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International School of Orange County

United States, Orange

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees $18,720 - 23,170
Ages 2 - 13 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1988
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths Languages, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Located in Orange, California, the International School of Orange County offers a bilingual French–English program for preschool through elementary years, with a path into secondary study. The school is affiliated with the French Ministry of Education and AEFE, and delivers a French curriculum adapted to a bicultural context. In Maternelle, French and English teachers co-teach in a bilingual hour using a Direct, Guided, and Autonomous Learning approach, emphasizing language development, math, science, literature, and arts. Elémentaire continues the dual-language model, with increasing English exposure through the grades and DELF language exams at the ends of 2nd and 5th grades. The school aims to cultivate bilingual, bicultural competence and to prepare students for a demanding secondary curriculum and college. Facilities include 1838 N Shaffer St, Orange, CA 92865, a library, and Extended Care for Preschool through 6th grade. After-school programs include STEM, Chess, Art Studio, Fencing, and Spanish, among others.

1838 N Shaffer St, Orange, CA 92865, United States

The Essentials

International School of Orange County has instruction in English, French.

Location
Orange, California. Address: 1838 N Shaffer St, Orange, CA 92865. Located in Orange County, California.

Stages
Preschool through 8th grade. Maternelle/Preschool, PreK & K; Elémentaire/1st-6th.

Additional learning support
Oui Tutor Services offer online homework support for Kindergarten through 6th grade; subjects include French, English, Math, and Science.

Country affiliation
France; affiliated with the French Ministry of Education (MEN) and the AEFE network.

School day structure
Before-school program available; arrival after 8:30am unless enrolled in Before School. 3:45pm bell; after-school program. Extended Care & Study Hall available; late pickup fees: Elementary 6:00pm–6:15pm fixed $15; after 6:15pm, $1 per minute. Preschool late pickup: 5:30pm–5:45pm fixed $15; after 5:45pm, $1 per minute.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The Extended Care Program provides before- and after-school care for Preschool through 6th grade. This service operates during the school day and after hours with policies for late pickup.

Food Options
The school offers a Hot Lunch Program provided by Corazon Catering School Lunch.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a School Board and has operated as its own entity since July 1, 2021.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Orange County ranges from USD 18,720 to USD 23,170 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- A non-refundable application fee of USD 110 is required upon submission of each student application.

Tuition (2026/27 academic year) — by year group

- Preschool & Pre-kindergarten (annual): Paid in installments: USD 18,720; 11-month installment plan: USD 1,702 per month. Prepaid tuition (single payment) : USD 18,220.

- Kindergarten (annual): Paid in installments: USD 19,500; 11-month installment plan: USD 1,773 per month. Prepaid tuition: USD 19,000.

- 1st Grade (annual): Paid in installments: USD 20,800; 11-month installment plan: USD 1,891 per month. Prepaid tuition: USD 20,300.

- 2nd–5th Grade (annual): Paid in installments: USD 22,516; 11-month installment plan: USD 2,047 per month. Prepaid tuition: USD 22,016.

- 6th–7th Grade (annual): Paid in installments: USD 23,170; 11-month installment plan: USD 2,106 per month. Prepaid tuition: USD 22,670.

Family discounts

- USD 1,000 discount for two enrolled students.
- USD 2,500 discount for three enrolled students.
- USD 4,000 discount for four enrolled students.

Enrollment and one-time fees

- Re-Enrollment Registration Fee (per student, non-refundable): USD 600 if paid on or before March 31, 2026; USD 1,100 if paid on or after April 1, 2026.

- New Student / Sibling Setup Fee (per student, non-refundable): USD 1,200 due at enrollment.

- Early Departure Fund: USD 350, payable with the first tuition payment.

- All stated fees are per student unless otherwise noted.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Two principal payment options are offered: an 11-month installment plan (monthly payments listed above) or a single prepaid tuition payment (prepaid amounts listed above). The 11-month amounts and prepaid amounts are presented as the available billing choices.

- The re-enrollment registration fee amount depends on the re-enrollment date (deadline thresholds apply as listed above). Enrollment-related fees that are described as non-refundable are charged at the time of enrollment.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The school serves preschool through middle school (elementary and middle grades) and does not operate a boarding program.

