliation

Non-sectarian

School day structure

Hours of tuition are 08:30–15:40 for Primary, and 08:30–15:50 for Middle and High School, Monday to Friday. Lower School Lunch 11:00–12:00; Middle School Lunch 12:20–13:00; High School Lunch 13:00–14:00.

Bus service

ISN Nice offers six school bus routes across the Côte d'Azur, including Cannes, Monaco Fontvieille, Monaco Grimaldi, Nice, Valbonne and Vence.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Day school.

Uniform Requirement

A school uniform is required for Young Explorers to Grade 10. The uniform consists of a white polo shirt and a zipped hoodie with the school logo, plus a PE kit. Bottoms must be navy blue and smart/tailored; shoes should be a single color; jeans, leggings, tracksuit bottoms, mini skirts, flip flops or sliders are not allowed. Grades 11 and 12 follow a smart casual dress code.

Food Options

ISN Nice provides daily school meals served in the on-campus canteen, following national health guidelines to ensure a balanced, hot meal at lunchtime; microwaves are available for students who wish to heat food. Lower, middle and high school students may register for the school food service, and preschool children have seated service. Students may also bring lunches from home to eat under supervision.

House System

ISN has a four-house system: House of Ares (Red), House of Apollo (Yellow), House of Poseidon (Blue), and House of Athena (Green). Students remain in the same House across Primary, Middle and High School, earn points for achievements, and Fridays feature Spirit Day where colors represent each House.

Governance and Ownership

ISN Nice is a private IB World School and a member of Globeducate, a leading international K12 education group with 65+ schools in 11 countries.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Nice ranges from EUR 15,225 to EUR 26,607 for 2026/27.

Application and registration fees
- Application (dossier) fee for new registrations: EUR 690 for the first child; EUR 540 for the second, third and fourth child.
- Non‑refundable Excellence Fund (one‑off at enrolment): EUR 2,000.
- Non‑refundable admission/registration fees for new entrants: EUR 3,200 for Child 1; EUR 1,500 for Child 2; EUR 500 for Child 3; Child 4: EUR 0. Total initially payable for one new child (application + excellence fund + admission fees) is shown as EUR 5,890 (lower totals for subsequent children are published).

Tuition fees by school year (annual and per semester)
- Young Explorers (pre‑K / Kindergarten): Annual tuition EUR 11,400. Per semester (school year = 2 semesters): EUR 5,700. Down payment to guarantee place: EUR 4,500 (deducted from the annual fee).
- Grade 1–5: Annual tuition EUR 14,700. Per semester: EUR 7,350. Down payment: EUR 4,500 (deducted from the annual fee).
- Grade 6–8: Annual tuition EUR 18,315. Per semester: EUR 9,157.50. Down payment: EUR 4,500 (deducted from the annual fee).
- Grade 9–10 (IGCSE years): Annual tuition EUR 21,060. Per semester: EUR 10,530. Down payment: EUR 4,500 (deducted from the annual fee).
- Grade 11–12 (IB Diploma years): Annual tuition EUR 23,550 for Grade 11 and EUR 24,885 for Grade 12. Per semester: EUR 11,775 (Grade 11) and EUR 12,442.50 (Grade 12). Down payment: EUR 4,500 (deducted from the annual fee).

