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Lycée Descartes

Morocco, Rabat

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French
Fees MAD 3,750 - 77,700
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 2500
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic, English, Spanish, German, Latin
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Lycée Descartes is a French international school in Rabat that follows the French national curriculum and participates in the AEFE network. The school offers education from 6th grade through CPGE, with five languages studied and a strong emphasis on language pathways. The campus hosts a multicultural and multilingual community representing about 20 nationalities, creating a rich learning environment rooted in tolerance and curiosity. Students prepare for higher education around the world, supported by a curriculum that includes collège, lycée général, lycée professionnel, and enseignement technologique tracks. Facilities include a health service, a high-quality library, and a demi-pension. Student life is active through the Maison des Lycéens and a dynamic sports association. Artistic and cultural education is integrated, with arts plastiques, theatre, and Cinéma Audio-Visuel, plus Education Artistique et Culturel pathways. The school also offers European language sections, Parcours Avenir, Parcours Citoyen, and Parcours Artistique et Culturel, connected to AEFE network.

The Essentials

Lycée Descartes has 2,500 pupils, instruction in French.

Location
The school is located in Rabat, Morocco. Address: BP 768, Place Jean Courtin, Agdal, Rabat 10106.

Stages
Secondary education with Seconde, Première, Terminale (French high school).

Type
French international school in Rabat, part of the AEFE network.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Multicultural and plurilingual community with around 20 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Inclusion program for visually impaired students.

Country affiliation
Morocco
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school provides a demi-pension (half-board) service with two dining spaces, one for collège and one for lycée. These spaces are managed by an external contractor as a self-service; all dishes are prepared on site. A canteen committee ensures nutritional balance. The meal hours are: collège 12:00–13:00 and 13:00–14:00; lycée service runs from 12:00 to 14:00.

Food Options
Two dining spaces are available, operated as a self-service with meals prepared on site. A weekly menu is available, and a nutrition committee ensures balanced meals. Snack tariffs for collège and lycée are published.

House System
The school has a Maison des Lycéens (MDL), a student‑led association that runs more than 20 clubs and organizes events such as the Noël Market, Saint Valentin, and Prom. SPOT is a central space for activities and MDL coordinates clubs and projects.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the AEFE network (Agency for French Education Abroad) and is integrated into the Rabat Kenitra Pole, a group of seven schools under the administrative and financial responsibility of Lycée Descartes.
Fees

Annual tuition at Lycée Descartes ranges from MAD 3,750 to MAD 77,700 for 2026/27.

Application fees (Droits de première inscription)
- Droits de première inscription (DPI) : 1er enfant MAD 30,000; 2e enfant MAD 15,000; 3e enfant et suivants MAD 0. For CPGE the DPI is MAD 7,500. The DPI is payable before the start of the school year and is not refundable except in the exceptional case of refusal or impossibility of registration by the establishment.

Tuition fees — annual and per-term (2026/2027 academic year)
- Currency: amounts expressed in Moroccan dirhams (MAD).
- French nationals (annual / per-term):
- Maternelle — Annual: MAD 44,400; 1st term: MAD 17,760; 2nd term: MAD 13,320; 3rd term: MAD 13,320.
- Primaire — Annual: MAD 41,400; 1st term: MAD 16,560; 2nd term: MAD 12,420; 3rd term: MAD 12,420.
- Collège — Annual: MAD 45,400; 1st term: MAD 18,160; 2nd term: MAD 13,620; 3rd term: MAD 13,620.
- Lycée — Annual: MAD 49,700; 1st term: MAD 19,880; 2nd term: MAD 14,910; 3rd term: MAD 14,910.
- CPGE (post‑bac) — Annual: MAD 77,700; billed semestrially as 38,850 (1st semester) + 38,850 (2nd semester).
- Moroccan / other nationalities (Annual / per-term):
- Maternelle — Annual: MAD 54,700; 1st term: MAD 21,880; 2nd term: MAD 16,410; 3rd term: MAD 16,410.
- Primaire — Annual: MAD 50,600; 1st term: MAD 20,240; 2nd term: MAD 15,180; 3rd term: MAD 15,180.
- Collège — Annual: MAD 55,600; 1st term: MAD 22,240; 2nd term: MAD 16,680; 3rd term: MAD 16,680.
- Lycée — Annual: MAD 62,100; 1st term: MAD 24,840; 2nd term: MAD 18,630; 3rd term: MAD 18,630.
- CPGE — Annual: MAD 77,700; billed semestrially as 38,850 + 38,850.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- For 1st and 2nd degree (maternelle, primaire, collège, lycée) tuition is billed and payable in three advance terms: 40% of the annual tuition due at the 1st‑term deadline, then 30% at the 2nd‑term deadline, and 30% at the 3rd‑term deadline. The specified payment deadlines are: 1st term due before 19 October 2026; 2nd term due before 18 January 2027; 3rd term due before 19 April 2027.
- For post‑bac (CPGE) billing is semestrial: 5/10 (50%) of the annual amount due before 19 October 2026 and 5/10 (50%) due before 18 January 2027.
- Payment timing options accepted: single payment on receipt of the invoice; payment by the term on the above dates; or up to 9 monthly installments (October to June) by direct debit or standing transfer subject to agreement with the accounting services.
- Consequences of late or non-payment: reminders are issued; continued non‑payment triggers a final formal notice then possible legal recovery actions, and persistent non‑payment may lead to removal (radiation) of the pupil and prohibition of re‑registration until all sums are paid. A rejected payment (e.g., bounced cheque) leads to immediate exigibility of the debt after the prescribed delays.

