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Lycée Français International de Kyoto

Japan, Kyoto

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French
Fees ¥823,200 - 1,229,350
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 267
Type Co-educational
Opened 1997
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, Japanese
Typical class size 12
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Created in 1997, the Lycée Français International de Kyoto (LFIK) is a French school abroad approved by the French Ministry and under agreement with AEFE. It welcomes children from Petite Section (2–3 years) through Terminale (17–18 years) and teaches the French curriculum. French is the main language of instruction, and families can choose an English or Japanese language course pathway starting as early as kindergarten. For students who don’t yet speak French, LFIK describes a French-as-a-second-language (FLSco) support plan with an adapted weekly schedule. The school calendar includes cultural celebrations such as Tsukimi, Setsubun and Tanabata. Students can also take part in AEFE interzone projects, including Nuit du Code (Coding Night) and sports tournaments.

411 Motoshinmeicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8065, Japan

The Essentials

Lycée Français International de Kyoto has 267 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in French.

Location

LFIK is located at 411 Motoshinmeicho, Tominokojidōri Gojo agaru, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto 600-8065, Japan. It sits in central Kyoto in the Shimogyō ward, with convenient access to public transport. The school is about a 10-minute walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma Line or from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Line, and public bus stops at Horikawa-Marutamachi are two minutes away.

Stages

LFIK offers education from Petite Section (nursery) through Terminale (12th grade), covering la maternelle, le9cole, le college and le lyce9e. The curriculum follows the French national program and spans early years to the end of secondary education.

Type

LFIK is a private, co-educational French international school. It is affiliated with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and operates under contract; the school is run by a parents' association (APEK). There is no boarding facility listed for LFIK.

Pupil Nationality Mix

LFIK serves students from many nationalities; the school states it welcomes students from France and other countries, with more than 30 nationalities represented in recent years. Enrollment figures show hundreds of students (approximately 260–270 in recent years), reflecting a diverse international community.

Additional learning support

LFIK provides Aide personnalise9e (personalized help) in small groups for students who need extra support. In maternelle and the early grades, teaching hours include 24 hours per week in nursery and 26 hours per week in elementary, with two 30-minute weekly sessions for targeted assistance (PPRE for more complex cases as needed).

Country affiliation

LFIK is affiliated with Frances AEFE network, the Agency for French Education Abroad. This places LFIK within the framework of the French education system abroad.

Religious affiliation

There is no religious affiliation indicated for LFIK; the school presents itself as a secular French international school welcoming students of all backgrounds.

School day structure

The school day follows French timetables: in maternelle the day typically runs from 8:30 to 11:45, with afternoon sessions for older children; in elementary, mornings are 8:30–11:45 and afternoons 13:30–15:30. Lunchtime break and language pathway options are incorporated into the daily timetable.

Bus service

LFIK does not operate its own school bus service. Public transit options are available nearby: Horikawa-Marutamachi public bus stops are within a 2-minute walk, and LFIK is about a 10-minute walk from Gojo or Kiyomizu-Gojo stations. Families typically use public transport or walking to reach the campus.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

Lunch is provided through a half-board option; students may bring their own lunch or use the Bento service, with the Bento choice depending on the class. Registration covers all days of the week; the school cannot accommodate personalized menus or dietary restrictions. A drink and cutlery are required daily.

Governance and Ownership

The school is AEFE-accredited and part of the AEFE network (580 schools in 139 countries). It is governed by APEK, the parents' association that manages the school.
Fees

Annual tuition at Lycée Français International de Kyoto ranges from JPY 823,200 to JPY 1,229,350 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Droits de première inscription (DPI) : Entreprise ¥400,000; Famille ¥150,000. Paiement intégral exigé avant le premier jour d'école pour chaque enfant lors de la première inscription. Confirmation tardive (inscription après le 30 juin 2025 pour une rentrée en septembre 2025) : supplément ¥50,000.



