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Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction
Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans is a private, independent French-immersion school in Louisiana that blends the French national curriculum with an American program to create a bilingual learning community for students from 18 months through 8th grade. Accredited by the French government (preschool 2005; Cycle 2 2010; Cycle 3 2012) and, since 2022, by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and NAIS, the school serves about 450 students in a two-building campus with a renovated third building, a playground, and a garden. Divisions include Maternelle (18 months–Kindergarten), Élémentaire (1st–5th), and Collège (6th–8th). From early years, students are immersed in a second language and participate in art, music, movement, and physical education multiple times weekly. After-school programs include piano, gymnastics, ballet, tennis, cross country, swimming, soccer, and rugby. Distinctive features include the Ateliers after-school enrichment, German language offerings, and community events such as Fête Française, reflecting a bilingual, bicultural ethos.
821 General Pershing St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States
The Essentials
Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans has 236 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in French, English.
Location
821 General Pershing St, New Orleans, LA 70115. Located in Uptown New Orleans. Ecole Bilingue is the only private, independent French immersion school in Louisiana.
Private, independent French-immersion school in Louisiana.
Country affiliation
United States.
Fees
Annual tuition at Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans ranges from USD 13,000 to USD 20,500 for 2026/27.
2026–2027 tuition and fees (amounts in USD)
Application / New-family fees - No separate, school-wide application fee is listed in the school's published 2026–2027 tuition materials; new-family or required fundraising charges are shown under other fee headings.
Tuition — annual by year group (amounts billed per school year) - Pre‑school: half‑day (Crèche – Petite Section): USD 13,000 per year. - Pre‑school: full‑day (Crèche – Moyenne Section): USD 15,750 per year. - Kindergarten (Grande Section): USD 17,250 per year. - 1st – 5th Grades (CP – CM2): USD 18,250 per year. - 6th – 8th Grades (6ème – 4ème): USD 20,500 per year.
Per‑term / installment detail (examples using the school's published payment schedules) - The school requires a non‑refundable tuition installment due at enrollment (USD 2,200) for all payment options; the remaining balance is scheduled according to the chosen plan. Payment plan details and the specific installment dates follow the schedules below.
- Quarterly plan (example split after the USD 2,200 enrollment installment): - April 1: 15% of the remaining balance. - July 1 or 15: 42.5% of the remaining balance. - November 1 or 15: 42.5% of the remaining balance. - Example (6th–8th annual tuition USD 20,500): enrollment USD 2,200; April USD 2,745.00; July USD 7,777.50; November USD 7,777.50 — totals USD 20,500.
- Summer plan (example split after the USD 2,200 enrollment installment): - April 1: 15% of the remaining balance. - June 1: 85% of the remaining balance. - Example (1st–5th annual tuition USD 18,250): enrollment USD 2,200; April USD 2,407.50; June USD 13,642.50 — totals USD 18,250.
- Monthly plan (example approach): - After the USD 2,200 enrollment installment, the remaining balance is divided into equal monthly payments on the 1st or 15th, from May through April (January omitted). The exact monthly amount depends on rounding; the payment calendar is May–December and February–April. Sample monthly amount (6th–8th tuition USD 20,500): remaining balance USD 18,300 divided across 11 monthly payments ≈ USD 1,663.64 per month, following the USD 2,200 enrollment deposit.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Re‑enrollment occurs in January each year; the tuition installment (USD 2,200) due at enrollment is non‑refundable and non‑transferable. Families who withdraw after enrolling are responsible for 50% of tuition after March 31 and 100% of tuition after May 31. - The school offers small discounts tied to payment plan choice: a USD 40 discount for the quarterly plan and a USD 360 discount for the summer plan, as shown in the payment‑plan schedule. Tuition insurance is included with the Monthly and Quarterly plans and optional on the Summer plan.
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; Ecole Bilingue is a day school for students ages 18 months through 8th grade.
Other costs and optional fees - Required fundraising participation: a required fundraising contribution of USD 400 per family (includes two Soirée tickets and 100 Fête Française raffle tickets) is charged. Lunch, extended care (before/after care), after‑school ateliers, and international field trips for 6th–8th grades are not included in tuition and are billed separately. - Extended care: a registration fee of USD 35 per child applies for extended care; daily, monthly, semester and annual packages are offered with varying prices by grade (examples and full structure are provided through the school's billing platforms). Lunch pricing is set per meal and by package; sample annual lunch costs vary by grade (example annual lunch totals shown in school materials). - Ateliers and camp fees: ateliers and camps use separate payment platforms and have variable fees per offering; atelier pricing is released each semester. Whitney Quickpay and ACTIVE Network are used for certain program payments and carry their own processing fees. - Uniforms and spirit items: uniform wear is required beginning in Kindergarten. Uniform items are available through Lands' End (school code provided by the school) and specialty spirit items are sold through the school boutique; uniform purchase costs are additional to tuition. - Sibling discounts: a sibling discount is applied to younger siblings enrolled in Kindergarten and above — USD 1,000 for full‑day Pre‑school younger siblings; USD 1,200 for siblings in 1st grade and above.
