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Lycée Français de New York

United States, New York

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $51,505 - 51,925
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1935
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Taught languages French, Arabic, German, Mandarin, Italian, Spanish, Latin
Typical class size 18
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Lycée Français de New York is a bilingual day school serving ages 3 to 18, affiliated with AEFE and following the French Ministry of Education. The curriculum blends the French program with American links, delivering instruction in French and English and guiding students toward the French Baccalaureate in secondary grades (6–12) while offering AP courses. The school emphasizes project‑based learning, creative exploration, and rigorous academics, with language mastery supported by native‑speaking instructors and exposure to multiple languages, including Mandarin. STEAM is woven across all grades, supported by facilities such as a Makerspace and a Media Lab. The campus, consolidated on a single East Side site in 2003 and expanded with the York Wing in 2016, features a 354-seat auditorium, digital media studio, three‑tier arts spaces, and outdoor play areas. Graduates matriculate at universities worldwide. An after-school program includes 68 clubs and 43 teams, including AI, robotics, theater and Model UN.

505 E 75th St, New York, NY 10021, United States

The Essentials

Lycée Français de New York has typical class sizes of 18, instruction in French, English.

Location
505 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021. The York Wing extension opened in 2015 to expand facilities.

Stages
Preschool through High School (Nursery-3 through Grade 12).

Type
Private bilingual day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
60 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Support is available for learners new to the French or English languages; College Counseling and Secondary advisory are provided, along with primary-level ateliers to support interpersonal development.

Country affiliation
AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) under the French Ministry of Education.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
A 225-seat cafeteria with a full-service kitchen provides freshly cooked, healthy, and organic menu items. The cafeteria includes a salad bar, a sandwich station, and a hot meal station.

Governance and Ownership
LFNY is an independent school governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board oversees the school's activities, recruits and supervises the Head of School, enacts the school's mission and policies, and manages the school's finances, capital assets and endowment. Ex officio members include the Head of School and the Co-Presidents of the Parent Association (APL).
Fees

Annual tuition at Lycée Français de New York ranges from USD 51,505 to USD 51,925 for 2026/27.

Tuition (2026–2027)

- Nursery‑3 through Grade 12: USD 51,925 per year. This single tuition amount applies across all grade levels (Nursery‑3 to Grade 12).

Application and Enrollment Fees

- Application / Re‑enrollment fee: USD 200 (non‑refundable where noted by the school's enrollment terms).

Advance Deposit and Enrollment Deposits

- New families: non‑refundable advanced tuition deposit of USD 4,000 per student required with the signed enrollment contract; this deposit is credited against tuition. Returning families pay a non‑refundable, non‑transferable enrollment fee of USD 200 plus the same USD 4,000 advanced tuition deposit when submitting re‑enrollment. For families who enroll on or after May 1 the required deposit increases to between 50% and 100% of tuition and fees.

Additional Required Fees (per student)

- Association des Parents du Lycée (parent association) dues: USD 60.
- Lunch (Nursery to Grade 8), 5 days per week: USD 1,920.
- Books and supplies (Nursery to Grade 5): USD 200.
- Digital books (Grades 6 to 12): USD 50.
- School trips — Nature's Classroom (Grades 2 to 5): USD 800.
- French national exam fees (relevant secondary grades): USD 350.
- New student one‑time fee (first year only): USD 3,000.
- Tuition Refund Plan (optional, with discretion to opt out): USD 1,000.
- Note: depending on grade, families may have additional purchases such as PE uniforms, specific textbooks, laptops or other materials; those amounts vary by item and grade.

Billing schedule and payment terms (how tuition is billed and when payments are due)

- The school uses Blackbaud Tuition Management for tuition billing and offers these standard payment plans: annual, semi‑annual, monthly, and a special plan for financial aid recipients.
- Annual plan: balance of tuition (after the USD 4,000 advance deposit) due on or before May 1, 2026.
- Semi‑annual plan: balance due in two equal payments (50% each); Payment #1 due on or before May 1, 2026 and Payment #2 due on or before October 1, 2026.
- Monthly plan: balance due in twelve equal payments beginning March 1, 2026 (Payment #1) and continuing through February 1, 2027 (Payment #12). For contracts signed after May 1, 2026, installments begin the month of contract signature and (for monthly plans) end in February 2027. Financial Aid plan schedules are finalized with the Business Office once aid is awarded; the first payment on that schedule also begins March 1, 2026.