Boarding (internat) and day‑school regime
- The school operates on an externat/demi‑pension basis and provides a school meal service; boarding (internat) tariffs are not published as part of the financial regulation for the pôle Rabat‑Kénitra. The establishment's meal service and snack options are provided through a contracted catering service.

Other fees and regular ancillary costs
- Meal service (demi‑pension) and snack: the school provides two catering spaces (collège and lycée) and publishes snack prices; example snack items include prepared student meals and individual snack prices (sample entries: student meal approx. MAD 44; hot dishes ~MAD 25; various sandwiches and snacks priced individually). These snack/ticket prices apply to collège and lycée snack outlets.
- Transport, exam and other ancillary charges: certain ancillary items (transport individuel, exam fees, and other ancillary allowances) are handled separately; bourses annexes (entretien, transport individuel, examens) are managed directly with families while the bourse for demi‑pension is paid to the catering contractor. Specific tariffs for transport or other optional services are not listed in the main financial regulation and are charged or contracted independently.
- School supplies / uniform: no mandatory uniform fee or a published uniform tariff appears in the financial regulation; standard lists of supplies are published separately by the school. Families should budget separately for supplies, schoolbooks, and optional activities.
- Sibling reductions and staff exemptions: a 50% reduction on DPI applies to the 2nd child and a 100% reduction from the 3rd child when first inscriptions are simultaneous; local staff on certain contracts benefit from exemption rules described in the financial regulation.

Refunds, remissions and prorating
- DPI is not refundable except in cases of a formal refusal or impossibility of registration by the establishment.
- General remissions (partial refunds) of tuition are limited and may, on written request, be granted only in tightly specified situations (non‑acceptance for reasons of unpaid sums, definitive exclusion, absence for illness or accident for more than 30 consecutive days outside vacations with medical certificate, or for a pupil partially present due to an assigned auxiliary of life). Any remission linked to partial attendance is prorated to the number of days concerned. Arrival or departure during the school year is charged on a monthly basis: the month in which the pupil arrives or departs is due in full (calculated as one‑tenth of the annual tuition). In cases of unexcused absence over 15 days, the school may radiate the pupil and rights are due only to the end of the month of radiation (one‑tenth basis).
- Bourses: when a scholarship or bourse is awarded by the competent services and if an appeal leads to a favorable decision after payment, any overpaid amount will be refunded to the family or deducted from amounts still due for the current school year.

Accepted payment methods and banking details
- Accepted payment methods: online payment via the parent portal (personal account), mobile multichannel payment (Fawatir/Fatourati) with partner banks, cash deposit at Crédit du Maroc branches listed by the school, direct debit (prélèvement automatique) over up to 9 months, standing transfer (virement permanent) after agreement, cheque to the order of the school's agent comptable, payment at Cash Plus agencies or partner points of sale, and in‑person card payment at the school's accounting agency by appointment. Payments in euros are converted at the chancery exchange rate indicated on the invoice.
- Bank accounts (as published for payments):
- Euro account (Trésor Public): IBAN FR76 1007 1449 0000 0010 2071 577 — BIC TRPUFRP1.
- Dirham account (Crédit du Maroc): IBAN 021 810 0000 073005036498 02.
- Card payments can be taken at the school's accounting office by appointment; receipts are available in the parent portal.

Practical summary (key items for parents)
- Budget for DPI at first enrolment (MAD 30,000; reduced for siblings; CPGE special DPI).
- Budget annual tuition according to level and nationality (see the listed annual amounts and per‑term breakdowns above).
- Respect the exact payment dates (1st term 19 October 2026; 2nd term 18 January 2027; 3rd term 19 April 2027) or arrange agreed instalments with the accounting office. Late payment may lead to exclusion and legal recovery.
- Allow for additional, separately billed costs (demi‑pension/snack, transport, supplies, optional activities). Snack and meal ticket prices are published by the school.
Academics

Lycée Descartes teaches French Curriculum.