Refund and withdrawal policy (fees and refunds) - The enrollment/tution installment (USD 2,200) is explicitly non‑refundable and non‑transferable. - If a family withdraws after enrolling: they remain responsible for 50% of the tuition after March 31 and 100% of the tuition after May 31 in the school's published schedule. Other fees (for lunch, extended care, ateliers, camps) are billed and refunded according to the specific program provider/contract rules.
Fee payment options and processing - Tuition and major school billing are processed through the school's billing portal (Veracross). Veracross supports ACH payments (no fee) and credit‑card payments (processing fee applies). Specific processing fees listed in the school payment guide include a Veracross credit‑card fee of approximately 2.85% plus USD 0.30 per transaction; ACH payments are free. Contract fees may apply for multi‑payment plans (example contract fees for multi‑installment plans are listed in the school's payment documentation). - Lunch and extended‑care payments use EZ School Apps (processing fees for ACH and credit card apply). Whitney Quickpay and ACTIVE Network are used for certain one‑off payments and carry separate processing fees (example: Whitney Quickpay USD 2.50 per transaction). Credit‑card payments by phone are available through the school bookkeeper or administrative office and may carry a processing fee; checks are accepted by mail to the accounting office. The school does not accept cash for routine payments.
(Amounts and schedules above reflect the school's published 2026–2027 tuition and the school's published payment‑plan schedules and payment guide.)
Academics
Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans teaches French Curriculum, American Curriculum for students aged 1 to 13.
Curriculum
The school follows the French national curriculum and is accredited by the French government as a private, independent French-immersion school in Louisiana. It offers a bilingual French-American curriculum for students from 18 months through 8th grade. The divisions are Maternelle (18 months–Kindergarten), Élémentaire (1st–5th), and Collège (6th–8th). From the earliest age, students are immersed in a second language and in art, music, and movement. French education is more than a curriculum; it's a foundation for lifelong learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship, and it opens doors to world-class universities and international careers. Founded in 1998, the school aims to develop globally literate students through a bilingual French-American curriculum.
Higher Education Progression
The school prepares students for world-class universities and international careers.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes social and emotional well-being as a core part of the educational experience, woven into classroom instruction and school culture. Students develop essential life skills such as self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, responsible decision-making, and strong interpersonal relationships. Through daily activities, class discussions, and special programs, students reflect on their emotions, build positive connections, and navigate challenges with confidence. The school aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, heard, and able to succeed academically and personally. The Buddy Program pairs younger students with an older buddy for the year to foster relationships, confidence, and leadership.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a Learning Resources program and a Student Support Department (SSD) to support learners with needs requiring accommodations or modifications. Learning Resources handles learning resources, Modified Remote Learning or requests for SSD. The school's learning support staff includes a full-time resource teacher, a part-time speech therapist, and a counselor.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches a bilingual French-American education built on French immersion, with English Language Arts included as part of the curriculum to balance the French program. Immersion develops multilingual proficiency and English Language Arts and American Studies complement the French curriculum.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported as a core part of the school's wellbeing program; Social & Emotional Wellbeing is woven into classroom instruction and school culture. Students develop self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, and responsible decision-making, supporting their mental and social development. Daily activities, class discussions, and targeted programs help students reflect on emotions, build positive connections, and navigate challenges with confidence. The Buddy Program pairs younger students with an older buddy for the year to foster relationships, confidence, and leadership.
Safeguarding
Health and safeguarding contacts are provided for safeguarding. Health-related questions go to Health@ebnola.com, and safety issues to pld@ebnola.com. A Whom to Contact guide lists the Nurse and teachers as well as the Head of School (scheduling contact: Morgan Pladys) as key contacts for safeguarding and safety concerns.
