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The French American School of Chicago

United States, Chicago

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $5,043 - 6,663
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 82
Type Co-educational
Opened 1981
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 22
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

EFAC, The French American School of Chicago, is a bilingual French-American program located in Lincoln Park, integrated within the Chicago Public Schools through partnerships with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School. Founded in 1981 within ALES, the school expanded to LPHS in 1995-1996 and now serves Kindergarten through 12th grade. The French Ministry of National Education accredits the program for K–5 as CM2, while the middle and high school follow the CNED curriculum, with the option to pursue the French Baccalauréat, including the French section. The curriculum blends CPS curricula with French standards, featuring courses taught entirely in French across language, literature, mathematics, history and the arts, with deeper emphasis on literature, history and geography as students advance. The school also offers a bilingual International Baccalaureate framework to support study at international universities. EFAC benefits from the facilities and extracurricular opportunities of its CPS partners for students.

615 W Kemper Pl, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

The Essentials

The French American School of Chicago has 82 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in French, English.

Location
615 W Kemper Place, Chicago, IL 60614, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. EFAC is integrated with the Chicago Public Schools system through partnerships with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School to serve Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Stages
Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Type
French-American bilingual program integrated within the Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Country affiliation
Affiliation with the French Ministry of National Education.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
EFAC participates in the Chicago Public Schools lunch program. EFAC students attend Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (ALES) and Lincoln Park High School (LPHS) as part of the CPS integration, and lunch is provided free at these CPS schools.

Governance and Ownership
EFAC is governed by a Board of Trustees, following NAIS best practices. EFAC is a non-profit educational association established in 1979 under the laws of Illinois; its statutes are filed with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Fees

Annual tuition at The French American School of Chicago ranges from USD 5,043 to USD 6,663 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Non-refundable online application (pre-registration) fee: USD 150 per student, payable at the time of application.

Tuition fees (amounts and breakdown by school level)

- Kindergarten (GK) — Annual tuition: USD 5,043.00.
- Deposit at contract signing (20% of annual tuition): USD 1,008.60.
- Remaining balance (80%): USD 4,034.40.
- Payment schedule examples:
- Full-payment option: single payment of the remaining USD 4,034.40 due in September.
- Two-installment option (after deposit): September payment (50% of annual tuition) USD 2,521.50 and February payment (30% of annual tuition) USD 1,512.90 (deposit + these payments equal total annual tuition).

- Elementary and Middle School (Grades 1–8) — Annual tuition: USD 6,663.00.
- Deposit at contract signing (20%): USD 1,332.60.
- Remaining balance (80%): USD 5,330.40.
- Payment schedule examples:
- Full-payment option: single payment of the remaining USD 5,330.40 due in September.
- Two-installment option: September payment (50% of annual tuition) USD 3,331.50 and February payment (30% of annual tuition) USD 1,998.90.

- High School (Grades 9–12) — Annual tuition: USD 5,207.00. Note shown on the fee page: “DELF fees for high school are also USD 5,207.”
- Deposit at contract signing (20%): USD 1,041.40.
- Remaining balance (80%): USD 4,165.60.
- Payment schedule examples:
- Full-payment option: single payment of the remaining USD 4,165.60 due in September.
- Two-installment option: September payment (50% of annual tuition) USD 2,603.50 and February payment (30% of annual tuition) USD 1,562.10.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- A 20% deposit of the annual tuition is required at the time the annual contract is signed; the deposit and any other pre-registration fees are non-refundable in case of cancellation.
- Remaining tuition may be paid by one of two options:
- Full payment: single payment of the remaining 80% due in September.
- Two-installment plan: payments due in September (50% of the annual tuition) and February (30% of the annual tuition).

Boarding fees

- Not applicable. The program is delivered as a day program integrated with Chicago Public Schools (Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School); the school does not operate boarding facilities.

Other costs and fees

- School supplies: school supplies are provided at the beginning of the year and are included in the annual tuition. Students must provide a backpack. Lunch is free at the partner public schools (Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School) when applicable.
- No uniform fee is listed. (No mandatory uniform fees or separate uniform purchase amounts are published on the fees pages.)
- DELF/exam notation: the tuition page includes a note regarding DELF and high school fees; that note appears alongside the high-school tuition amount.

Refund information

- The required deposit (20% of annual tuition) and any pre-registration/application fees are non-refundable in case of cancellation.

Fee payment options (methods accepted and how certain fees are to be paid)

- Regular school fees: payable online via electronic funds transfer (ACH) upon receipt of invoice.
- Pre-registration (application) fee: non-refundable USD 150 per student, to be paid by wire transfer at the time of pre-registration.
- Deposit: may be paid by check or wire transfer as part of the initial contract signing.

Contact for billing questions

- For billing or payment questions, contact the school office (contact details are published with the school's admissions and tuition information).
Academics

The French American School of Chicago teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
The French American School of Chicago (EFAC) offers a seamless bilingual education from Kindergarten through 12th grade, accredited by the French Ministry of Education for K–5. The program blends Chicago Public Schools curricula with French educational standards in collaboration with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School. Curriculum highlights include: courses taught entirely in French across language, literature, mathematics, history and the arts; as students advance, emphasis on literature, history and geography; and a bilingual International Baccalaureate prepared to support study at international universities.