- Example calculations (illustrative) after the standard USD 4,000 advance deposit is applied to the listed annual tuition of USD 51,925:
- Annual balance due on May 1 (after deposit): USD 47,925.
- Semi‑annual payments (two equal installments): USD 23,962.50 each (May 1 and Oct 1).
- Monthly payments (12 equal installments): USD 3,993.75 per month (March 1 through Feb 1).
These amounts reflect the tuition minus the standard USD 4,000 deposit and then divided according to the chosen plan.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable; Lycée Français de New York does not operate a boarding program and therefore no boarding fees apply. (Day school model; no residential program.)

Other costs or occasional fees

- Optional or occasional charges that families should expect in addition to the required items above include: certain grade‑specific textbooks, PE uniforms, student laptops or devices, after‑school activities or extended day programs (prices vary by program), and incidental fees for specific trips or performances. Specific mandatory extras by grade are listed above (books, digital books, lunch, Nature's Classroom, exam fees). Amounts for optional items vary by purchase.

Refund information

- The USD 4,000 advanced tuition deposit is non‑refundable but is credited against the student's tuition. The USD 200 enrollment fee paid at re‑enrollment is non‑refundable and non‑transferable. The school offers a Tuition Refund Plan priced at USD 1,000 (families have discretion to opt out of this plan). Other refund policies (for partial refunds of tuition after the start of the contract, refunds of fees, or refund timing) are governed by the school's enrollment contract terms and business office procedures.

Fee payment options (methods accepted)

- Tuition and billed fees are processed through Blackbaud Tuition Management (formerly Smart Tuition). Blackbaud's parent and payer documentation shows the platform supports multiple payment methods commonly used by schools, including automatic bank debits (ACH), payments from checking or savings accounts, credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express where accepted by the school), mailed checks, and wire transfers (wires may carry a receiver fee). Families enroll and manage payment schedules through the Blackbaud Tuition Management portal per the school's billing instructions. Wire payments and international payment options are also supported via the tuition manager, subject to any platform fees or bank fees.

- Important operational notes on payment handling via Blackbaud: credit/debit cards are commonly accepted; bank/ACH drafts are available; mailed checks and bank online bill pay can be used but may require earlier scheduling so funds are received by the due date; wire transfers incur a processing/wire fee assessed by the tuition manager. Families should follow the school's invoicing and Blackbaud account instructions when scheduling payments.

Summary

- Annual tuition for 2026–2027 is USD 51,925 for all grades (Nursery‑3 through Grade 12). Required deposits and fees include a USD 4,000 non‑refundable advance deposit, USD 200 application/re‑enrollment fee, and a variety of grade‑linked fees (lunch, books, exam fees, new‑student fee, etc.) as listed above. Tuition is payable via the school's published annual, semi‑annual, or monthly plans through Blackbaud Tuition Management; payment methods include bank ACH, credit/debit card, check and wire where applicable. Refunds are limited: the advance deposit and re‑enrollment fee are non‑refundable; a USD 1,000 tuition‑refund plan is available as an optional charge.
Academics

Lycée Français de New York teaches Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers a bilingual curriculum that blends the best of French and American educational traditions. Instruction emphasizes project-based learning, rigorous academics, and creative exploration to support student learning, development, and wellbeing. The program integrates language learning, the arts, and cultural instruction to deepen the core curriculum. In the Secondary level (grades 6-12), there is intensive preparation for the French Baccalaureate alongside in‑class and extracurricular intellectual exploration. Language mastery is supported by exposure to multiple languages taught by native-speaking instructors, and STEAM is integrated across all grade levels with facilities such as a Makerspace and a Media Lab. Graduates are prepared for higher education worldwide, with matriculation at universities across North America, Europe, and beyond.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have matriculated to universities around the world. The College Counseling program supports students through the application process. Representative destinations include Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Yale University, NYU, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides co-curricular and after-school programs and clubs that support social-emotional development, leadership, and community building. The school fosters openness and responsibility for others through arts, athletics, and clubs. The school offers classes and clubs in art, cooking, theater, music, writing, government, computer programming and engineering to support social and emotional growth through collaboration. The school provides guidance through College Counseling and Secondary advisory to support interpersonal development. The school fosters a diverse and inclusive community where voices are respected and differences are celebrated. The school promotes belonging and collaboration across a broad range of activities.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches languages beyond French and English. The school hires native-speaking instructors to teach these languages. The school follows EU standards of language assessment in secondary language courses. The school offers immersive language experiences and cross-cultural exchanges to deepen linguistic and cultural understanding. The school includes close-to-home immersive experiences in New York City, such as trips to Chinatown and cultural centers.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides mental wellbeing support through student services including College Counseling and Secondary advisory, and ateliers in the Primary School. The school's instruction team helps navigate every stage of students' interpersonal development. The school provides staff support to help students thrive. The school fosters an inclusive community that respects diverse identities and voices. The school offers clubs and cultural activities that promote belonging and community.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1935 by the Consul General of France in New York, Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle, and a group of French and American officials, the Lycée Français de New York began with 24 students in a small basement. In 1938, final charter approval was granted by the SUNY Board of Regents and the Lycée awarded its first French baccalaureate. By the 1970s the school had expanded to teach more than 1,000 students, and in 1994 a new building on East 73rd Street increased small-class offerings. In 2003 Primary and Secondary were brought together on East 75th Street in a campus inaugurated by French President Jacques Chirac, and in 2015 a bold vision transformed teaching and learning, followed by the 2016 York Wing expansion. Over more than 80 years the Lycée has grown to nearly 35,000 students and graduates representing more than 150 nationalities.