Admissions
Admissions
Applications are accepted beginning the last week in September and should be submitted by mid-January to ensure timely processing. Rolling admissions continue after admission decisions have been made for classes where there is space available. Age and grade placement are determined by birth date with an August 31 cutoff: Crèche is 18 months by August 31; Toute Petite is 2 years old by August 31; Petite is 3; Moyenne is 4; Grande is 5; CP 4e (Grades 1–8) entrants after kindergarten must be proficient in French as determined by on-campus assessment. The majority of students arrive without prior exposure to French; the Maternelle classrooms create a welcoming environment to become comfortable with the language. The immersion program progresses by grade: Crèche, Toute Petite, Petite and Moyenne spend 100 percent of the day with a French-speaking teacher and assistant; CP (Grade 1) and CE1 (Grade 2) spend 80 percent French and 20 percent English; CE2 (Grade 3) 70 percent French and 30 percent English; CM1 and CM2 (Grades 4–5) 65 percent French, 30 percent English and 5 percent Spanish; 6e and 5e (Grades 6–7) 65 percent French, 26 percent English and 9 percent Spanish; 4e (Grade 8) 61 percent French, 30 percent English and 9 percent Spanish. Teachers in the French program are native speakers trained in France and hold the equivalent of an American Master's Degree from the French Ministry of Education for preschool and elementary school education; teachers in the English program are certified by the State of Louisiana. The school day for Moyenne through 4e is from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.; Crèche through Petite sections operate from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The school welcomes applicants to all grade levels; Kindergarten and younger do not need prior French experience. CP through 4e entrants must be proficient in French per on-campus assessment. The school is located at 821 General Pershing, New Orleans, LA 70115; contact number (504) 896-4500.
Scholarships
The Middle School Scholarship is a merit-based award given to rising 6th and 7th graders annually. Tuition Assistance and scholarship programs reflect Ecole Bilingue's ongoing commitment to affordability and equal access. Financial aid information includes Payment Plans, Tuition Assistance information, TADS – tuition assistance application, Middle School Scholarship, and external options such as Bourses Scolaires, Louisiana Scholarship Program, and Community Support Fund. A 2026-2027 Tuition and Fees schedule is available for download. Sibling Discounts apply to younger siblings of students enrolled in K/GS and above.
FAQs
What curriculum does Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans follow?
The school follows the French national curriculum and is accredited by the French government as a private, independent French-immersion school in Louisiana. It offers a bilingual French-American curriculum for students from 18 months through 8th grade. The divisions are Maternelle (18 months–Kinderg.
What are the tuition fees at Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans?
Annual tuition fees range from USD 13,000 to USD 20,500 depending on the year group. **2026–2027 tuition and fees (amounts in USD)** **Application / New-family fees** - No separate, school-wide application fee is listed in the school's
What age range does Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans serve?
The school serves students aged 1 to 13. 18 months through 8th grade; Maternelle (Preschool), Élémentaire (Elementary), Collège (Middle School).
Where is Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans located?
821 General Pershing St, New Orleans, LA 70115. Located in Uptown New Orleans. Ecole Bilingue is the only private, independent French immersion school in Louisiana.
Does Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans provide SEN support?
The school has a Learning Resources program and a Student Support Department (SSD) to support learners with needs requiring accommodations or modifications. Learning Resources handles learning resources, Modified Remote Learning or requests for SSD. The school's learning support staff includes a ful
What wellbeing support does Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans offer?
The school emphasizes social and emotional well-being as a core part of the educational experience, woven into classroom instruction and school culture. Students develop essential life skills such as self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, responsible decision-making, and strong interpersonal
What sports facilities does Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans have?
The Crescent City Charter League hosts Ecole Bilingue's athletics. The program for grades 5-8 includes volleyball, basketball, and flag football. Coaches emphasize skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, helping student-athletes grow on and off the field. Athletics contribute to the developm
How do I apply to Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans?
Applications are accepted beginning the last week in September and should be submitted by mid-January to ensure timely processing. Rolling admissions continue after admission decisions have been made for classes where there is space available. Age and grade placement are determined by birth date wit
What type of school is Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans?
Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans is a Co-educational school with 236 students. Private, independent French-immersion school in Louisiana.
What languages are taught at Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans?
French and English are languages of instruction within a bilingual French-American curriculum. Immersion begins in Crèche/Pre-K and continues through 8th grade. The curriculum uses French terms for grade levels (Maternelle, Élémentaire, Collège) and emphasizes bilingual cultural competency.
What is the history of Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans?
Founded in 1998, Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans was established by advocates of bilingual education. It began as l'Ecole Maternelle, a French full-immersion preschool with 16 four-year-old students. In 2002, the school launched its first kindergarten class and gradually expanded to a full ele
What extracurricular activities are available?
Arts and music are available through After School and Ateliers. The school has Piano and Guitar offered as individual or semi-private lessons. Drawing and other visual arts are offered (including Young Rembrandts), and Ballet is included among Atelier offerings.