Other compulsory or commonly billed costs
- Canteen (school meals), billed in addition to tuition (annual): Young Explorers EUR 1,348; Pre‑K/K EUR 1,481; Grade 1–5 EUR 1,784; Grade 6–8 EUR 1,911; Grade 9–11 EUR 1,911; Grade 12 EUR 1,722. Canteen fees are non‑refundable in the event of absence.
- Bus/transport: Bus service is an extra, billed in addition to tuition; full‑time/half‑time pricing is set and communicated at the start of the academic year.
- EAL (English as an Additional Language) support (price per semester): Grade 1–5 from EUR 3,092 per semester; Grade 6–8 from EUR 3,387 per semester; Grade 9–10 from EUR 3,771 per semester.
- REACH (individual support): Annual prices vary by need; published from EUR 1,900 per year (case‑by‑case).
- IGCSE/IB external examination fees: charged per exam; indicative range for IGCSE examinations EUR 90–100 per exam (final price notified in April). External IB examination charges apply where relevant.
- Private music lessons: EUR 33 per 30‑minute lesson (price quoted per semester where applicable). World language extra classes: annual prices from EUR 1,000. After‑school activity prices are published each year and billed per semester.
- PTA annual subscription: EUR 130. Uniforms are mandatory from Young Explorers through Grade 10; uniform costs are charged separately. Badge/voucher and incidental canteen items: e.g., canteen badge replacement EUR 15; voucher of 5 meals EUR 75.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is quoted on an annual basis; the school year is made up of two semesters (Semester 1: September–January; Semester 2: February–June). Any semester begun must be paid for in full. Families enrolling mid‑year are charged on a prorata basis, with full month charged for the month of arrival.
- Required initial payments at enrolment (new students): application fee, registration/admission fee, Excellence Fund contribution and an initial down payment on tuition of EUR 4,500. For re‑enrolment, a down payment of EUR 4,500 is requested (to be paid by March 1st for the following academic year unless opting out by the published deadline).
- Payment timing: the first payment is the down payment on enrolment or re‑enrolment; a second payment is due at the end of August; the remaining balance is payable according to the payment option selected. The school allows payment in 1 or 2 instalments by bank transfer, and via direct debit (SEPA) in 3, 6 or 9 instalments (direct debit is preferred from a French bank account but SEPA from listed countries is accepted). All bank charges are at the payer's expense.

Late payment and debt recovery
- Late payment interest and penalties: interest is charged at the legal rate plus two percentage points and a late‑payment penalty of 10% of the unpaid invoice is applied automatically for missed deadlines. Debt‑recovery administrative charges are applied in stages (several reminder letters free; later reminders and formal actions carry fees—for example, reminder letters and final recovery charges up to the specified amounts; a bailiff command can incur higher costs). Fees for returned direct debits or unpaid cheques are charged. Non‑payment may result in exclusion from classes and the immediate payability of all outstanding sums.

Refunds, cancellations and early departure
- Application fees, registration/admission fees and the Excellence Fund are non‑refundable. The EUR 4,500 down payment may be refunded if the family cancels by registered letter within 15 days of the student's admission date; beyond 15 days amounts paid at enrolment are generally not refunded. In special circumstances (for example, the school proposes an educational arrangement or directs a student to education not provided at ISN, or for Grade 5 and Grade 8 students who obtain a place in a French state collège/lycée under the rules described), the school will refund sums already paid as set out in the financial terms.
- Early departures by parents require 90 days' (3 months) written notice by registered letter; any semester during which the child attends must be paid in full. Amounts paid will not be refunded in the normal course. Expulsion for breach of obligations does not entitle the family to a refund of fees already paid.

Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable: ISN operates as a private day international school; no boarding fee schedule is published.

Fee payment options and practical notes
- Accepted methods of payment: cash (subject to legal limits), bank transfer (typically in one or two instalments; all bank charges at payer's expense), SEPA direct debit (from eligible European/associated countries) arranged for payment in 3, 6 or 9 instalments, and credit card payments (Visa, Mastercard). Families who choose direct debit must provide bank details and, where required, a Relevé d'Identité Bancaire or SEPA form. Charges for rejected debits apply.
- Sibling discounts: a 10% reduction on tuition is applied from the third child enrolled (subject to conditions) and a 20% reduction from the fourth child enrolled (subject to conditions).

(Values and terms above reflect the published fee schedule and the school's financial terms for the current academic year.)
Academics

International School of Nice teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

ISN Nice offers an IB-based curriculum for ages 3–18. The lower school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP); the middle school uses the ISN Middle School Programme and prepares students for IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP); the high school follows the IGCSE curriculum and the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP). ISN Nice has been an IB World School since 1990. English is the language of instruction and all students study French with five weekly French sessions.

Exam Results

In 2025, 100% of graduates who applied to university received offers. The average IB Diploma score was 32 out of 45, and the highest score achieved was 40 out of 45. The IB Certificate and High School Diploma both posted a 100% pass rate in 2025.

Higher Education Progression

ISN alumni have gone on to pursue higher education at top colleges and universities all over the world.

