LFT offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are regular rider.
The regions LFT offers busing from are:
Toronto
Additional notes: The LFT, in partnership with First Student, offers a school bus service with four lines, making it easy for students to commute to school from across the city.
The four bus lines operate every weekday with designated stops and schedules. Buses depart from the LFT at 4:40 p.m. To accommodate students, free afternoon care is provided from 3:30 to 4:40 p.m. During this time, students can also join study hall or take part in extra-curricular activities. Students must be at least 4 years old to be eligible for the bus service.
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The big picture on Lycée Français de Toronto
We summarized the school ourselves
Not all immersion programs are created equally, and Lycée Francais is an example of that. The school was founded in 1995 with support from the French consulate to offer a French education to the children of French nationals living in Toronto (a portion of the faculty, then as now, are themselves French nationals). The program is based on the curriculum used in France, as developed by the French Ministry of Education. That said, the most substantive difference is that the program is dual, admitting students with either English or French as a first language, with French as the primary language of instruction from pre-school on up. Immersion often gets lumped in with gifted programs, though it's not at all just for high flyers. That said, the LFT program is challenging and very much intended, especially in the upper grades, for students preparing to enroll at university.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"At the Lycée Français de Toronto, we offer an exceptional French education from Pre-K to Grade 12. Starting in Kindergarten, students are immersed in French with native French-speaking teachers, developing strong linguistic and academic skills. They also learn English, becoming fully bilingual. With a focus on personal growth, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, our graduates earn the French Baccalauréat and gain admission to top universities worldwide. Experience excellence in our warm, caring community."
Coed Full-day program from 2 ½ years to university entrance
French Baccalauréat, French International Baccalauréat
Excellence in French, English, Spanish
Early university acceptance, credits and scholarships
Bus service available
Before and after school care
French/Sports Camps (March, October, June, July and August)
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"At the Lycée Français de Toronto, we offer an exceptional French education that blends academic rigor with a human-focused approach. Our students follow the globally respected...(more)
"At the Lycée Français de Toronto, we offer an exceptional French education that blends academic rigor with a human-focused approach. Our students follow the globally respected French curriculum, culminating in the Grade 12 French Baccalauréat, an elite qualification that opens doors to top universities around the world. What truly sets LFT apart is our bilingual environment: students learn in French and English from native-speaking teachers, becoming fully bilingual by graduation. Our diverse, international community fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and cultural openness. With small class sizes and a supportive atmosphere, students are seen, challenged, and inspired. They leave LFT with outstanding results, confidence in who they are, and a global mindset that prepares them to lead and thrive anywhere in the world."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At the Lycée Français de Toronto, we’ve made intentional choices to uphold the structure and intellectual depth of the French education system, prioritizing academic rigour,...(more)
"At the Lycée Français de Toronto, we’ve made intentional choices to uphold the structure and intellectual depth of the French education system, prioritizing academic rigour, bilingualism, and global awareness. This means placing less emphasis on trends like early specialization or tech-driven instruction, in favour of a strong foundation in core subjects, reasoning, and language. While encouraging creativity and critical thinking, we emphasize consistency and high expectations, believing that resilience and excellence are built through meaningful challenge within a supportive and culturally rich environment."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Founded in 1995, the Lycée Français de Toronto began as a small school serving the French expatriate community. Over the years, it evolved into a dynamic international...(more)
"Founded in 1995, the Lycée Français de Toronto began as a small school serving the French expatriate community. Over the years, it evolved into a dynamic international institution welcoming families from diverse backgrounds who value the rigour of the French education system. A major milestone came with our move to the current campus in 2011, which enabled us to expand our facilities and grow enrollment. Another key turning point was the school's increased focus on bilingualism, opening our doors to non-French-speaking families in Kindergarten. These developments have shaped LFT into a school that blends French academic excellence with a multicultural and inclusive outlook, preparing students to thrive in a global world."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Students who thrive at the Lycée Français de Toronto are intellectually curious, open-minded, and eager to engage in a bilingual, multicultural environment. They value academic...(more)
"Students who thrive at the Lycée Français de Toronto are intellectually curious, open-minded, and eager to engage in a bilingual, multicultural environment. They value academic rigour and are excited by the challenge of developing strong skills in both French and English. Our ideal students are adaptable, respectful of diverse perspectives, and motivated to grow personally and academically. Families who embrace a global mindset, support high educational standards, and appreciate the long-term value of bilingualism will find a strong alignment with our school’s mission. Whether arriving with or without prior knowledge of French, students benefit most when they are ready to invest in their learning journey, build meaningful connections, and actively participate in our warm, inclusive community."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"The Lycée Français de Toronto may not be the ideal choice for families who do not value bilingualism or who are seeking a predominantly English-language education. Our program...(more)
"The Lycée Français de Toronto may not be the ideal choice for families who do not value bilingualism or who are seeking a predominantly English-language education. Our program is grounded in the French national curriculum and delivered primarily in French, with a strong focus on achieving fluency in both French and English. Families who are not aligned with the goal of raising bilingual, bicultural learners may find this emphasis misaligned with their priorities.
