Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine

Zimbabwe, Harare

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The school at a glance

Instructs in French, English

Fees $3,210 - 10,710

Ages Not listed

Pupil numbers 130

Type Co-educational

Opened 1980

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum French Curriculum

Taught languages French, English

Typical class size 12

Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies

Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School, Sixth Form

Introduction

Founded in 1980, Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine is the bilingual French international school in Harare, at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, serving Preschool through Upper 6. It operates under AEFE, with the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe and the Association of Parents of Students of the French School Harare. The curriculum follows the French national framework, adapted for an international context, with a focus on bilingual competence, cultural understanding, and preparation for global engagement. Extracurriculars include tennis, swimming, basketball, rugby, judo, dance and music programs (hip-hop, mbira, marimba). The school offers Model United Nations and paid workshops such as Candle Workshop and Jewelry Creation, plus Robotek and JumpStart. Safety and structured daily routines underpin a learning environment that blends French and English instruction and fosters global citizenship. The campus features dedicated bilingual classrooms, student safety protocols, and opportunities to engage with a global community through AEFE and international partnerships.

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The Essentials

Location

The school is located at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, Harare, Zimbabwe. It sits in the Vainona area of Harare and is accessible via local roads. The address is listed as Visit Us on the school site.

Stages

Preschool through Upper 6.

Type

The school is a bilingual international school offering French and English instruction.

Country affiliation

AEFE-affiliated (Agency for French Education Abroad)

School day structure

Monday–Friday, 08:00–13:00; Saturday and Sunday closed.

Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Students must wear appropriate clothing. The definition of 'appropriate clothing' is left to the discretion of the head of establishment.

Food Options

An on-site canteen is provided for primary and secondary students with afternoon classes. Nursery students may have lunch at the on-site daycare if enrolled in the paid 'Les Petits Matelots' program. Primary and secondary students may eat lunch at outdoor tables in front of their classrooms; lunch is supervised, and access to the computer room is restricted during lunch and recess.

Governance and Ownership

The school is an establishment managed by the Association of Parents of Students of the French School Harare, with an agreement signed with the AEFE. The Management Committee represents the Parents' Association and handles all administrative and financial affairs; it is composed of five parent representatives, the head of the establishment (consultative vote) and a representative of the French Embassy (consultative vote), and it meets twice yearly. The school operates as a non-profit association under AEFE supervision; AEFE provides technical, financial, and human resources and appoints a head of establishment who oversees the organization and educational operation; enrollment makes parents full members of the Association.

Fees

Application / First registration fee
- First registration fee (per child, payable once at first enrolment): USD 1,000.00.

Tuition fees (per term) and annual equivalent by school cycle — 2025/2026 school year
- French nationals (1–2 children in the same family):
- Nursery / Maternelle (TPS–GS): USD 1,070.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 3,210.00.
- Primary / Élémentaire (CP–CM2): USD 2,295.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 6,885.00.
- Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 3,010.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 9,030.00.
- Lycée (2nde–Terminale): USD 3,570.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 10,710.00.

- French nationals (from the 3rd child in the same family — concessionary rates):
- Nursery / Maternelle (TPS–GS): USD 1,070.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 3,210.00.
- Primary / Élémentaire (CP–CM2): USD 1,720.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 5,160.00.
- Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 2,150.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 6,450.00.
- Lycée (2nde–Terminale): USD 2,675.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 8,025.00.

- Other nationalities (1–2 children in the same family):
- Nursery / Maternelle (TPS–GS): USD 1,165.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 3,495.00.
- Primary / Élémentaire (CP–CM2): USD 2,480.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 7,440.00.
- Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 3,265.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 9,795.00.
- Lycée (2nde–Terminale): USD 3,570.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 10,710.00.