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

- Frais de scolarité annuels (2025–2026) et répartition standard par trimestre (trois trimestres) :
- Maternelle (TPS, PS, MS, GS) : Annuel ¥823,200 — Par trimestre ¥274,400.
- Primaire (CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2) : Annuel ¥843,780 — Par trimestre ¥281,260.
- Collège (6ème, 5ème, 4ème) : Annuel ¥926,100 — Par trimestre ¥308,700.
- Collège (3ème) : Annuel ¥946,680 — Par trimestre ¥315,560.
- Lycée (2nde) : Annuel ¥1,058,310 — Par trimestre ¥352,770.
- Lycée (1ère) : Annuel ¥1,175,900 — Par trimestre ≈ ¥391,967 (arrondi).
- Lycée (Terminale) : Annuel ¥1,229,350 — Par trimestre ≈ ¥409,783 (arrondi).

- Frais de gestion annuels (pour prise en charge par une entreprise) : ¥309,000 par enfant (facturés aux entreprises).

- La cotisation APEK (¥2,000) est intégrée aux frais de scolarité.



Billing schedule and payment terms

- Période scolaire : septembre à juin (10 mois). Le mode de facturation standard et par défaut est trimestriel (3 échéances). Les échéances trimestrielles pour l'année scolaire 2025–2026 sont : 1er trimestre (sept–déc) échéance 30 oct 2025; 2nd trimestre (jan–mar) échéance 30 jan 2026; 3ème trimestre (avr–juin) échéance 30 avr 2026.

- Mensualisation possible sur demande écrite avant le 25 août 2025 : factures datées du 1er jour de chaque mois avec échéance 15 jours. Option non disponible pour facturation entreprise ni pour arrivées en cours d'année.

- Annualisation possible sur demande : échéance fixée au 15 oct 2025.

- Si la famille modifie le mode de paiement après émission d'une facture, un frais administratif de traitement de ¥30,000 sera facturé.

- Modalités particulières : les facturations des services facultatifs (cantine, APS, AS, garderie, étude, centre aéré, CNED, etc.) sont émises séparément selon la périodicité indiquée et avec échéances variables (mensuelle, bimestrielle ou trimestrielle selon le service).



Boarding fees

- Aucune mention de frais d'internat/boarding n'est indiquée dans le règlement financier 2025–2026.



Other costs and recurring extra fees

- Demi-pension (bento) : Maternelle ¥11,200 par mois; Primaire/Collège/Lycée ¥16,000 par mois. Inscription annuelle via la plateforme EDUKA; facturation séparée au début de chaque trimestre avec échéance 30 jours. Une période d'essai d'un mois est prévue (conditions précisées dans le règlement).

- Activités périscolaires (APS) : tarifs selon activité; tarif mensuel minimum (session 2025/26) pour 1h : ¥3,300; 1h30 : ¥4,950. Facturation selon la session (mensualisation sur la durée de la session) et facturation séparée bimestrielle avec échéance 15 jours.

- Association sportive (AS) : cotisation annuelle ¥11,000; tarifs mensuels pour AS 1h ¥3,300; AS 1h30 ¥4,950. Facturation bimensualisée en 5 fois (soit 10 mois).

- Étude / Garderie : tarifs mensuels et à la carte (ex. étude 1h mensuel ¥2,200; étude à la carte 1h ¥1,600; garderie 1h mensuel ¥1,500; garderie à la carte ¥1,500). Inscription bimestrielle; facturation bimestrielle avec échéance 15 jours.

- Centre aéré (vacances) : jour ¥1,600 (service soumis à conditions et paiement avant session).

- Examens et candidatures : DNB (candidatures libres) ¥50,000; EAB (candidats hors LFIK) ¥70,000; Frais Baccalauréat ¥100,000. Les frais d'examen sont pris en compte mais ne peuvent donner lieu à remboursement une fois l'élève scolarisé.

- Fournitures scolaires : listes de fournitures à la charge des familles pour primaire et secondaire (listes publiées par niveau). Les fournitures pour maternelle (certaines) et le prêt des manuels sont inclus dans les frais de scolarité; cependant d'autres fournitures ou ouvrages littéraires peuvent rester à la charge des familles.

