Lycee Francais de Chicago

The Lycée Français de Chicago provides its students with a rigorous bilingual education in a dynamic and welcoming multicultural community. The Lycée draws on the best of the French, American and international educational systems preparing students to thrive at top universities throughout the world. French at its core, the Lycée’s education transforms students into global ambassadors, inspiring them to lead lives of purpose, responsibility and respect.

First founded in 1995 by a small group of French and American families, the Lycée began as an international school of fewer than 150 students. Twenty years later, our community has grown dramatically, attracting families from around the world who share the value of an academically challenging and culturally diverse education. Families find a second home at the Lycée because of our commitment to a world-class education and fluency in respect, responsibility, and the joy of learning.

Today, the Lycée is Chicago’s premier international education community, consisting of more than 500 families and more than 800 students. Our program is based on the French national curriculum combined with key American building blocks. It offers students the best of both worlds.

From the extensive French curriculum—taught in French—students become highly proficient critical thinkers by acquiring the rigorous writing skills and broad academic knowledge necessary for the French Baccalaureate.

From our strong American program—taught in English—students receive the academic preparation that is sought by American colleges and universities.

From multicultural exposure, students gain valuable social and communication skills, and become exceptionally open-minded. Taking into account the richness, diversity, and challenges of this dual-language system, students educated at the Lycée are well-prepared to meet—and often exceed—the demands of the best universities in France, Europe, and North America.

• Our campus is bright, full of light, and welcoming—a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for students to grow and succeed.
• Classrooms and science labs are designed to promote collaboration, exploration, and differentiated instruction. They are technology-enabled as appropriate to promote learning.
• Specialized studios affirm our commitment to music and the arts, a central feature of our curriculum grounded in the French tradition.
• We have a state-of-the-art library, full-size gymnasium, and a cafeteria for all.
• Community-centric gathering spaces promote new opportunities to engage, interact, nurture friendships, and build school spirit.
• A majestic four-story open atrium connects the school as one vibrant community – the heart and hub of our multi-cultural campus.
• The environmentally-sustainable building is constructed with a green roof to save on energy costs.
• Our 3.8 acre campus provides ample room for two playgrounds, a soccer field, a basketball court, Flames athletics, plus parking and a private drive for student pick-up and drop-off.
• Our home is in one of the city’s most dynamic, artistic and cultural neighborhoods where we can cultivate in-the-community partnerships for student learning.