Community
The Lycée Français de New York is more than a school; it's a family, a home away from home. The community is united by a global outlook, embraces cultural differences and believes in the power of a bilingual, international education to shape young minds. With myriad opportunities to volunteer and participate in Lycée life, the community—from parents to students to alumni, faculty and staff—finds lifelong friendships and experiences.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Association (APL) coordinates with the Lycée and serves as an influential voice by facilitating communication between the school and parents, working closely with the administration, faculty, staff and the Board. All parents are members of the APL and can volunteer to participate in community life. It offers opportunities to socialize and to volunteer, including welcome coffees, cocktails, lectures, and events that are part of the school's rich cultural life. The Lycée Families page notes the community includes more than 60 nationalities, reflecting a pluricultural environment. For more information, contact apl@lfny.org.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Back-to-school 2003 marked a turning point with the opening of a 158,000-square-foot facility that unified the Lycée Français de New York's campuses on a single site. The York Wing extension added 20,000 square feet of digitally-enabled flexible classrooms to support collaborative teaching and learning. The campus includes a 354-seat auditorium that hosts performances and the Cultural Center, a 225-seat cafeteria with a full-service kitchen, and a rooftop playground for elementary students. A digital media lab with a TV studio, production booth and editing bays, plus a makerspace with a digital printer, support hands-on learning and creative exploration.

Sports Facilities
There are two gymnasiums totaling more than 12,000 square feet with two regulation basketball courts. The athletic facilities support activities such as wall climbing, volleyball, soccer and gymnastics. A rooftop playground provides outdoor play space for elementary students. These spaces enable a broad athletic program across grade levels.

Academic Facilities
The main building houses pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in a 158,000-square-foot facility with specialty classrooms, learning labs and studios for project-based learning. The York Wing adds 20,000 square feet of digitally-enabled flexible classrooms for collaborative teaching and learning. The campus includes a digital media lab with a TV studio, production booth and editing bays, and a makerspace with a 3D printer to foster hands-on problem solving. A Primary music room and movement room, along with a 354-seat auditorium and cultural spaces, support arts-integrated learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular and after-school programs and clubs offer opportunities to develop talents beyond class time, including art, cooking, theater, music, writing, government, computer programming and engineering. After-school offerings include 68 clubs and 43 competitive sports teams across middle and high school. The Lycée also supports Social Entrepreneurship and an Artists-in-Residence program as part of its cultural and creative activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AI gaming and machine learning clubs and Lego robotics exist. Chess, debate and Young Philosophers are offered. Mandarin language clubs are available. In secondary, students participate in 3D printing, robotics, coding and VR, plus national programs such as Harvard Model Congress, Debate and Model UN.

Arts & Creative
French theater club, theater workshop, visual arts and cooking club exist. Choir is offered as a free activity. In secondary, performing arts include music, dance, theater, visual arts and culinary arts, and the school stages a musical each year; Première Scène French Theater Festival and Rough Cut Film Festival are part of the programming.

Cultural & Language
Mandarin language club. Le Lynx is the bilingual student newspaper. The school operates in a bilingual environment with activities offered in French or English.

Social & Hobbies
Sports include soccer, basketball, gymnastics and tennis. Chess, choir, theatre and debate are offered as student activities. Yoga adventure and Fun movement kids club provide additional recreational options.