- Other nationalities (from the 3rd child in the same family — concessionary rates):
- Nursery / Maternelle (TPS–GS): USD 1,165.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 3,495.00.
- Primary / Élémentaire (CP–CM2): USD 1,755.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 5,265.00.
- Collège (6ème–3ème): USD 2,450.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 7,350.00.
- Lycée (2nde–Terminale): USD 2,675.00 per term — annual equivalent USD 8,025.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- School-year billing is structured in three terms. Payment timing required by the school: first term between 01 September and 30 September; second term no later than 15 November; third term no later than 31 March.
- Currencies accepted for school fees: USD or Euro (payments are to be made in foreign currencies only).
- Payment frequency options:
- Single payment in full at the start of the school year (USD or Euro).
- Three instalments: at the start of each term (USD or Euro).
- Nine-month monthly payment plan (request required in advance for the next school year). Families opting for the nine-month plan are charged an administration fee of USD 150.00 (or Euro equivalent) per family per year.
- Non-payment / late payment rules: a missed payment may cancel any pre-agreed payment plan. Overdue payments incur a 10% penalty from the 20th day of delay; the penalty increases to 15% after 60 days. Students may be suspended from classes and registration may be cancelled if fees remain unpaid.

Boarding fees
- The school operates as a day school with specified opening hours and pick-up rules; no boarding fees are listed. Pick-up and supervision rules are detailed in the school regulations.

Other costs and deposits
- Library deposit for book borrowing: USD 50.00 (payable at the start of the school year).
- College (collège) textbook deposit: USD 100.00 at the beginning of the school year; refundable depending on condition/return of textbooks.
- Exam-related costs: parents are required to pay examination fees (DELF Prim, DNB, BAC) and any travel expenses for external exam centres (e.g., travel to South Africa for the BAC exam).
- Late pickup charge: USD 15.00 per 15 minutes per child (any part of a 15-minute period is charged).
- Stationery / class materials: the school provides annual stationery lists by cycle; separate costs for these items are detailed on the school's registration material lists. (Stationery lists are published for Nursery, Primary and Secondary cycles.)

Refund and withdrawal conditions
- The first registration fee is non-refundable from the moment the student attends school.
- School fees already due for any term commenced remain payable in full except in specific, authorised cases. A family wishing to withdraw a pupil permanently must give one term's notice; failure to give this notice will result in fees being payable for that term in full.
- Deposits for library and textbooks are refundable subject to the condition and return of materials.

Fee payment mechanics (channels and practical notes)
- The school's published financial rules specify accepted currencies (USD or Euro) and the permitted payment schedules (single annual payment, three-term instalments, or a nine-month plan with an administration fee). Specific payment channels (for example: bank transfer or card) are not enumerated in the financial rules; parents should use the school's admissions/finance office contact details for instruction on the available payment channels and to arrange payment plans.

Academics

Curriculum

An international-level curriculum for your child.

Student Teacher Ratio

A favorable teacher-to-student ratio.

Higher Education Progression

We prepare students for progression to top international universities.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides a structured learning environment in a familial setting.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school is inclusive.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school offers a bilingual education in French and English.

Safeguarding

Student Safety is our top priority. We implement rigorous safety protocols and maintain a secure, nurturing environment to ensure every student's well-being.

Parent Experience

History

Founded in 1980, Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine is the French International School of Harare at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, Harare. It offers Preschool through Upper 6 and provides a bilingual program in French and English. The school is managed by the Association of Parents of Students of the French School Harare and operates under an agreement with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). The AEFE arrangement places it under the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe.

Community

The school presents a vibrant, multicultural environment with a bilingual education in French and English. Recent highlights include Carnival Week celebrations and Galette des Rois activities, reflecting active community and French cultural traditions. Primary students also participate in Galette des Rois celebrations, illustrating ongoing cultural events within the school community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Management Committee represents and coordinates the Parents' Association and oversees the school in all administrative and financial matters. The Committee is made up of five parent representatives, the head of the establishment (consultative vote) and a representative of the French Embassy (consultative vote). Two ordinary General Meetings are held each year. The statutes define the powers and duties of Board members, and Internal Regulations (both French and English) are available for download.

Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including tennis, swimming, chess, hip-hop, judo, and basketball. These activities help students explore their interests, develop new skills, and foster creativity outside the classroom. The sporting activities and clubs include hip-hop, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, mbira, marimba, board games, rugby, gardening, chess, Model UN, and judo. Paid activities include candle workshop, jewelry creation workshop, Robotek, JumpStart, and a variety of board game programs. Registration forms for the first period of extra-curricular activities run from 9 March 2026 to 25 June 2026, with forms for Nursery, Primary, and Secondary levels.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers a bilingual education in French and English. It welcomes students from Preschool through Upper 6. The curriculum is described as world-class. It balances academic excellence with cultural understanding to prepare students to thrive in a globalized world.