Other costs and recurring ancillary fees

- Extended-care / study-hall and after-school services: advance payments for daycare and study hall are non-refundable. Late pickup penalties are applied as follows: Elementary after-hours pickup — fixed rate of USD 15 for pickup between 6:00pm–6:15pm, plus USD 1.00 per minute for each minute after 6:15pm; Preschool after-hours pickup — fixed rate of USD 15 for pickup between 5:30pm–5:45pm, plus USD 1.00 per minute for each minute after 5:45pm. Charges for after-hours services are billed at the end of the month and are due upon receipt. Cash is not accepted for daycare and study-hall payments.

- School shop / optional purchases (examples of typical additional costs): yearbook (example listed at USD 55), hoodies (examples listed between USD 35–55 depending on style/size), field trip t‑shirt (USD 15), community cookbook and other branded merchandise. These are optional items purchased through the school shop.

Refund information

- Enrollment-related fees that are explicitly identified as non-refundable (for example, the Re-Enrollment Registration Fee and the New Student / Sibling Setup Fee) are non-refundable. Advance payments for extended-care and study-hall services are non-refundable. Specific refund rules for tuition payments beyond these items (for example, partial tuition refunds on withdrawal) are governed by the school's full tuition and enrollment policies. The school's published fee items explicitly note the non-refundable items listed above.

Fee payment options (methods)

- The application and enrollment processes use the school's online application/checkout flow, which collects the non-refundable application fee at submission and supports online payment during checkout. Cash is explicitly not accepted for daycare and study-hall payments. For any specific payment-method requests (for example, bank transfer or check arrangements), the school's admissions and operations offices provide direct guidance.
Academics

International School of Orange County teaches French Curriculum for students aged 2 to 13.

Curriculum
The International School of Orange County offers a bilingual French–English curriculum for preschool through 6th grade. Maternelle (preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten) adapts the French Ministry of Education program to a bicultural context, with a bilingual hour where French and English teachers co-teach and a three-center approach (Direct Instruction, Guided Instruction, Autonomous Learning). Subjects include Language (oral and written in both languages), Literature, Mathematics (French and American methods blended), Science (French in Cycle 2; English in Cycle 3), Physical Education, and Art & Music; History & Geography combine French and American programs. Elémentaire (1st–6th grade) continues the dual-language approach: French remains the language of instruction in many subjects, English exposure increases from about 20% in early grades to 40% by 5th grade, and by the end of Cycle 1 (Kindergarten) students read in English, by the end of Cycle 2 (3rd grade) they read in both languages, and by the end of Cycle 3 (6th grade) they read and write in both languages. The school offers the DELF language exams at the ends of 2nd and 5th grades. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a demanding secondary curriculum and college and to cultivate bilingual, bicultural competence.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class ratio

Higher Education Progression
The curriculum prepares students for a demanding secondary curriculum and college; by the end of Cycle 3 (6th grade), students read and write in both languages.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Curriculum fosters social-emotional development for each student.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches in English and French as part of its bilingual immersion program.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through social-emotional development within the curriculum.
Parent Experience

History
The International School of Orange County began as the Orange County campus of the International School of Los Angeles, which was established in 1978 by pioneers of varied cultural backgrounds who felt the greater Los Angeles community needed a school to prepare children for life in an international environment. Our founders, Monique & John Mickus and Pierrette & Jacques Gaspart, had an audacious vision: to open a school that blended the rigor of the French academic system with the diverse international community in Southern California. The Orange County campus opened in Fountain Valley in 1988 and moved to its current location in the city of Orange in 2015. The International School of Orange County is now officially operating as its own entity since July 1, 2021.

Community
The International School of Orange County describes a welcoming, tight-knit community with resources and programs that extend beyond the school to the greater community. It offers Oui Summer, a French-speaking summer experience for PS–6th grade (OC French Summer Camp). It provides family- and language-learning programs, including My Parent & Moi, Oui Learn French Also, and Oui Still Learn French. The Parent Association invites all parents to join and participate in community events.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Association is a vibrant, inclusive community open to all parents; every parent is automatically a member and encouraged to participate in events, activities, and initiatives. It supports the school, enriches children's educational experiences, and fosters a strong sense of community. PA meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month to provide updates and opportunities to get involved. It runs programs and events such as the Oui Cook cookbook project, Homecoming Soiree, and Halloween iSpoOCtacular. Members can share ideas through the PA Idea Box and connect with class liaisons.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The International School of Orange County operates on a campus at 1838 N Shaffer St, Orange, CA 92865, serving Preschool through 8th grade. The school offers bilingual French-English immersion education. The Maternelle program adapts the French Ministry of Education framework to the bicultural bilingual context, focusing on language development, physical education, arts, field trips, and group learning. A three-center approach—Direct Instruction, Guided Instruction, and Autonomous Learning—guides preschool learning. A campus library supports reading and research, and Extended Care & Study Hall provides before- and after-school supervision for Preschool through 6th grade. Extended Care details and the availability of after-school activities are described on the campus pages.