- Fonds de solidarité : contribution annuelle obligatoire ¥5,000 par élève.

- En cas de perte ou dégradation de manuels ou matériel prêté, des frais de remplacement peuvent être facturés séparément.



Refund and arrival/departure rules

- Droits de première inscription (DPI) : non remboursables en aucune circonstance.

- Arrivée en cours d'année : les frais (DPI, frais de scolarité, bentos, autres) doivent être acquittés avant la date d'arrivée; les frais de scolarité sont calculés au prorata mensuel sur une base de 10 mois pour l'année scolaire.

- Départ en cours d'année : les frais de scolarité sont calculés au prorata mensuel sur une base de 10 mois. Toutefois, le règlement précise également que tout mois entamé est dû en intégralité. En cas de trop-perçu au départ, seuls les frais de scolarité seront remboursés diminués des frais d'examen (DNB & Baccalauréat), des ouvrages scolaires déjà achetés, de la contribution au fonds de solidarité et de la cotisation à l'APEK (inclus dans les frais de scolarité).

- Trop-perçus : les trop-perçus sont considérés comme avances tant que la famille a un enfant scolarisé; pour les familles quittant définitivement l'établissement, un trop-perçu pourra être réclamé et sera versé dans un délai maximum de 2 mois après demande complète incluant coordonnées bancaires. Les trop-perçus non réclamés inférieurs à ¥10,000 sont acquis à l'établissement; ceux supérieurs à ce montant deviennent acquis après 2 ans si non réclamés.



Fee payment options and penalties

- Paiement en espèces : accepté uniquement auprès du service financier de l'établissement pendant les heures d'ouverture.

- Virements bancaires : virements en euros vers un compte en France possibles sur accord écrit préalable du Directeur Administratif et Financier; le taux de change EUR/JPY retenu est déterminé mensuellement par le Conseil d'Administration. Les frais bancaires de transfert (sur le compte débité et sur le compte crédité) sont à la charge de la famille.

- Les modalités de paiement (trimestriel, mensuel ou annuel) doivent être choisies lors de l'inscription ou de la réinscription via EDUKA. En l'absence d'indication correcte, le mode de paiement standard trimestriel s'applique.

- Retards et impayés : des frais de gestion d'impayé de 10% du montant dû seront appliqués automatiquement en cas de non-paiement à l'échéance. Le non-paiement répété peut entraîner la suspension des services facultatifs, le refus d'inscription pour l'année suivante, voire l'exclusion de l'élève sur décision du Conseil d'Administration après procédures prévues.



Notes sur ce qui est inclus dans les frais de scolarité

- Sont inclus : la cotisation annuelle APEK (¥2,000), la scolarité, le prêt des manuels, certaines fournitures pour maternelles, les cahiers et manuels de l'élémentaire, une assurance scolaire de base, et les frais d'examen DNB & Baccalauréat (ces derniers ne sont pas remboursables une fois l'élève scolarisé).

- Ne sont pas inclus : cantine (bento), activités périscolaires (APS), activités sportives (AS), centre aéré, petites fournitures, assurance-maladie, garderie/étude, ouvrages littéraires liés aux parcours de langue et certains services optionnels (CNED, tutorat, etc.).
Academics

Lycée Français International de Kyoto teaches French Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The Lyce9e Français International de Kyoto (LFIK) is a fully AEFE-affiliated French international school in Kyoto, serving students from Petite Section (2-3 years) to Terminale (17-18 years). The curriculum follows the official French national education program with French as the main language of instruction, set within a multilingual, multicultural environment that emphasizes language learning and international mobility. It prepares students for the Brevet at the end of collège and the Baccalaure9at at the end of lycée, with reported 100% success for both examinations and honours such as first-class distinction or upper-second merit. From the early years, learners follow one of two language tracks—English or Japanese—which supplement the French curriculum, with weekly language hours ranging from 30 minutes to more than four hours. A French as a Second Language (FLSco) program supports non-French speakers, and Japanese is studied as the host-country language; LFIK also offers a broad range of extracurricular activities and after-school programs (APS) and holiday camps. The school year begins in September, with admission possible mid-year if needed, and classes average about 12 students per class.

