The
French International School of Philadelphia was built to cater to the city's ever-growing multicultural community. Its name may suggest that the school is reserved for certain types of foreign students, specifically those who speak French. And while French-speaking kids undoubtedly have an advantage here, the academic institution is open to all students. Regardless of who they are, where they came from, and what language they speak, all kids in Philadelphia and beyond are welcome and will have a place in this international school. Hence, it's one of the city's top institutions for educating the youth.
Source: French International School of Philadelphia Facebook Page
History of The French International School of Philadelphia
Philadelphia saw a major increase in its French expatriate population around the late 1980s and early 1990s. Around 47 French companies were operating in the city at the time, while it was estimated that between 5,000 to 6,000 French people settled down here. Hence, there are was a dire need for a school to cater to their children, which in turn lead to the founding of the French International School of Philadelphia on January 22, 1991. The French expats also worked with locals for over five months to get the school established, making it a homegrown academic institution despite the fact that it's a top international school in Philadelphia.
What is The French International School of Philadelphia's Campus Like?
While it's heavily regarded as one of the top international schools in Philadelphia, the French International School of Philadelphia is technically not in the city itself. The campus is now in Bala Cynwyd, a smaller municipality near the city. Its proximity to the metropolis makes it more of a suburban
neighborhood of Philadelphia instead of a separate town altogether. The school moved into what used to be office buildings in the area, hence it's a pretty closed-off campus that guarantees the students' safety. Nevertheless, it has all the standard school facilities too, including big classrooms, well-stocked laboratories, a gymnasium, and more.
Source: French International School of Philadelphia Facebook Page
The French International School of Philadelphia Student Body
From what started as a small school of only 13 students, the French International School of Philadelphia's student body has since grown exponentially. Today, it welcomes over 350 students per year, including both new enrollees and those returning who haven't graduated yet. Though it's a school established to specifically cater to French expats who have
moved to Philadelphia, it still has a fairly diverse student body. French kids only make up around 33% of students, with 34% made up of local American kids, and another 33% made up of international enrollees.
What is The French International School of Philadelphia's Curriculum?
True to form, the French International School of Philadelphia follows a dual curriculum of both French and American English programs. It has adopted elements of the French National Curriculum from France combined with the English standards set by the State of Pennsylvania. Naturally, the school teaches in French and English too. It starts with the preschool teaching 90% French and 10% English while the kids are as young as three years old, while it all balances it out as the student ascends each level, resulting in 50% French and 50% English by eighth grade.
Source: French International School of Philadelphia Facebook Page
How Much Does It Cost to Study at The French International School of Philadelphia?
As a top international school in Philadelphia, it's no surprise that the French International School of Philadelphia is fairly expensive. It starts with around $23,315.00 per year for its preschool, which is already pretty high for the kind of day school it is, and it increases with each academic ascension. The school's maximum tuition fee is over $30,210.00 per year, which is the middle school that includes grades 6 to 8. At the same time, the school imposes a programming fee, which ranges from a minimum of $1,000.00 to a maximum of $1,500.00 per year.
Where is The French International School in Philadelphia?
As already mentioned, the French International School in Philadelphia is technically not in Philadelphia. The campus is in Bala Cynwyd, a smaller town near the city and widely regarded as a Philly suburb. Considering that it's a smaller municipality, it's way more affordable here compared to staying in the city, hence, it's also a suitable place for families to settle down. Naturally, it helps that the district has a top-notch school, is also way more peaceful compared to the city center, and has some of the most affordable
luxury homes to rent in Philadelphia.
Source: French International School of Philadelphia Facebook Page
Make no mistake! The French International School of Philadelphia is open to all students, regardless of whether they speak French or not. From its early days to now, it has long served as one of the finest international schools in Philadelphia for kids.
