First Grade / CP Application Details

Page updated: September 12, 2023
Class Details

  • Bilingual: Native level English and French Students are enrolled in a French “Ecole Elémentaire” for the French portion of the program then excused twice a week to attend American Section classes

  • Estimated spaces available for 2024-25: 26-28 overall, mostly externé.

Eligibility
  • Age: Candidates must be born in 2018 to enroll in this class (6 years old).
  • Level of English: Two tracks are available (see details below). Applicants must possess native-level English or near-native-level English to be considered for either program.
Applications

Applications should be submitted online via the American Section website in December and January for the following school year.  After January, please check our website for availability at this grade level.

Testing

Testing is conducted in English and is administered individually. During the test, your child will be asked to:

  • look at some pictures and identify them (Vocabulary)
  • play a few games (Listening and comprehension)
  • know all the letters, upper and lower case, as well as the sounds of the alphabet. (Reading readiness)

The test lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Testing will take place in March or April and will be conducted in person whenever possible. Online testing is available for families who live overseas.

French Immersion/Français Spécial  

There is no French-immersion class available at this level. When possible non-Francophone applicants are prioritized for full time places in bilingual classes on the main campus.

 

Timeline
  • December 1 - January 26: application file submitted
  • March-April: testing
  • May: acceptances sent
Required documents
  • cover letter
  • birth certificate
  • photo
  • dossier d’inscription form

Complete instructions are available online once you log in.

First Grade (CP) vs. First Grade Plus (CP+)

First grade (CP)

Children who enroll in this track must be native English speakers and be ready to learn to read and write simultaneously in two languages.

Class Schedule: Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings + Art and Library. 

Class Size by location:

  • Lycée International campus : 18 (majority externé)

  • Ecole Schnapper campus: 12 (all full-time)

 

Curriculum

For detailed information about the First Grade (CP) or First Grade Plus (CP+) curriculum, please click here. 

First grade Plus (CP+)

Children who enroll in this track are not necessarily native English speakers, but they do possess a good level of English language fluency. These students will receive targeted instruction to build vocabulary, reinforce grammar mechanics, and develop their oral English before focusing on reading in English later in the year.

This class is part of a two-year program beginning in first grade (CP) and continuing through second grade (CE1). At the end of the two-year cycle, students should be ready to integrate into the mainstream program in third grade (CE2).

Class Schedule: Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons + Art and Library.

Class Size : Lycée International campus: 16 (all externé)

Campus Placement Options 

Location: Ecole Schnapper
Schedule: Full-time
Spaces available for 2024-25 academic year: 10-12
The American Section welcomes approximately 70 students at this partner school located nearby in St. Germain. Students attend their American Section classes as well as their French classes on this site. This is the only placement option with extended hours offering daycare and study hall possibilities after school.

Location: Lycée Campus
Schedule: Externé
Externé spaces for the 2024-25 academic year: 12-18
This is a part-time option in which students come to the Lycée campus two half-days per week for their American Section classes. The rest of the time they attend their local French school. Please note that the majority of all primary students at the Lycée are externés (Currently 750 students from 11 international sections). Externé students may request a full-time place in successive years depending upon space availability.

Location: Lycée campus
Schedule: Full-time
Spaces available for the 2024-25 academic year: 4-5
There are a limited number of spaces available; priority will go to qualified non-Francophone candidates.