Student Teacher Ratio

Class sizes are small, averaging around 12 students per class, which supports individualized attention within the French national curriculum.

Exam Results

LFIK reports 100% success at both the Brevet and the Baccalaure9at, with honours such as first-class distinction or upper-second merit cited for the Bac. The school positions itself as preparing students for internationally recognized state exams and future study in France or other French establishments abroad.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates typically pursue higher education in France or international institutions, leveraging LFIKs AEFE network and recognition of the Brevet and Baccalaure9at to access universities worldwide.

Gifted and Talented

Based on LFIKs dual-language environment and AEFE framework, gifted and talented students have access to the standard curriculum with language tracks (English or Japanese) and enrichment opportunities within the schools APS and project-based activities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The LFIK Kyoto does not publicly disclose a dedicated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, staff, or initiatives on its site. Student support is centered on the Aide personnalisée (personalized assistance) for learners with difficulties, implemented in primary as two 30-minute sessions per week. The Aide personnalisée is organized by the school and its modalities are validated by the Inspector of the National Education, allowing scheduling flexibility. When multiple supports are needed, a Programme personnalisé de réussite éducative (PPRE) ensures coherence between interventions. The school emphasizes helping students grow and flourish within an international, multilingual community, signaling a wellbeing orientation even though explicit SEL programs are not itemized publicly.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The LFIK Kyoto provides SEN support through the Aide personnalisée (personalized assistance) for learners with learning difficulties. In primary, the additional help consists of 2 sessions of 30 minutes per week, allocated by the school. The modalities of Aide personnalisée are validated by the Inspector of the National Education. Where several aids are needed, a PPRE (personalized program for educational success) coordinates interventions to maintain coherence. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution; support is described as school-based for learners in difficulty rather than a dedicated SEN unit.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Language Program shows LFIK Kyoto operates three language pathways, including English language progressions for Cycle 2 and Cycle 3, indicating a structured English program. There is also a provision that for students needing support in French, Japanese class time can be used for French support lessons. The site does not publish details about dedicated EAL staff or a distinct EAL department beyond these English progressions. English progressions for Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 are documented on the Language Program page. In short, EAL support is described through English language progressions, with no further publicly disclosed staff or program specifics.

Mental Wellbeing

The LFIK Kyoto does not publicly disclose a dedicated mental wellbeing program or on-site mental health staff. The Director's word emphasizes helping every student gain confidence and flourish within an international, multilingual setting, which signals a wellbeing-oriented ethos. The Health care page outlines policies for illness, medical care, and chronic conditions, supporting overall student wellbeing but not mental health services. There is no explicit listing of on-site counselling or psychology provision in public pages. Consequently, mental wellbeing supports beyond general health and welfare policies are not publicly disclosed.

Safeguarding

LFIK Kyoto has formal safeguarding and prevention procedures under the Sécurité et prévention section. The procedures cover safety protocols for cycling, typhoons, earthquakes, and confinement in case of hazardous air quality, with communications to parents via email and Twitter. The site notes first aid training and the availability of a defibrillator (DAE) for emergencies. Coronavirus protocols are published as part of the health/safety framework. In the event of any hazard, parents are informed and students may be guided to safe areas or evacuated under supervision.
Parent Experience

History

The Lyce9e Frane7ais International de Kyoto (LFIK) traces its origins to 1991, when the Kansai Parentsa0Association (APEK) founded the 34École Frane7aise du Kansai50 to serve Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka; the school is owned and managed by APEK as part of the AEFE network. The Kyoto campus opened in 1996 with eight hours of instruction per week. In 1997, Kyoto began full-time operation as a single class meeting the standards of the French National Education system, and the school later moved to Juraku. In 1999, the 34EFK1 signed a convention with AEFE, and in 2000 elementary and kindergarten classes were added. In 2014 the school was renamed Lyce9e Frane7ais de Kyoto and, in 2017, relocated to the Yurin site and adopted the Lyce9e Frane7ais International de Kyoto name.

