French curriculum schools in Washington DC

About the French curriculum

The French curriculum, governed by the French Ministry of National Education, follows a centralized and highly structured educational system that has been refined over centuries. International French schools (Lycées Français) operate under the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) network, offering a consistent, high-quality education worldwide. Students work toward the French Baccalauréat, one of the most demanding and respected secondary school qualifications globally, opening doors to universities in France, Europe, and beyond.

• Centralized, nationally consistent curriculum standards
• French Baccalauréat — one of the world's most respected qualifications
• Strong emphasis on analytical thinking and philosophical inquiry
• Rigorous mathematical and scientific training
• Global network of AEFE schools ensuring consistency worldwide
• Bilingual (French/English) options available at many schools

Suits: Families who value academic rigor, intellectual depth, and a structured educational framework. Particularly suited for francophone families or those who wish their children to develop fluency in French while earning a qualification recognized across Europe and internationally.

Related guides

• Lycée Français Abroad: French Schools, Fees and Admissions The AEFE network operates over 580 French schools across 139 countries. This guide covers the French Baccalauréat pathway, school types, fee comparisons, and how non-French-speaking families can access Lycée Français education worldwide.