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French International School of Philadelphia - Upper School

United States, Philadelphia

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $27,000 - 34,000
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 350
Type Co-educational
Opened 1991
Bus Service No
Part of
French International School of Philadelphia
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, Latin
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

The French International School of Philadelphia is a not-for-profit independent school serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It offers a bilingual dual curriculum in French and English, with French instruction aligned to the official national curriculum of France and English instruction aligned to the standards of the State of Pennsylvania. Language Arts, Social Studies and Math are taught in both languages, with the balance gradually shifting from preschool to eighth grade (PK2 90% French / 10% English to 50/50 in upper grades). In addition, a Spanish immersion program began in 2022 for fourth and fifth graders. The science program includes monthly preschool exploration, formal science from grades 2–8, and annual science fairs including participation in the Montgomery County Science Fair. All students participate in weekly music classes; art is integrated across grades; sports are taught in English from grades 4–8. The Lower School sits on a two-acre Bala Cynwyd site; the Upper School campus expansion in 2022 added the Air Liquide Center for Science and Innovation and the Casey-Willig Arts Center, with space for up to 150 students. Accreditation comes from the French Ministry of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

This campus is part of French International School of Philadelphia

23 City Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, United States

The Essentials

French International School of Philadelphia - Upper School has 350 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in French, English.

Location
Two campuses in Bala Cynwyd, PA: Lower School at 150 North Highland Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, and Upper School at 23 City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Located on the Main Line, less than 20 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. Neighbors include Saint Joseph's University and the Barnes Foundation Arboretum.

Stages
Preschool through eighth grade.

Type
Independent private school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
More than 50 nationalities represented; student population exceeds 350; students come from American, French, and international backgrounds.

Additional learning support
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provides on-site psychology evaluations, speech-language pathology, math and reading support, and a school counselor; there is an on-site nurse on campus; annual health checks are conducted for students by district medical staff.

Country affiliation
France; accredited by the French Ministry of Education.

School day structure
Full-day schedule varies by grade: PK3–PK4 8:45 a.m.–2:55 p.m.; K–G3 8:30 a.m.–2:55 p.m.; G4–G8 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

Bus service
Lower School is a 15-minute walk from Merion Station on the R5 line; Bus 44 runs between Center City and Ardmore and serves the Upper School on City Avenue, stopping at the corner of Old Lancaster Road and North Highland Avenue, 2 minutes from the Lower School.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a dress code. Clothing must be practical, neat, and safe; flip-flops, high heels, half T‑shirts, and torn pants are not allowed. Shorts and skirts must be at least half-thigh length, and all clothes should be labeled with the student's first and last name.

Food Options
Lunch can be provided through the hot lunch program or as a lunch box; to order lunch, fill out the lunch sign-up sheet; the cost is $6.50 per lunch, with last-minute lunches available for $8.00. Mid-morning snacks are provided for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten; starting in first grade, students bring a separate snack from home for their morning break; menus change seasonally and are posted on the website.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a not-for-profit independent school. The Board of Trustees directs long-range planning and is composed of 17 to 25 members; the Head of School, the Honorary Consul of France, and the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Parents' Association are ex-officio members. The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at French International School of Philadelphia - Upper School ranges from USD 27,000 to USD 34,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- Application fee: USD 60. The application fee may be submitted with the online application or by mailing a printed application along with the fee.

Tuition fees by year group (2026–2027 academic year)
- PK2: USD 28,000; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- PK3: USD 26,000; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- PK4: USD 26,000; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- Kindergarten (K): USD 26,500; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- Grade 1 (G1): USD 27,000; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- Grade 2 (G2): USD 27,500; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- Grade 3 (G3): USD 29,500; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- Grade 4 (G4): USD 30,000; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- Grade 5 (G5): USD 31,000; Programming Fee: USD 1,000.
- Grade 6 (G6): USD 32,500; Programming Fee: USD 1,500.
- Grade 7 (G7): USD 32,500; Programming Fee: USD 1,500.
- Grade 8 (G8): USD 32,500; Programming Fee: USD 1,500.