Arts & Creative

The school offers mbira and marimba as musical activities, teaching rhythm and teamwork. Hip-Hop is offered as a dance activity. Visual arts are taught by a dedicated visual arts teacher. Paid creative programs include Candle Workshop, Jewelry Creation Workshop, Robotek, and JumpStart.

Cultural & Language

The school offers a bilingual program in French and English in a multicultural environment. It fosters cultural understanding and global citizenship. Model United Nations is part of the extracurriculars, developing communication and debate skills. The school maintains a vibrant, multicultural environment with international connections.

Social & Hobbies

Diverse extracurricular activities include tennis, swimming, chess, hip-hop, judo, basketball, and rugby. Gardening, mbira, and marimba offer additional creative and cultural pursuits. Paid activities include Candle Workshop, Jewelry Creation Workshop, Robotek, and JumpStart. These activities help students explore interests outside the classroom and develop new skills.

Leadership & Professional

Head of Establishment: Laetitia Cibrario. The Finance Director is Kenitha Djamby. Administration is led by Prosper Mtimbo. The team includes Nursery Teacher Marie-Astrid Bouvier, Primary Teachers Pauline Rannou and Julie Kollros, History & Geography Teacher Jean Goncalves, Mathematics Teacher Frédéric Le Saux, Visual Arts Teacher Mathieu Pinarello, French Teacher Franck Ulmann, English Teacher Michelle Hawkins, and Teacher Trainer Philippe Nourieux.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 13:00. The school offers a dynamic sports program with activities such as tennis, swimming, and athletics. Student safety is a top priority, with rigorous safety protocols and a secure learning environment. These provisions support students' physical and mental well-being through active, safe learning experiences.

Languages

Language Provision

The school teaches in French and English, offering a bilingual program from preschool through upper secondary (Upper 6). The curriculum emphasizes instruction in both languages across the curriculum in a multicultural environment. This program supports students to develop proficiency in both languages.

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers bilingual education in French and English. It serves students from Preschool through Upper 6. The bilingual program is delivered within a multicultural environment and prepares students to thrive in a globalized world.

Reputation

Awards

null

Accreditations

null

Admissions

1. Review downloadable admission documents for the 2025-2026 year. These include the 2025-2026 School Fees Structure, the Registration Form, and the List of documents for registration. Stationery lists are available for Pre-School, Primary School (CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2), and Secondary (Collège / Lycée). A 2025-2026 School Calendar is published to help plan enrolment. 2. Complete the Registration Form and gather the documents listed in the List of documents for registration. The Pre-School Stationery, Primary School Stationery (CP to CM2), and Secondary School Stationery guides are provided to assist preparation. Prepare the required items in advance to avoid delays. 3. Submit the Registration Form together with the required documents and arrange payment according to the 2025-2026 School Fees Structure. Fees are published in the 2025-2026 School Fees Structure. Ensure all documents are complete before submission to avoid delays. After submission, admissions will confirm receipt and guide the next steps. 4. The school is located at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, Harare, and office hours are Monday to Friday 08:00–13:00. You may also reach the admissions team by phone using the main school line.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine located and how do I get there?

The school is located at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, Harare, Zimbabwe, and is accessible via local roads. The admissions and administrative offices are open Monday to Friday, 08:00–13:00 for in-person enquiries and submissions.

What ages and year groups does the school cater for?

Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine serves children from Preschool through Upper 6, beginning from age 3. The school operates a full primary and secondary cycle up to terminale level.

Is the school co-educational and what curriculum does it follow?

Yes, the school is co-educational and follows the French national curriculum adapted for an international context. Instruction is bilingual, with a focus on developing competence in both French and English and preparing students for global engagement.

How do I start the admissions process for my child?

Begin by obtaining the 2025–2026 registration form and the list of required documents, complete the form and gather the requested paperwork, then submit these together with the applicable fees. After submission the admissions team confirms receipt and guides you through the next steps; the school office is open Monday–Friday 08:00–13:00 at 1 Teign Road, Vainona, Harare.

What is the first registration fee and is it refundable?

The first registration fee is USD 1,000.00 per child, payable once at first enrolment, and it is non-refundable from the moment the student attends school.