Community

LFIK hosts a diverse community with more than 30 nationalities represented and about 267 students from kindergarten through terminale, as of the 2024a32025 cohort. The school fosters a multilingual, multicultural environment, with language offerings that support both French and foreign language study. The campus calendar features cultural celebrations that reflect the community, including Noël, Tsukimi, Halloween, Setsubun, Carnaval, and Tanabata, and students participate in AEFE interzone projects that encourage collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Kansai Parentsa0Association (APEK) is the school2s Parentsa0Association and management body, and all LFIKa0Kyoto parents are members. The association meets once a year at an Ordinary General Meeting to elect representatives who sit on the Management Committee for a two-year term. The Management Committee includes six to nine voting members and they are ex officio members of the LFIK Board of Directors. The committee
00s role is to ensure that the schoola0s orientations are respected, to propose a budget, to choose investments, and to recruit personnel, and it helps bring the school to life by organizing events and maintaining communication among parents, teachers, institutions, and the broader community. Advisory figures include the Consul General of France in Kyoto and LFIKa0s principal. The Assembla0Ge9ne9rale meets annually, the Conseil de9Administration meets monthly, the Conseil de9Etablissement meets quarterly, and the Statuts govern the association.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The LFIK Kyoto campus is located at 411 Motoshinmeicho, Kyoto, near Kyoto Station. The grounds include a 1,272 m2 courtyard that provides outdoor play space and room for football during breaks, and a large gymnasium for a range of sports and performances. The school houses a dedicated library with a CDI (Centre de Documentation et d'Information) and a BCD (Bibliothèque/ Centre Documentaire), accessible via an online Esidoc system with personal student accounts. A Bento lunch service is available at midday, with options for both school meals and bring-your-own meals. The campus also offers a Centre aéré during school breaks and a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and languages.

Sports Facilities

The campus features a large gymnasium that supports volleyball, badminton, and futsal, and it also serves as a venue for performances. An outdoor 1,272 m2 courtyard provides space for play, including football during recess.

Academic Facilities

The LFIK Kyoto library includes a CDI and BCD with an online Esidoc catalog, and each student has a personal account for library access. The school's facilities include science laboratories for practical experiments and related activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The LFIK offers more than 25 extracurricular activities per year, spanning sports, arts, and languages. There is also a Centre aéré (holiday center) during school breaks, and a variety of after-school activities for different age groups.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

LFIK participates in AEFE interzone projects that emphasize teamwork and cross-cultural exchange, including events such as Nuit du Code (Coding Night) and regional football or volleyball tournaments. The school offers an after-school extracurricular program (APS) that is renewed each year and includes enrichment activities for different age groups. APS options include sports and martial arts as well as artistic, manual and physical classes, such as theatre, sewing, arts & crafts, guitar, boxing, dance, baby gym, and magic. APS can be conducted in English or Japanese, allowing language practice alongside academic exploration.

Arts & Creative

The APS program includes theatre, sewing, arts & crafts, guitar, boxing, dance, and magic. Arts-focused activities are complemented by opportunities to participate in broader cultural events and performances. The arts are showcased through school performances and exhibitions.

Cultural & Language

Two language pathways are offered in LFIK's extended language program: English and Japanese. LFIK participates in AEFE interzone projects that foster language use and cross-cultural collaboration, such as Nuit du Code and Semaine des Lycées Français du Monde. The school hosts cultural celebrations and events reflecting its diverse community, including Noël, Tsukimi, Halloween, Setsubun, Carnaval, and Tanabata. Intercultural openness and multilingualism are core features of LFIK's identity.

Social & Hobbies

LFIK offers lunchtime and after-school activities across a broad range of subjects and interests. Clubs span sports, arts and crafts, theatre, music, and other recreational activities. Activities are accessible to students regardless of language option. The program supports social interaction and peer engagement.

