Acceptance Criteria and Testing

Acceptance to the American Section at Lycée International is based on overall academic achievement and the likelihood of success in the dual-culture, bilingual education program.

In addition, we seek to enroll students who have:

  • Native or near-native level English language proficiency (vocabulary, language skills, and reading ability)
  • Affinity with American culture

French language skills are not a requirement for applicants to the French-language immersion. There are, however, specific academic criteria to be met.

Testing in English is required at most levels (see below for the 2025-2026 dates).

All favorable recommendations are submitted to the Proviseur (Headmaster) of the French school for final approval.

Once a student has been accepted, an official acceptance letter will be mailed to parents.

Students are officially registered once completed paperwork has been returned and the registration fee and advance deposit paid.

Admissions Testing Information
2025-2026

Lower School Testing

For Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5 (Moyenne Section – CM2)

An English language assessment is required for all candidates. Testing is conducted individually with one of our American Section teachers. Depending on a candidate’s age, the assessment will last 30-60 minutes.

Please note that our teachers have limited availability during the admissions season. This means that your child will most likely miss part of a school day for his/her assessment.

  • For candidates living in the Paris area, in-person testing will take place at the Lycée International between March 3, 2025 and April 11, 2025. Families will receive their appointment information via email no later than February 10, 2025.
  • For candidates who live outside of the Paris area, testing will be conducted online between March 3, 2025 and April 11, 2025. Families will receive their appointment information via email no later than February 10, 2025.
Middle and Upper School Testing

Grades 6 - 12 (Sixième – Terminale)

A written exam in English is required for all candidates. Testing is conducted in group sessions. Depending on a candidate’s age, the assessment will last 45-90 minutes.

  • For candidates living in the Paris area, in-person testing will take place at the Lycée International on Wednesday afternoon, January 29, 2025. Families will receive their appointment information via email no later than January 20, 2025.
  • For candidates who live outside of the Paris area, testing will be conducted online on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Families will receive their appointment information via email no later than January 20, 2025.

Selected candidates will also be scheduled a 30-minute interview with an American Section teacher later in the admissions season. Families will be notified about a possible interview no later than March 31, 2025.

French Immersion Candidates (Français Spécial)

2nd Grade - 10th Grade (CE1-Seconde)

Selected French immersion candidates will also have an interview with one of our Français Spécial teachers. This can be done either online or in person. Please note that these appointments are only scheduled after a candidate has been tested by the American Section.

Français Spécial

Children who have limited French may qualify for Français Spécial (FS), the Lycée International’s specially designed French-adaptation course.

Offered in one’s first year at the school, Français Spécial builds written and spoken French so that students may join regular classes held in French the following year.

Français Spécial classes are offered from second through tenth grade (CE1–2nde).