Academic Facilities
The International School of Orange County offers Maternelle (Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten) and Elementary (1st-6th grade) programs. The Maternelle program adapts the French Ministry of Education framework to the bicultural bilingual context, emphasizing language development, movement, and arts. Core subjects include Language (oral and written), Literature, Math, Exploring the World, Physical Education, and Music & Visual Arts, with instruction delivered in a bilingual format. The bilingual hour has French and English teachers delivering the same lessons to reinforce bilingual literacy. The campus library supports reading and research as part of the curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The after-school program offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities for Preschool through 6th grade. Art Studio is offered for Kindergarten through 2nd Grade and taught in French. Fencing is offered for 1st Grade through 5th Grade and is conducted in both French and English. Other offerings include Soccer (K–3rd), STEM Club (PS-PK and K–2nd), Chess Club (1st–6th), Martial Arts (K–6th), Spanish (PS-PK and K–3rd), Cooking Club (PS-PK and 2nd–6th), Monday Movement (PS-PK), and Sports Buddies (PS-PK). Activities run 3:40pm to 4:40pm with a maximum of 12 students per class and trimester scheduling.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has a STEM Club for PS-PK through 2nd grade offering hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math. The Chess Club for 1st through 6th grade develops strategic thinking and problem-solving. Through these activities, students extend their learning beyond the classroom with practical, inquiry-based experiences.

Arts & Creative
The Art Studio is offered for K-2 and is taught in French, where students explore artistic techniques and materials. It fosters creativity and skill-building while providing a bilingual context for language practice. This program supports self-expression through visual arts.

Cultural & Language
The school provides language-focused after-school activities including Spanish Speaking Class for PS-PK through 3rd grade. Fencing is a bilingual French-English class for 1st through 5th grade. Soccer is offered as a French Speaking Class for K-3, and Chess Club is a French Speaking Class for 1st through 6th.

Social & Hobbies
The after-school program includes activities that promote teamwork and social skills, such as Monday Movement and Sports Buddies. Chess Club and team sports offer opportunities to make friends and develop communication. Participants explore collaboration, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The program supports physical well-being through after-school movement and sports. Monday Movement introduces new sports each week to build coordination and fitness. Sports Buddies emphasizes teamwork, communication, and healthy competition.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are French and English. French is the language of instruction in core classes, and the French program follows the official program of the French Ministry of Education. English language coursework complements French instruction. Regular bilingual activities support language development and cultural exchange.

Bilingual Teaching
The school has bilingual education in English and French. French is the language of instruction in core classes, not just a subject, and French classes follow the official program of the French Ministry of Education. English language coursework complements French instruction. The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education for its French program (Preschool through 5th grade).
Reputation

Awards
Faculty and staff have received top honors in Orange County, including Top Teachers of Orange County and Top School Employee of Orange County for four consecutive years.

Accreditations
Preschool–through–5th grade accreditation by the French Ministry of Education for its French program; the only school in Orange County with this accreditation. Establishment partner with AEFE (Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger). Membership with Mission Laïque Française (MLF). AFSA — Association of French Schools in North America.
Admissions

Admissions
01. Tour: The first step is to book a tour of our campus to gain understanding of our French-English bilingual curriculum. Our Admissions Manager, Sasha Causee, welcomes in-person tours daily at a date and time convenient to you. 02. Apply: The online application is completed and the $110 application fee is paid. After applying, prospective students and their families are interviewed. Eligibility requirements: All incoming students must be potty-trained before start of school; all required supporting documents must have been received; all students must be current on state-required immunizations before the start of school. 03. Enroll: Upon receiving an offer, families complete and submit their online enrollment form and pay the registration fees in order to finalize their enrollment.

Scholarships
French Government Scholarships (Bourse Scolaire) may be available to French nationals; these awards are provided by the French government and help promote a socioeconomically diverse student body; more information about the bourse scolaire is available on the French Consulate's website. iSchoolOC Need-Based Financial Aid is available to Preschool through 8th grade students with demonstrated financial need; awards are based on demonstrated financial need, availability of funds, and school priorities; returning families in good standing have priority; financial aid is awarded annually and may not exceed 50% of tuition; financial aid applies to tuition only. Applications for financial aid should be requested via financialaid@ischooloc.org; deadlines are set annually.
School Events
The school has not added events
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