Gifted and Talented

The REACH Centre provides individualized educational support for students aged 3–18 with diagnosed learning needs, including giftedness.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Essentials Curriculum is a modern PSHE programme focusing on well-being, mental health and life skills. L'écouterie is a safe space to meet the school counsellor for confidential support. The school organises events related to mental health and well-being, and runs community projects to develop empathy, teamwork and leadership. A CAS Pastoral Team supports older students and Student Facilitators help new students integrate. A Ludothèque provides a calm space for relaxation, with a focus on emotional wellbeing across the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The REACH Centre provides individualised educational support for students aged 3–18 with diagnosed learning needs to access the curriculum. One-to-one tuition is available up to twice a week (at additional cost) with a recent Educational Psychologist assessment. The Director of Inclusion coordinates this process and supports exam accommodations for IGCSE and IB. Diagnoses include Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Dyscalculia, executive functioning difficulties, sensory needs and giftedness; an Individual Education Plan is created to meet each student's needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the language of instruction; however, all students learn French with five French sessions per week according to their level. English and French are taught from Pre-K to Grade 12, Spanish is taught in the Middle School and is optional in grades 9–12. Additional languages can be studied at extra cost.

Mental Wellbeing

The Essentials Curriculum addresses well-being, mental health and life skills. L'écouterie provides confidential counselling with a school counsellor. The school organises mental health events and supports wellbeing through community projects and a dedicated CAS pastoral team; Ludothèque offers a quiet space for relaxation and reflection to promote balance and mental health.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a core commitment with policy documents available through the ISN Policies page. The ISN Safeguarding Policy was revised January 2025. Safeguarding leadership is provided by the Director of Student Life and Safeguarding. Other safeguarding policies cover behaviour, anti-bullying, attendance and medical/first aid; Every student deserves to feel safe at school and will be supported as needed.
Parent Experience

History

ISN originated as the American International School (AIS) in 1977, evolving into the International School of Nice in 1990. It is an independent school with instruction in English in Nice. The school, renamed ISN, earned IB Diploma Programme accreditation and accreditation by the Middle States Association and the Council of International Schools, with accreditations in 2000 and 2011. In 2012 the IB authorisation extended to the Primary Years Programme, and in 2017 ISN celebrated 40 years. In 2019 Globeducate took over management and in 2024 the IB Middle Years Programme was authorised.

Community

ISN Nice is located in multicultural Nice on the Côte d'Azur. The school community participates in events such as summer and winter fêtes, musicals, international food fairs, discos and cabarets, and trips and excursions. Visiting authors and guest speaker events, graduation and the yearbook are also part of the annual calendar. A PTA gala and other family activities contribute to ISN community life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA is a proactive group of volunteer parents and teachers who collaborate across the lower, middle and high schools to brighten student life and enhance learning outcomes. All parents are members and may participate in PTA meetings, coffee mornings and events. Executive committee members are elected each year to guide activities. PTA initiatives have included summer and winter fêtes, musicals, international food fairs, discos and cabarets, trips and excursions, visiting authors and guest speaker events, graduation and the yearbook. A PTA gala at a local 5-star hotel celebrated 40 years of excellence at ISN.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The International School of Nice operates on a purpose-built campus opened in 1987, on the western edge of Nice, five minutes from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. The campus is designed to serve the needs of the international primary and secondary community. It offers a broad range of on-site learning spaces and specialist facilities to support teaching and learning. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, a whole school library, SPACE Centre, STEAM room, Marine Learning Hub, science laboratories, creative arts studios, a music block, a 300-seat theatre, a gymnasium, a canteen, and student lockers.

Sports Facilities

Outdoor facilities include a large all-weather football pitch and volleyball court, a full-size basketball court, a tennis court, a handball court, a playground, and recreational areas. These spaces support intra-school competitions and participation in regional European sports events.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include well-equipped science laboratories, SPACE Centre, STEAM room, Marine Learning Hub, creative arts studios, a music block, and a 300-seat theatre. The on-site spaces also include a library, and dedicated gymnasium, canteen, and student lockers to support daily learning and school life.