Per-term amounts (two-term academic year)
- The school reports progress reports at the end of each of two terms; when a two-term billing structure is used, a per-term installment equals half the annual tuition listed above (annual tuition ÷ 2). Progress reports are issued at the end of each of the two terms.

Programming Fee (one-time, charged by grade group)
- The Programming Fee is a one-time charge that covers textbooks, consumable workbooks, classroom, science and art supplies, field trips, assemblies, accident insurance and, for pre-elementary students, the daily snack prepared by the school kitchen. Programming Fee amounts are shown next to each grade above.

Sibling discount
- A 5% rebate is offered for siblings enrolled in the school; the first child pays full tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing schedule and due dates are established in the family's enrollment agreement; tuition must be paid promptly as determined by that enrollment agreement.
- After-school activities and childcare charges are billed separately (after-school activities billed through the school's billing system) and require separate registration and payment at the time of sign-up. Childcare is billed at an hourly rate.
- Delinquent accounts: families with balances 90 days past due incur interest at a rate of 5%; persistent delinquency may result in a student not being permitted to return after a natural break in the school calendar. Re-enrollment agreements will not be issued to families with outstanding balances from the prior year. Official transcripts are withheld until all payment obligations are satisfied.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The French International School of Philadelphia operates full-day PK–G8 programs with published school-day hours for each level rather than residential/boarding services.

Other costs and fees
- Childcare (after-school) hourly fee: USD 9.75 per hour. Continued childcare enrollment requires that childcare bills be up to date. Study Hall and after-school classes require registration and payment at sign-up; costs for after-school classes vary by offering and are billed through the school's billing system.
- Field trips, textbooks and many classroom consumables are included in the Programming Fee; additional optional activities (special trips, certain extracurricular offerings, hot-lunch program, transportation/shuttle service) may incur separate fees and require separate sign-up.
- Transcript/recommendation processing: official transcripts will not be released until payment obligations are satisfied; after a set number of transcript requests a processing fee may be assessed.

Refund information
- Tuition and other financial obligations are governed by the enrollment agreement. Tuition payment timing, withdrawal and refund terms are specified in that enrollment agreement and by the school's billing procedures; delinquency handling and financial consequences are described in the Parent Handbook (including interest on past-due accounts and withholding of re-enrollment and transcripts).

Fee payment options
- Application fee: may be submitted via the online application or by mailing a printed application with the fee.
- Invoices and all ongoing payments are managed by the school's Business Office; after-school and childcare charges are billed through the school's billing system. For questions about invoices and acceptable payment methods, the Business Office handles billing inquiries (finance@frenchschoolphila.org).
Academics

French International School of Philadelphia - Upper School teaches French Curriculum, American Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school offers a dual curriculum in French and English, with English taught by an American teacher and French taught by a French teacher. French instruction follows the official national curriculum of France, while English instruction follows the standards established by the State of Pennsylvania. Language Arts, Social Studies and Math are taught in both languages, with the balance shifting by grade from preschool through eighth grade (PK2 90% French / 10% English; PK3 82% French / 18% English; PK4 77% French / 23% English; Kindergarten 73% French / 27% English; First Grade 73% French / 27% English; Second Grade 65% French / 35% English; Third Grade 65% French / 35% English; Fourth Grade 62% French / 38% English; Fifth Grade through Eighth Grade 50% French / 50% English). In classes conducted in French, the national curriculum of France is followed; in English, Pennsylvania standards are used. Spanish immersion was launched in 2022 for fourth and fifth graders. Our science program includes monthly preschool exploration, formal science from grades 2–8, and annual science fairs including participation in the Montgomery County Science Fair. All students participate in weekly music classes, art is integrated across grades, and sports are taught in English from grades 4–8; a Spanish immersion program complements the curriculum. Technology is used across classrooms, and Spanish immersion classes began in 2022 for 4th–5th grades.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 15 students.