Curriculum
An education offering from 6th grade to CPGE. Five languages are studied. The school is multicultural and multilingual, with 20 nationalities represented in the community. The curriculum covers a varied range of tracks across middle and high school levels, including CPGE pathways. The school emphasizes preparation for studies around the world.

Exam Results
99% Bac success rate in 2025.

Higher Education Progression
Pursuits of study around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Multicultural and plurilingual community with 20 nationalities. Respect, tolerance, and dialogue between cultures are the pillars of the educational project, with a focus on preventing all forms of violence and discrimination. Well-being and safe coexistence are central to the school project, with a health service providing a welcoming space to listen to students and support their well-being. A school psychologist supports students as needed and a welfare cell coordinates monitoring with educational staff; students can receive individual appointments. Students are actively engaged in school life through structures such as a Maison des Lycéens and a dynamic sports association, and ongoing efforts address harassment and promote well-being. [Source: turn3view0, turn9view0, turn10view0]

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school's mission is to ensure excellence for all and guarantee the success of each student in a caring, safe and inclusive environment. The school is explicitly inclusive. There is support for pupils in situations of disability. The health service provides educational actions to promote health and well-being and address learning challenges. A school psychologist supports families and students and, upon request, can provide individual sessions. [Source: turn9view0, turn4view0, turn4view2]

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
In addition to French, students can strengthen their mastery of Arabic, English, Spanish or German. Certifications are prepared for language proficiency, including IELTS (International English Language Testing System) delivered by the British Council and DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) delivered by the Instituto Cervantes. The school offers an English European section (Section Européenne Anglais) from secondary through to terminale, with English-language content and additional opportunities in English. Three language pathways are available in lycée and beyond, including English-focused tracks. [Source: turn7view0]

Mental Wellbeing
The infirmary is a welcoming, confidential space where students can express themselves; it is staffed by three nurses and a doctor who provide care, first aid, and health education. The health service participates in the integration and schooling of students with medical problems or learning difficulties and the nurses lead health education activities on nutrition, hygiene, prevention of addictive behaviors, screen time management, and well-being. A school psychologist provides insights into difficulties and can refer families to health professionals, with the possibility of individual appointments. The health service is open Monday to Friday 8:15-18:00, Wednesday 8:15-17:00, and Saturday 8:15-12:15. [Source: turn9view0]

Safeguarding
The school's mission is to ensure educational excellence for all and guarantee the success of each student in a caring, safe and inclusive environment. The school has a plan for preventing violence, harassment and discrimination. The health service, the school psychologist, and a safeguarding cell coordinate follow-up and monitoring with teachers and leadership. Anti-harassment initiatives and activities are part of the school's preventive framework, including student engagement projects on harassment and safe school culture. [Source: turn9view0, turn10view0]
Parent Experience

History
For more than 60 years, Lycée Descartes has offered a high-quality education. Our educational project centers on the success and fulfillment of students, with the ambition to provide excellence for all and guarantee each student's success. This demanding approach is at the heart of our commitment, as we develop intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, self-confidence, and creativity in a safe, inclusive environment. We prepare students to pursue ambitious higher education and become global citizens who understand tomorrow's challenges.

Community
With twenty nationalities, the Lycée Descartes school community is multicultural and multilingual, and these differences are a real strength. Respect, tolerance, and dialogue between cultures are the pillars of our educational project, and the school is committed to fighting all forms of violence and discrimination. The health service provides a welcoming space, and students are actively involved in school life through a vibrant Lyceans' House, an active sports association, and the school meal service.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parents are involved in the operation of the establishment. Their elected representatives on the Establishment Council also sit on the lycée's various bodies. They actively participate in discussions and decisions that guide the life of the educational community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has high-quality infrastructures. A health service provides a welcoming space for care and listening. An active Maison des Lycéens supports student life. A dynamic sports association participates in school activities. The demi-pension service provides meals. The school fosters a safe and inclusive environment.

Academic Facilities
High-quality academic facilities. Includes a high-quality library and information resources space.

Extra Curricular Facilities
An active Maison des Lycéens. A dynamic sports association.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Lycée Descartes offers a rich and varied curriculum from 6th grade through CPGE, including collège, lycée général, lycée professionnel, and enseignement technologique. The education follows the French national framework and is guided by humanist values such as tolerance, critical thinking, and equality of opportunities. It is integrated into the AEFE global network, delivering excellent academic results and opportunities to pursue studies around the world. Language learning is central, with ambitious language pathways and a strong emphasis on science and technology.