What payment currencies and schedules do you accept and are there penalties for late payment?

School fees are payable in USD or Euro only, with three-term billing dates: first term between 01 September and 30 September, second term no later than 15 November, and third term no later than 31 March. Families may pay in a single annual payment, three term instalments, or a nine-month monthly plan (the nine-month plan requires advance request and carries an administration fee of USD 150.00); overdue payments incur a 10% penalty from the 20th day of delay, increasing to 15% after 60 days.

Are there any other deposits or routine charges I should know about?

Yes, a library deposit for book borrowing of USD 50.00 is payable at the start of the school year, and a collège textbook deposit of USD 100.00 is collected at the beginning of the year and is refundable depending on condition and return of materials. A late pickup charge of USD 15.00 is applied per 15 minutes per child for any part of a 15-minute period.

What kind of curriculum and academic approach does the school use?

The school delivers an international-level curriculum based on the French national framework, adapted to an international context with bilingual instruction in French and English. The programme emphasizes bilingual competence, cultural understanding, and preparation for higher education and global engagement.

How large are classes and what is the student–teacher ratio like?

The school maintains a favourable teacher-to-student ratio to support individualised attention. Class sizes are structured to promote a familial learning environment and close teacher–student relationships.

Does the school prepare students for higher education and international universities?

Yes, the school prepares students for progression to top international universities through its bilingual, internationally-oriented curriculum and guidance across the secondary cycle. Preparation includes academic rigour and support towards recognised external examinations.

What sports and extracurricular facilities and programmes are available?

The school offers a broad range of sporting and extracurricular activities including tennis, swimming, basketball, rugby, judo, gymnastics, and board games. Music and cultural activities such as hip-hop, mbira, and marimba are also provided, alongside clubs like chess, gardening and Model United Nations.

Are there paid extracurricular workshops and how are they organised?

Yes, the school runs paid workshops such as Candle Workshop, Jewelry Creation Workshop, Robotek and JumpStart in addition to regular clubs. Registration forms are issued for activity periods (for example, a registration window ran from 9 March 2026 to 25 June 2026) and are organised by cycle (Nursery, Primary, Secondary).

What campus facilities support bilingual learning and student safety?

The campus features dedicated bilingual classrooms and structured daily routines that support the French–English bilingual programme. Student safety is a top priority with rigorous safety protocols and supervised lunch and recess arrangements.

Does the school offer support for students who are new to French or English?

The school provides a bilingual learning environment in French and English which supports students developing proficiency in either language. While specific additional learning-support programmes are not detailed, the school promotes inclusion and adapts teaching to help bilingual development.

What safeguarding and wellbeing measures are in place for students?

Student safety is emphasised through rigorous safety protocols and a secure, structured learning environment. The school operates a familial setting with routines designed to support pupils' physical and emotional wellbeing.

Is there a school uniform and what is the dress code?

Students are required to wear appropriate clothing, with the definition of 'appropriate' left to the discretion of the head of establishment. Specific uniform items are not prescribed in the provided information, so families should consult the school for guidance on suitable attire.

Does the school provide lunch and childcare options for younger children?

An on-site canteen serves primary and secondary students who have afternoon classes, with supervised outdoor lunch areas in front of classrooms. Nursery children may have lunch at the on-site daycare if enrolled in the paid 'Les Petits Matelots' programme.

Who runs and governs the school and how can parents be involved?

The school is managed by the Association of Parents of Students of the French School Harare, with a Management Committee of five parent representatives plus consultative representatives from the head of establishment and the French Embassy. Parents who enrol their children become full members of the Association, and two ordinary General Meetings are held each year.

Is Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine affiliated with any French education network or embassy?

Yes, the school operates under an agreement with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and works in association with the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe. AEFE provides technical, financial and human resource support and appoints the head of establishment.

What is the school's history and community life like?

Founded in 1980, Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine is the French international school in Harare providing bilingual education from Preschool through Upper 6. The school maintains a multicultural community with regular cultural events such as Carnival Week and Galette des Rois celebrations that engage students and families.

What are the tuition fees at Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine?

Annual tuition at Groupe Scolaire Jean de La Fontaine ranges from USD 3,210 to USD 10,710 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.

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