Exam Results
French-language assessments are national tests provided by the French Ministry of Education, and English-language assessments are Terra Nova standardized tests given annually to students from CE2 to 4th grade.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to private and public schools in the Philadelphia area and to international programs. Some graduates have attended Friends Central, Agnes Irwin, Baldwin, The Haverford School, Germantown Friends School, Harriton High School and Central High School (IB).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provides support services to the French International School of Philadelphia. These services include psychological testing, counseling, speech therapy, and remedial instruction. A school psychologist, a speech therapist, a math and English specialist, and a counselor are assigned to the school by the MCIU. In Middle School, social development is emphasized, with students meeting twice a week for discussions and collective projects to address teenage issues and interactions with peers and adults.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Support services include psychological testing, speech therapy, remedial instruction, and counseling. A school psychologist, a speech therapist, a math and English specialist, and a counselor are assigned to the school by the MCIU.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches a dual curriculum in French and English, with English taught by American teachers and French taught by French teachers; both languages are treated as languages to master rather than as foreign languages. The program uses both French and English instruction, with preschool percentages at 90% French / 10% English and a 50/50 balance from sixth through eighth grade. In middle school, half the classes are in French and half in English; Language Arts, Social Studies and Math are taught in both languages; Science and Physical Education are taught in English while Art is taught in French; Spanish and Latin are introduced in grade six. English Support is provided by English support teachers who coordinate with regular English teachers.

Mental Wellbeing
A nurse is on staff to manage student health, maintain health records, and handle required forms; physical examinations and updated vaccination records are required for new students. Mental health and related supports are provided through services assigned by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, including a school psychologist, a speech therapist, a math and English specialist, and a counselor. In Middle School, social development is emphasized through twice-weekly discussions and collaborative projects that address teenage issues and peer interactions.
Parent Experience

History
The French International School of Philadelphia is a not-for-profit independent school offering instruction from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The by-laws were established on January 22, 1991 and updated in 2016. The school opened its doors in September 1991. It serves a multicultural community and provides a comprehensive bilingual curriculum in French and English. It is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Community
From its opening in September 1991, the school has relied on the generous contributions of parent volunteers through an active Parents Association. The association coordinates fundraising events, including the Annual Soirée; organizes social activities such as the Halloween Fair; and arranges community service opportunities like the Martin Luther King Day of Service. The Parents Association meets several times a year to plan events and activities that support the school. Parents are welcome in classrooms to share presentations with the children, help with holiday celebrations, and to chaperone field trips.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents Association is a core volunteer body at the school. It coordinates fundraising events, including the Annual Soirée, and organizes social activities such as the Halloween Fair and community service opportunities such as the Martin Luther King Day of Service. The Association meets several times each year to plan events and activities that support the school. Parents are welcome in classrooms to share presentations with the children, help with holiday celebrations, and chaperone field trips. The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Parents' Association are ex-officio members of the Board of Trustees.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Lower School is a two-story campus on a two-acre site in Bala Cynwyd. The ground floor has six classrooms and a large multipurpose room used as a gym, cafeteria and assembly space. The second floor houses nine classrooms plus a music room, a science room, a technology lab, a French resource center, and an administrative suite. Outdoor spaces include a fenced play area for young children, a climbing structure, a remodeled junior play area, a playing field, and a paved play area with direct access from the ground-floor classrooms to the younger students' playground. The Upper School campus expanded in 2022 to add the Air Liquide Center for Science and Innovation, the Casey-Willig Arts Center, and a recreational green space, and it can accommodate up to 150 students. The campus is located on the Main Line, near Saint Joseph's University and the Barnes Foundation Arboretum.

Sports Facilities
The Lower School multipurpose room also serves as a gym in addition to a cafeteria and assembly space. The Upper School has access to a local gymnasium for several hours each week and participates in swimming classes through local partnerships. A playing field and outdoor spaces on the Lower School campus support outdoor sports and activities.