Community & Service

AEFE interzone projects emphasize teamwork, solidarity and collaboration across LFIK's international community. These projects can include travel to the Asia-Pacific region to meet peers and participate in organized events. The school also hosts outings and family-oriented events as part of school life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports and martial arts are included in APS, with offerings such as soccer, volleyball, boxing, aikido, and dance. Holiday camps provide a supervised environment during school breaks with sports, crafts, cooking workshops and day trips. The school life also includes cultural celebrations and events that foster belonging and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught at LFIK Kyoto include French (main language of instruction) with mandatory Japanese language study for all students from kindergarten through terminale. English and Japanese are offered as language pathways beginning in kindergarten, providing additional hours of practice and, in some cases, courses in French curriculum subjects taught in English or Japanese. French-as-a-Second-Language support is available for non-French speakers with an adapted weekly schedule. Progressions for English (Cycle 2 and Cycle 3) are part of the program.

Bilingual Teaching

LFIK Kyoto does not advertise a formal bilingual program with core subjects taught in two languages. French is the main language of instruction. For students who do not speak French at entry, the school provides a French as a Second Language (FLSco) plan with an adapted weekly timetable that evolves with progress. English and Japanese are offered as language pathways from kindergarten, and some French curriculum subjects may be taught in English or Japanese as part of those pathways.

Immersion Programs

LFIK Kyoto provides Japanese-language immersion through a structured, multi-group pathway from early years. From CP onward there are Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced groups, with a diagnostic test in September to determine placement; a new Intermediate group was established to standardize progression. The program also includes English-language progressions (Cycle 2 and Cycle 3) as part of language immersion, with English taught alongside French content. Some French subjects may be taught in a foreign language as part of the language pathways.
Reputation

Accreditations

- AEFE network membership (Agency for French Education Abroad): LFIK Kyoto is conventionné with AEFE, a public operator under the French Foreign Affairs Ministry, which supports alignment with French national education programs and recognition of French diplomas across its network.
- French Ministry of National Education homologation: LFIK Kyoto is fully homologated by the French Ministry of National Education for all grades from preschool through the bac, effective September 1, 2024. This status ensures the school delivers official French education programs and diplomas, and enables examination center status for the DNB and the Baccalaureate.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Contacept the LFIK secretariat to begin the admissions process. For families who have never contacted the school before, enrollment will be validated by the principal after this initial contact, so timely outreach is important. If your child does not speak French, you must request a meeting with the principal before enrollment, and the outcome of that meeting will determine whether enrollment can proceed. The LFIK process also welcomes new students throughout the school year, although the regular school year begins in September.

Scholarships

2. Documented admissions steps also include the possibility of applying for school scholarships. The LFIK offers Bourses scolaires (school scholarships) for eligible families, with the first scholarship campaign for 2026-2027 open from January 8 to February 23, 2026, and applications submitted via the SCOLAIDE platform. The application requires completing the digital scholarship form and providing the requested declarations of resources and supporting documents. Kyoto-based families are encouraged to submit their materials early within the window and to create a SCOLAIDE account for the process. The LFIK also provides guidance on how to submit the scholarship dossier through SCOLAIDE, including how to attach required documents if you cannot upload them directly. In addition to LFIK scholarships, families with preschool children may be eligible for Japanese government child-care subsidies (a monthly amount of 37,000 yen for 3–5-year-olds) under conditions set by local authorities. The LFIK page explains the eligibility and submission process, including how to apply through city programs and the potential need for documents from the Kyoto municipal office. If you do not speak Japanese, you should contact the LFIK life-siclo (vie scolaire) team for assistance. The LFIK admissions and fee structure also note that the Droit de Première Inscription (DPI) and annual school fees are fixed annually, with the DPI included in the published fees.

Waitlist

LFIK Kyoto does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are described as contingent on available capacity, with non-French-speaking students also admitted subject to capacity. In practice, this means there is no public waitlist; rather, acceptance depends on whether spaces are available after the initial assessment of each applicant.
School Events
The school has not added events