Extra Curricular Facilities

After-school activities run Monday to Thursday from 3:40 to 5:15 pm and include soccer, tennis, chess club, and art club. The school also offers drama productions and speech competitions. Music ABRSM exams are available.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

ISN Nice offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that complement academic life and develop intellectual and leadership skills. Extracurricular achievements, such as participating in sports tournaments, music exams, and public-speaking courses, demonstrate initiative and maturity. ISN Nice provides access to official drama and music exams through LAMDA and ABRSM, with private tuition available for voice and instruments. The Globeducate Academic Olympics offers maths and science challenges that foster problem-solving and teamwork.

Arts & Creative

ISN Nice provides Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre as core components of its arts program. Visual Arts progresses from primary through middle school toward IB DP, with skills such as drawing, painting, sculpture, 3D design, and photography, and the option to study IB Visual Arts at DP. Music education runs from preschool through Grade 8 with specialist instruction, ABRSM theory, and private lessons in voice and various instruments. The school hosts musical concerts and participates in Globeducate competitions such as the Virtual Arts Competition and the International Music Festival.

Cultural & Language

ISN Nice emphasizes cross-cultural engagement through its arts-driven community and events. The annual arts festival and partnerships with local venues expose students to cultures beyond the classroom. After-school activities include dances from around the world, reinforcing international cultural exchange. Model United Nations, a longstanding program, develops understanding of international relations and tolerance.

Social & Hobbies

ISN Nice runs after-school activities four times a week from 16:00 to 17:15, welcoming preschool through high school students. Clubs cover sports, performing arts, and interest courses such as art clubs, chess, and robotics. Sports offerings include multi-sport activities, dances from around the world, yoga, basketball, football, and tennis. After-school activities are taught by teachers and specialist instructors, with late buses available for attendees.

Community & Service

ISN Nice engages students in service learning, supplementing conventional lessons with initiatives to help local and global communities. In middle school, activities emphasize collaboration, social awareness, and fundraising for charities. The IB Diploma Programme CAS component involves Creativity, Activity, and Service, including projects with UNICEF, Amnesty International, and other partners, with annual volunteer initiatives such as Nepal.

Leadership & Professional

ISN Nice runs a Student Council for lower, middle, and high school that meets weekly to promote activities and a cohesive community. A prefect system, introduced in 2021, elects ten prefects each year to represent the student body and liaise with school leadership. The Green Team in the lower school promotes environmental awareness. ISN's House System (Ares, Apollo, Poseidon, Athena) unites students and staff across all sections and fosters leadership, belonging, and collaboration.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

ISN Nice emphasizes wellbeing through after-school offerings that promote social, cultural and personal development. After-school activities run four days a week and include yoga, world dances, and various sports and arts options, with special bus services for attendees. Late buses are provided to support families of students staying after school. Spirit and belonging are reinforced through the House System, including regular Spirit Days on Fridays.
Languages

Language Provision

ISN provides English-language instruction with EAL support for non-native speakers; French is taught as an additional language with five weekly lessons to develop biliteracy.

Bilingual Teaching

ISN delivers instruction in English and supports bilingual learners through an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program; biliteracy is developed through five French lessons per week.
Reputation

Accreditations

Middle States Association (MSA) accreditation; International Baccalaureate (IB) World School accreditation to offer IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP).
Admissions

Admissions

1. Start online application for in-year admissions (2025-2026) or begin the process for 2026-2027. Applications can be submitted at any time. If a school place is available, a new student may join mid‑semester. The curriculum is taught in English to serve the international community on the Côte d'Azur. 2. Prepare the documents required to apply online, as listed in Requirements. Gather the documents in advance to avoid delays. The admissions team can answer questions as needed. 3. Understand grade placement: ISN Nice follows the American system for labeling class levels. Preschool through high school; students join the grade corresponding to their age as of 1 September; a grade equivalency chart is available. 4. Admission decisions are based on: the availability of a place at the appropriate grade level; ISN's ability to meet the student's needs; the student's ability to fulfil ISN programme requirements. ISN Nice operates a small community with class sizes up to 23 and maintains a waiting list. 5. Ready to discover our school further or apply? See How to Apply to book an in-person/virtual open morning or a personalised tour; the documents required are listed in Requirements. You can also contact the admissions team via the provided numbers.

Scholarships

We do not currently offer scholarships or financial aid programmes.

Waitlist

ISN Nice operates a waiting list. School places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis due to the small class sizes; early applications are encouraged.
School Events
The school has not added events