Academic Facilities
Lower School includes a music room, a science room, and a technology lab, plus a French resource center. The French resource center provides access to a large collection of French books and online materials. The Upper School expansion added the Air Liquide Center for Science and Innovation and the Casey-Willig Arts Center. The Upper School is a two-story space designed to accommodate up to 150 students and includes a recreational green space.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The music room and Casey-Willig Arts Center support arts and music activities outside class time. The French resource center supports language and culture related activities. Outdoor spaces such as the recreational green space and the Lower School playing field enable outdoor clubs and physical activities. A large multipurpose room provides space for gatherings and after-school events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school teaches a dual curriculum in French and English. Language Arts, Social Studies and Math are taught in both languages. French classes follow the official national curriculum of France, while English classes follow the standards established by the State of Pennsylvania. Language exposure increases gradually from preschool through eighth grade, balancing time between the two languages.

Arts & Creative
All students have weekly music classes. Preschool through kindergarten work with the French music teacher; grades 1–4 work with the English music teacher; and grades 5–8 work with both. Art is integrated at every grade level, and students study artists and develop aesthetics while expressing creativity through varied media. The school hosts regular visits to art institutions, invites local artists, and runs an annual end-of-year art exhibit.

Cultural & Language
Assemblies celebrate world cultures and diverse cultures within the school community. Field trips accompany class themes to places such as the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Independence Hall, and other cultural sites. In 2022, Spanish immersion began for fourth and fifth graders, taught by native speakers to explore cultures across the Hispanic world. The curriculum supports bilingualism and cross-cultural learning in both French and English.

Social & Hobbies
Extended Day offers Upper School team sports: soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and swim in the spring, with practices twice a week after school. A Chorus (grades 2–4) meets weekly, and an Ensemble meets weekly as well. After-school classes include chess, theater, soccer, and circus, with some programs conducted in French to reinforce language skills. After-school study hall provides supervised time for homework.

Community & Service
Field Trips, Assemblies & Traditions reinforce the school's values and sense of community through ongoing activities and celebrations. Field trips include visits to the Penn Museum, Independence Hall, the Barnes Foundation, and the Opera Company. The Parents Association and Diversity Committee coordinate service and social events; the MLK Day of Service engages students, families and alumni in community projects. The School also hosts Thanksgiving and Earth Day activities and other charitable initiatives.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Upper School students participate in soccer, basketball, and swim teams as part of Team Sports. Chorus and Ensemble provide musical performance opportunities after school, and a range of after-school classes includes chess, theater and circus. Morning care runs from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., after-school care from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and study hall is available after school under teacher supervision.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are French and English. The goal is for students to become fluent in both French and English. The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Faculty includes native English speakers and native French speakers.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides a comprehensive bilingual curriculum in French and English. Instruction is offered from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Teachers are native speakers certified in their respective countries.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Request information online to learn more about the school and program. Step 2: Register for an informational session hosted by the admissions team. Step 3: Complete the online application (fee is $60); if needed, you can print and mail the form; after submission, the school will contact you to schedule a family visit. Step 4: Attend a family visit, with the child meeting an admissions team member for a school readiness assessment (about 20–45 minutes, starting around 8:45 a.m.). Step 5: For grades 1–8, forward the last two years of transcripts and, if applicable, teacher recommendations. Step 6: A decision and enrollment timeline: if the application is complete by January 15, the admission decision is communicated by early February; after January 15, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available. Step 7: Financial aid is available and encouraged for all families; inquire about aid during the process.

Scholarships
The financial aid program is designed to enhance the school's mission and is need-based, determined by the family's ability to meet educational expenses; a financial aid service (School and Student Services for Financial Aid, SSS) is used, with the school's SSS number 3275. For 2026–2027, applicants must upload required documents (2025 W‑2, 2025 1040, two most recent pay stubs) and submit everything by March 1, 2026. French families registered at the French Consulate may apply for a government scholarship; the school also provides guidance for applying to American financial aid; the school is an approved organization for PA EITC/OSTC tax credits to support the Beyond Borders Fund, allowing donors to receive tax credits (up to 90% of donated amount) and a charitable deduction for the rest. For more details and applying, contact the school's finance office; information is available through the financial‑aid pages and related resources.

Waitlist
Decisions are issued on a rolling basis after January 15 as space permits; completed applications by January 15 receive decisions by early February; after January 15, admissions are offered as space is available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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