Higher Education Progression
Offers a bilingual International Baccalaureate to prepare students for success at international universities.
Wellbeing

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not require any English fluency. Students are fully immersed in English in the CPS system and learn progressively and naturally. A three-year English as a New Language program is offered for non-English-speaking students to achieve fluency in both languages. Three years are expected to be sufficient for fluency in written and oral communication in both French and English. The program is part of EFAC within the CPS framework, with certification through the French CM2 level and the option to take the French section of the French Baccalauréat.
Parent Experience

History
The French American School of Chicago (EFAC), formerly the French School of Chicago, was established within Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (ALES) in 1981. The program expanded, and starting in the 1995-1996 school year EFAC operated within Lincoln Park High School (LPHS) for the remaining grades up to Terminale (12th grade). EFAC is a French school located in the heart of two American public schools, welcoming children of Francophone background and offering bilingual and bi-cultural education approved by the French Ministry of Education through CM2. The middle school and high school follow the CNED (National Center for Distance Learning) curriculum. The school covers all levels from Kindergarten to 12th grade, with certification through CM2 and the opportunity to take the French section of the French Baccalauréat.

Community
EFAC describes its community as the heartbeat of school life, with active involvement from parents, teachers, and partner schools. Parental involvement includes roles such as room parents and participation in Francophone cultural events, enriching students' learning. Collaboration with Abraham Lincoln Elementary and Lincoln Park High School expands academic and extracurricular offerings and reinforces a bilingual education. The school invites families and community members to participate to sustain a vibrant culture and a diverse range of activities for students.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parents-Liaison are integral to strengthening the connection between families and the school administration. They function as a communication hub to inform families about events, help welcome new families, and coordinate volunteers for various school activities. Their activities enhance the educational and cultural experiences for all students. Involvement opportunities are highlighted as a way for EFAC parents to connect with other families, participate in school governance, and positively impact the child's educational environment. Contact: mathieu.cladidier@efachicago.org and parentsliaison@efachicago.org.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of downtown Chicago. EFAC partners with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (ALES) and Lincoln Park High School (LPHS) as part of the Chicago Public Schools system. The collaboration provides access to facilities associated with ALES and LPHS. EFAC serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, with certification through the French CM2 level and the option to pursue the French Baccalauréat. The bilingual and bicultural program is recognized by the French Ministry of Education and benefits from collaboration with the partner schools to align schedules and curricula, including extracurricular opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The French Ministry of National Education scholastic program is integrated within the Chicago Public Schools system. EFAC is the result of a collaboration between two educational systems that teach the French and English languages and cultures. The school serves Kindergarten through 12th grade, with certification through the French CM2 level and the option to take the French section of the French Baccalauréat.

Cultural & Language
EFAC offers bilingual education in French and English, integrating both languages and cultures. In Lincoln Park High School, the French class is integrated into the IB Program.
Languages

Language Provision
The school uses a bilingual program that blends the French Ministry of National Education's scholastic program within the Chicago Public Schools system. It serves Kindergarten through 12th grade, with CM2 certification and the option to take the French section of the French Baccalauréat. The program centers on bilingual instruction within a French-American framework. It emphasizes cultural fluency and pathways to higher education worldwide.

Bilingual Teaching
EFAC merges the strengths of French and American education, offering a bilingual and bicultural program recognized by the French Ministry of Education. The bilingual program blends the French educational system's depth with the broad, inclusive approach of American schools. From Kindergarten through 12th grade, students follow a dual curriculum integrated within Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School, preparing for the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate. Daily immersion in both cultures enhances students' adaptability and global citizenship.

Immersion Programs
EFAC's immersion is daily and bilingual, with daily immersion in both cultures as a defining feature. The program integrates within CPS, offering a seamless blend of French and American curricula from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum prepares students for the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate, and facilitates pathways to universities worldwide. This immersion emphasizes cultural fluency and cross-cultural competence.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Eligibility. Eligibility is determined by three criteria. Residency must be within the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School boundaries (K–8) or Lincoln Park High School boundaries (9–12) and the student must be registered at ALES or LPHS. The student and parent meet with the EFAC Director for an interview to assess proficiency in French and home support in French, with report cards and prior assessments requested to verify performance. There must be an available seat in the desired grade; the program is bilingual within CPS and English fluency is not required.

Scholarships
French Government Scholarships: If your child is a French citizen residing in the Chicago area with at least one parent, you may be eligible for financial aid from the French government. These scholarships, known as Bourses Scolaires, are designed to support the education of French children abroad and are submitted through the Consulate General of France in Chicago; for deadlines and details, visit the French Consulate site. EFAC Financial Aid: EFAC offers financial aid based on individual needs and family income. We are committed to making education accessible and affordable to all our students. Contact for Assistance: For more details or to discuss the specific terms of our financial aid options, mathieu.cladidier@efachicago.org.

Waitlist
Admission priority order when eligibility criteria are met: Siblings of students already enrolled and children of EFAC teachers; Lincoln families currently enrolled and previously registered with EFAC (waitlist); New families, based on meeting all requirements and space availability in the desired grade.
School Events
The school has not added events
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