Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
1300 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
47 |
Most common nationality |
French, Chinese |
Ratio of local students to international students |
60% French families, 20% Chinese families, 20% other nationalities |
Native English, Chinese, and French speaking teachers |
Yes, all teachers in our international streams are native speakers
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Language support for students not fluent in English, Chinese, and French |
We offer a dedicated program of French as the language of instruction Program for non-French speakers or students coming from another education system. This program is fully integrated in our curriculum. The Intensive FLSco program has a duration of two years, flexible according to the progress of the student. This program includes an hourly volume that varies according to the cycle or the grade.
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Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish, German and soon to come Italian |
Max. number of students per class |
20 to 25, according to the level of students |
Average number of students per class |
22 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes, in Kindergarten, there is one assistant per class. |
Use of technology in the classroom |
The use of technology is part of the French curriculum but is closely monitored. The exposition of students to screens must be kept in limited and reasonable time. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, we ensure full continuity of learning online if |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No. The French education system is republican and non religious, |
External examinations or assessments available |
Our unique international streams, with a strong focus on English or Chinese, prepare our students to the International French Baccalaureate (with exams in foreign language), the taking of international language certifications (Cambridge and IGCSE in English, DELF in French, HSK in Chinese, Dele in Spanish or Goethe exams in German). Shanghai French School is also a SAT center. |
Results in these examinations |
At Shanghai French School, we are proud to bring every year our students to a 100% success rate to the French Baccalaureate, among which 97% with honors. |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes. |
Approximate hours of homework given |
It is very dependent on the age of the student. At early age, the amount of homework is limited in order for the students to have good rest outside of class. |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
Learning support offered |
Personalized support is integrated into the student schedule. It takes place over 72 hours per year, or 2 hours per week on average. This is teaching time separate from the time for class. Personalized support must therefore allow students to develop their basic skills and strengthen their working methods. To help students achieve their full potential, we put in place action plans to help special needs students. Four main types exist:
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We bring them, through individualized support, to the most adapted stream and follow them according to their level. There is a great flexibility of curriculum to adap to each child's needs. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes, we have one school psychologist per campus |
Entry evaluation for students |
We require a video to assess the language level and we have interview with non French speaking families. This is less an assessment that a way to make sure that the student will accompanied in the best way according to one's best needs. |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Video or interview |
Waiting list |
Mostly for non-French speakers. We keep a balance in each class to provide the best environment of learning, There can be waiting lists at certain levels. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no deadline as registration is open all year long. We accept new students during the school year. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Shanghai French School welcomes new students at the beginning of each school year but also throughout the academic year. |
School start time |
8:00 |
School finish time |
12:00, 15:00 or 17:00, depending on the level. Extracurricular activities are provided on time slots during which students have no class. |
Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, we have from Grade 1 supervised homework sessions. |
School bus service available |
Yes, we have more than 80 bus lines with gathering points all through Shanghai |
School provided lunches |
Yes, we have a canteen with dedicated lunch lines (salad bar, Chinese food, noodles, European food, sandwiches, set menues... Kindergarten children have their own separated space. |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
Uniform required |
No |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Shanghai French School offers every year more than 60 extra curriculum activities to families. Cooking, coding, costumes design, pottery, scrapbooking or even architecture will be for example part of the cultural activities offer, while on the sporting side, hip hop dance, rhythmic gymnastics, taekwondo, touch rugby, introduction to tennis, football, swimming, modern ballet dance, waterpolo, yoga, basketball and rock climbing will join the list. This is a non exhaustive list of activities. |
Sports activities included |
Many sports as gymnastics, football, swimming, basketball, climbing, tennis, athletics, ... sports is fully part of the French curriculum |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, we take part every year in many sports competitions, not only in China with the other international schools, but also in the network of French international schools abroad in the Asia-Pacific region (Sydney, Bangkok, Jakarta,...) |
Facilities at the school |
All facilities available: huge canteens, sciences laboratories, theatres, libraries on several floors, rest rooms, piazzas for celebrations, recreation areas... |
Sports facilities at the school |
400 m running tracks, football pitch, basketball courts, indoor gymnasium, fitness room, 25 meters long and 4 meters deep swimming pool, climbing wall. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Our school is popular among families from different cultural background seeking a well-rounded education for their children while living abroad. This popularity can be attributed to several features that are the specificities of the French education abroad: its emphasis on plurilingualism, critical thinking, creativity, cultural immersion, and academic rigour. The French education system has a strong commitment to academic excellence, which has earned it a reputation for offering a unique and holistic approach to learning. This is well recognized by top world universities and higher education institutions that fully recognize the value of the French education system and its rigorous final exam, the French Baccalaureate. As an association of parents and non for profit organization, we offer state of the art facilities and learning environment for one of the most affordable curriculum among international schools in Shanghai. We organize montly Open Houses during which families can visit us. |
Teaching approach of the school |
An advantage of the French education system is its academic rigour. The French education system is centralised and highly structured, with a strict curriculum and a standardised final exam. In comparison, other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have more decentralised systems, emphasising individualised learning and personalised approaches. The French system's strong emphasis on academic achievement can be challenging and rewarding for students, as they are regularly evaluated through a system of exams and grades. The French approach to education has produced many successful individuals in various fields and is a model for educational systems worldwide. This structured curriculum guarantees the high standards and quality of education provided to children. The agreement between Shanghai French School and the AEFE, the Agency for French Education Abroad, with a School Leadership directly nominated by the French Ministry of Education, is the warrant of a high quality education that brings students to excellent academic results. At Shanghai French School, we are proud to bring every year our students to a 100% success rate to the French Baccalaureate, among which 97% with honors. The Primary education curriculum in French schools includes subjects such as French language and literature, mathematics, science, history and geography, physical education, and art. In addition to the core curriculum, students receive civic and moral education instruction. Teaching methods in primary education focus on developing a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy. Teachers use various techniques to engage students, including group work, problem-solving activities, and project-based learning. The French approach to primary education strongly emphasises memorization, rote learning and traditional teaching methods, particularly in the early years. The Collège curriculum includes French language and literature, mathematics, science, history and geography, physical education, art, and technology. Students also have the opportunity to study a second or third foreign language. In the Lycée, students choose a track based on their interests and career goals. Teaching methods in secondary education focus on building upon the foundation developed in primary education. Teachers use a combination of lectures, group work, and independent study to engage students. The French approach to secondary education strongly emphasises academic achievement and competition. Students are regularly evaluated through a system of exams and grades. |