Students walking through the French International School campus on a sunny Chicago morning

Est. Chicago · Pre-K through 12

What if your child could navigate two languages and two cultures with equal confidence?

French International School offers a rigorous bilingual education in the heart of Chicago — where academic excellence meets cultural fluency, and every student discovers their voice in a global community.

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12+

Years of Excellence

500+

Students Enrolled

Pre-K

through 12th Grade

2

Languages of Instruction

A bright classroom at French International School with students engaged in a bilingual lesson

Our Story

A different kind of foundation

French International School was founded on a simple conviction: that the most powerful education is one that opens doors across borders. Our students graduate not only fluent in French and English but culturally literate in the traditions, perspectives, and ways of thinking that shape our world.

Located on our campus at 4600 W Schubert Ave in Chicago, we serve families who see bilingualism not as an extracurricular add-on but as the very framework through which their children learn to think, create, and lead.

Our curriculum follows the rigorous standards of the French education system — known for its emphasis on critical reasoning, literary analysis, and mathematical precision — while embracing the collaborative, inquiry-driven spirit of American pedagogy. The result is an education that is at once disciplined and deeply imaginative.

"L'éducation est l'arme la plus puissante pour changer le monde."

— Nelson Mandela

Academic Programs

Every stage of growth, thoughtfully structured

From first steps in a bilingual nursery to the rigors of the baccalauréat, each program is designed to meet students where they are and challenge them to become who they are meant to be.

Pre-K · Ages 3–5

Early Childhood

A nurturing environment where young learners are introduced to French through play, storytelling, and exploration. Language acquisition begins naturally — through song, movement, and the warmth of a bilingual community.

Elementary · Grades 1–5

Elementary

Building strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking — all delivered in French. Students develop academic confidence while deepening their bilingual fluency through immersive, project-based learning.

Middle School · Grades 6–8

Middle School

A pivotal stage where intellectual curiosity deepens and independence grows. Students engage with more complex ideas in French and English, developing the analytical skills and cultural awareness that define our graduates.

High School · Grades 9–12

High School

Our senior years prepare students for the baccalauréat and beyond. With advanced coursework in French literature, mathematics, sciences, and humanities, our graduates are ready for the world's most selective universities.

Enrichment

Summer Programs

Language immersion camps, cultural workshops, and academic enrichment for students of all ages. A joyful way to maintain and strengthen French skills while building community with peers who share the same journey.

Support

After-School Care

Homework support, creative workshops, and supervised free time in a safe, bilingual environment. Because the day doesn't end at the bell — and neither does learning, when it's wrapped in care and curiosity.

Our Campus

A place built for learning — and for living

Our campus at 4600 W Schubert Ave is more than a collection of buildings — it is a thoughtfully designed environment where every space communicates that learning matters. Bright, open classrooms invite collaboration. Quiet courtyards offer space for reflection. Studios and laboratories spark creativity.

We believe the physical environment shapes the intellectual one. That is why our spaces are designed to be warm, light-filled, and alive with the work of young minds — whether they are conjugating verbs, conducting chemistry experiments, or debating philosophy in French.

Modern classrooms
Art & music studios
Science laboratories
Outdoor courtyard
Library & media center
Sports facilities
The French International School library with students reading at wooden tables
Students working on art projects in the French International School studio
A science lab at French International School with students conducting an experiment
The school courtyard on a sunny Chicago day with students gathering

Community

More than a school — a living community

Our community is made up of families who share a belief that education should transcend borders. Here, parents, teachers, and students form lasting connections rooted in mutual respect and a love of learning.

"Choosing French International School was the best decision we've made for our family. Our daughter has not only become fluent in French — she has become a more confident, curious, and compassionate person."

— Parent, Grade 5

"The rigor of the French curriculum challenged my son in ways I hadn't expected — but in the best way. He learned to think deeply, argue clearly, and appreciate the beauty of language itself."

— Parent, High School graduate

"What sets this school apart is the sense of belonging. My children have friends from every background, and they all share a genuine love of learning that feels contagious."

— Parent, Pre-K and Elementary

Get in Touch

We would love to hear from you

Whether you are considering enrollment, scheduling a visit, or simply have questions about our programs, our admissions team is here to help. Every conversation begins with a simple hello.

Address

4600 W Schubert Ave
Chicago, IL 60639

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