Community & Service
There are opportunities to volunteer and participate in Lycée life. The Environmental Task Force is a student-led group. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging programs exist through the Coalition and other groups.

Leadership & Professional
Student government is organized into three bodies: the Conseil des Élèves (CDE), student delegates and the CPET. Harvard Model Congress, Debate and Model UN are national programs in which students participate. Finance Club and student-to-student tutoring club develop leadership and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics and fitness are offered after school, including soccer, basketball, gymnastics and tennis. Seasonal day camps run in summer, fall, winter and spring. Participants in the Primary Choir perform at the Winter and Spring concerts.
Languages

Language Provision
French and English are core languages, with all language learning supported by native-speaking instructors. In addition to these core languages, Arabic, German, Mandarin, Italian, and Spanish are taught through World Languages and exchanges; Preschool and early years integrate English into the day, with Nursery-3 in a 100% French-speaking environment and Pre-K/K transitioning to about 80% French and 20% English. Spanish instruction begins in Grade 6, and students participate in language exchanges and broader immersion experiences throughout the upper grades.

Bilingual Teaching
The Lyce9 Français de New York provides a bilingual program that blends the French national curriculum with English instruction. In high school, students spend about 30 to 50 percent of class time in English, depending on their track and plans for higher education. There are two Baccalaureate tracks: the Baccalaure9at frane7ais international (BFI) and the Classic French Baccalaurat; the BFI includes English-language and History-Geography components and offers AP options, while the Classic Bac remains primarily in French. The school emphasizes bilingual and multilingual instruction with language learning taught by native-speaking instructors for languages beyond French and English.

Immersion Programs
Beyond the classroom, the Lyce9e offers immersive language and cultural exchanges, including a six-week French-language exchange with Louis Le Grand high school for select 10th00grade students. Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic) is taught, with beginning and intermediate levels in the Primary after-school program; German begins in Grade 6; Mandarin is featured through a two-week exchange with Fudan University in Shanghai; Italian begins in Grade 6; Spanish begins in Grade 6 with exchange opportunities. The school also supports immersive experiences and hosts a French Immersion Summer Camp for ages 2.5 to 10.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
The Lycée Français de New York is accredited by both the French Ministry of Education and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is also part of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) network.
Admissions

Admissions
Nursery, Pre-K, K
1. Applications must be completed via the online application portal and a non-refundable $200 application fee must be paid. The portal starts the admissions review for Nursery through Kindergarten, and early submission helps begin the interview and evaluation process. 2. For Fall 2026 entry, submit by December 1, 2025 to ensure review in January; all required documents must be submitted by January 16, 2026. Submitting by the deadline supports timely consideration and evaluation. 3. On January 16, 2026, preschool evaluation day is held in person at the Lycée; families outside the New York metro area will receive instructions to participate in remote evaluation. 4. Admission decisions will be shared during the first week of February 2026. 5. If accepted, return a signed contract with a non-refundable tuition deposit of $4,000 within seven calendar days of receiving the acceptance letter.

First to Twelfth Grades
0. Language requirement: Starting with first grade (CP), students must speak, read, write, and understand spoken French. 1. The admission process begins in the fall of the year before enrollment; the number of available places varies yearly based on attrition. 2. Application Deadlines: We recommend submitting by December 1, 2025 to be considered in January for first-round review; all required documents must be submitted by January 16, 2026; applications continue to be accepted throughout the year as spaces remain available. 3. For Grades 1-5, a virtual interview with a member of the Admissions Team is required for both current Lycée families and prospective guardians. 4. For Grades 6-12 not in a MOE-accredited program, an entrance exam in French and Mathematics is required on January 10, 2026; invitations are sent by the Admissions Office; outside the New York City metropolitan area, the test may be mailed to the child's school or live-proctored via Zoom. 5. Admission decisions will be shared in the first week of February 2026; if accepted, return a signed contract and pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $4,000 within seven calendar days of the acceptance letter.

Scholarships
The Lyce9e Frane7ais de New York offers need-based financial aid to students of all nationalities. For the 2025b12026 school year, the Lyce9e has committed $7.1 million in financial aid. French citizens may also be eligible for financial aid from the French Government. Applications are submitted via Clarity, the Lyce9ea0s Financial Aid tool, and awards are determined confidentially by the Lyce9e Financial Aid Committee based on demonstrated financial need. Current families can consult deadlines and instructions on MyLyce9e. The French Government Financial Aid program may be available for eligible French citizens registered with the French Consulate in New York.
School Events
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