Arts & Creative
The lycée is open to the arts and offers artistic education through options in arts plastiques and theatre. An Education Artistique et Culturelle pathway is part of the program to awaken students to creativity and culture. Specialized arts subjects are available, including Arts Plastiques and Cinéma Audio-Visuel (CAV) as part of the curriculum, with further arts-related options within the lycée.

Cultural & Language
Language learning is part of the school's DNA, with pathways for languages that include LVC Espagnol and Section Européenne Anglais. The campus hosts a multilingual community of around 20 nationalities, underscoring a rich cultural environment. Parcours linguistiques and related language initiatives are integral, and the curriculum also includes an Education Artistique et Culturelle and a Parcours Avenir to connect language learning with culture, citizenship, and future paths.

Social & Hobbies
The school provides a broad program of activities beyond academics, including a lively Maison des Lycéens and a dynamic student sports association. A health service is available to welcome and listen to students, with programs focused on well-being and prevention of harassment. The school also offers artistic and cultural projects as part of its broader educational activities, supporting a vibrant student life outside classroom learning.

Community & Service
Respect, tolerance, and dialogue between cultures are the pillars of the educational project, reflecting a multicultural community of around 20 nationalities. Students are engaged in school life, with active participation in Maison des Lycéens, sports associations, and health and welfare initiatives. A health service supports student well-being and prevention, and there are established programs for student engagement in the life of the establishment and for ongoing welfare.

Leadership & Professional
The curriculum includes Parcours Avenir to help students build their personal plans and Parcours Citoyen to prepare for tomorrow's world, alongside Parcours Artistique et Culturel to cultivate creativity. The school maintains a strong international orientation through the AEFE network, enabling study opportunities worldwide and collaboration with a global community of AEFE schools. A wide range of language and cultural pathways, as well as documented educational progresses, supports leadership development and professional formation.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Quality of life at the school is central to the educational project, supported by a multicultural and plurilingual community. A health service provides welcoming and listening spaces for students, with emphasis on well-being and prevention of harassment. The Maison des Lycéens, sport associations, and a demi-pension service contribute to a supportive, engaged student life and overall well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The languages taught include French, Arabic, English, Spanish and German. In addition to French, students can strengthen Arabic, English, Spanish or German. The college offers a French-Arabic bilingual International Section, a Langue et Culture Européenne pathway in English, Spanish or German, and a Trilingual Parcours combining Arabic, English and a third language (Spanish or German). In the lycée, three language tracks are available in Seconde, including the Section Internationale arabe and the Section Européenne Anglais, with the Bac Français International offered in bilingual (French-Arabic) or trilingual (French-Arabic-American English); IELTS, DELE and CIMA certifications are available.

Bilingual Teaching
The school has a French-Arabic bilingual International Section and an English-language European Section. The Arabic section provides instruction in French and Arabic, fostering bilingualism and biculturalism, and the European Section uses English for part of its curriculum. A Section Européenne Anglais exists from the lycée through higher levels.

Immersion Programs
Yes. The school offers immersion-language pathways including the Arabic-French bilingual International Section, a reinforced bilingual Langue et Culture Européenne in English, Spanish or German, and a Trilingual Parcours combining Arabic, English and a third language (Spanish or German).
Admissions

Admissions
Admission to a French-education establishment in Morocco is open to all students regardless of nationality or prior schooling, subject to available places and after submitting an online application on efmaroc.org. There are two primary pathways: (1) admission based on the candidate's academic parcours (with an order that depends on place availability) and (2) admission granted after an entrance test for certain levels; online dossier submission is still required. The admission decision is made by commissions, and offers are communicated to families by email after the commissions. To be effective, the family must confirm the enrollment within 72 hours directly with the assigned establishment. If the deadline is missed, the admission offer is forfeited. It is possible that for some levels or establishments there may be no places available. The number of places allocated through entrance tests (for MS to CP) or through the parcours-based route (CE1 to seconde) is very limited, so families should plan alternative schooling options in a timely manner. The dossier must be submitted online, and admission is based on the available places at the time of processing. For all admissions, a Droit de première inscription (DPI) is due at enrollment, in addition to the annual tuition, and tuition is payable in three installments. Non-payment can lead to automatic exclusion. Scholarships are available for eligible students, and information about payment terms and potential reductions may apply depending on local arrangements. In the case of families seeking to understand financial support, AEFE scholarships may be available to French nationals enrolled in EGD, OSUI, PARTNER, or AIU establishments; inquiries should be directed to the relevant school or the French Consulate. (Source material reflects the 2021–2022 admissions framework.)

Scholarships
French-nationality children may receive AEFE school scholarships, whether they are enrolled in EGD, OSUI, PARTNER establishments or AIU; information should be sought from the school or the Consulate General of France in the place of residence.
School Events
The school has not added events
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