Additionally, our academically rigorous environment may not suit those looking for a more relaxed or less structured approach. The LFT curriculum challenges students to develop advanced critical thinking and analytical skills from an early age. For families who prioritize flexibility over academic discipline, or who are uncomfortable with the demands of a structured, internationally recognized program like the French Baccalauréat, our school may not be the best fit."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families choose the Lycée Français de Toronto for its unmatched blend of academic excellence, bilingual education, and international perspective. Many are drawn by our rigorous...(more)
"Families choose the Lycée Français de Toronto for its unmatched blend of academic excellence, bilingual education, and international perspective. Many are drawn by our rigorous French Baccalauréat program, unique in Toronto, and the promise of fluency in both French and English, which opens doors to top universities worldwide. Others are looking for a culturally rich and inclusive environment where their children can thrive among peers from diverse backgrounds. Parents often tell us they appreciate our balance of structure and personal attention, the warmth of our community, and the opportunity for their children to grow into globally minded, intellectually curious individuals."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Lycée Français de Toronto (LFT) is renowned for its dedication to academic excellence and global citizenship, distinguishing itself with a rigorous curriculum certified by the...(more)
"Lycée Français de Toronto (LFT) is renowned for its dedication to academic excellence and global citizenship, distinguishing itself with a rigorous curriculum certified by the Grade 12 French Baccalauréat. As a hub of cultural diversity, LFT provides students with an enriching international environment that fosters cross-cultural understanding and prepares them to thrive in an interconnected world. Its graduates are highly regarded for their readiness to excel in the most prestigious universities globally. Moreover, LFT's extensive worldwide alumni network offers ongoing support and networking opportunities, further solidifying its reputation as a leading institution in Toronto's educational landscape."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"One underappreciated aspect of LFT is the international strength and versatility of the French Baccalauréat. While families may initially compare it to programs like the IB, they...(more)
"One underappreciated aspect of LFT is the international strength and versatility of the French Baccalauréat. While families may initially compare it to programs like the IB, they may not realize how well the BAC prepares students for both Canadian and international university admission. In fact, most of our graduates choose to study in Canada and the BAC is widely recognized by top universities across the country. For those aiming abroad, it offers a rigorous academic foundation and a global edge that opens doors worldwide. This dual advantage is a key strength of our program that’s often overlooked."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families might be surprised to learn that LFT is part of the prestigious Lycée Français network, which boasts some of the oldest international schools in the world. For...(more)
"Families might be surprised to learn that LFT is part of the prestigious Lycée Français network, which boasts some of the oldest international schools in the world. For instance, schools like the Lycée Français de Berlin (founded in 1689), New York (founded in 1817), and London (founded in 1915) are examples of our long history in providing quality education globally. This rich legacy enriches our school’s values and ensures high academic standards, offering students access to a worldwide community and an education that prepares them for success on the global stage."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"We've recently undergone renovations to revitalize our school yard, creating a more vibrant and engaging space for students. But we're not stopping there, we have ambitious plans...(more)
"We've recently undergone renovations to revitalize our school yard, creating a more vibrant and engaging space for students. But we're not stopping there, we have ambitious plans to continue improving our facilities to ensure an optimal learning environment for all. Furthermore, our commitment to excellence extends to our teaching staff, who participate in regular training sessions each year. These sessions are designed to keep them updated on the latest educational methodologies and best practices, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our students and deliver high-quality instruction"
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"In the coming years, we're dedicated to upholding our status as Toronto's premier choice for French education. We'll prioritize academic excellence, bilingual proficiency, and...(more)
"In the coming years, we're dedicated to upholding our status as Toronto's premier choice for French education. We'll prioritize academic excellence, bilingual proficiency, and cultural appreciation, continually refining our curriculum with innovative teaching methods and technologies to meet evolving global demands. Strengthening community ties is paramount, fostering partnerships to enhance our students' educational journey through cultural exchanges, community service, and collaborative projects.
Our vision is one of growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment, striving to be a beacon of excellence and inspiration for students, families, and educators in Toronto."
Gr. 10 (current) — This is a great school. I joined in November, and the people are so kind and helpful. The students in grade 10 are really nice. I have good and thoughtful friends. The teachers don’t hesitate to help you whenever you need it, and they all take the time to assist you. They organize school trips in North America and South America, which is incredible. The trips in South America have helped me a lot with my Spanish. The school is very diverse, and there isn’t any bullying here. They take bullying very seriously. The school has a lot of activities like Model UN. This year, the Model UN group went to Montreal and Chicago, and they are going to one conference in Toronto this April. I highly recommend this school!
Gr. 6 to Gr. 11 — The Lycée Français de Toronto is definitely a very engaging and academically demanding institution. Though my experience at the time may not have been the most positive, as I do not believe I may have been fit for the environment, looking back on it, the Lycée gave me many tools that I still use today. After leaving the Lycée, I could speak 4 languages: French and English at a higher level than my peers outside the school, Spanish at a level that allowed me to go straight into 3rd year University level Spanish courses, and a year of Italian, which allowed me to communicate with locals in Italy. When it comes to my academic levels in other subjects, I was consistently a year ahead of other non-lycée students in History, Geography, Math, Science and Physics. Overall, it gave me quite an advantage academically, which really goes a long way when starting university.
Gr. 10 (current) — The Lycée Français of Toronto offers a great bilingual experience and motivates all its students. When I attended, I was thrilled by the involvement of the teachers. They were always present and supportive. I had difficulty choosing my spés, but the guiding counselors were always there and helped me every step of the way. I have always loved the MUN club, where I could travel and debate. When I first arrived, I was very anxious that it would be a bad experience. However, the teachers and staff were supportive and caring. I have made lifelong friendships here. The memories of the lycée will never leave me. I wish there were more clubs to expand my knowledge, but the Lycée Français is a great experience.
Gr. 10 (current) — It is a very free and diverse school that welcomes many people, including Canadians, French, and various other nationalities. Many activities are organized, including Model One in Montreal, Toronto, and Chicago. There are also school trips, such as the second trip to Ecuador. The teachers listen to our reviews and arguments, and they do not hesitate to offer courses specifically dedicated to our needs and requests. The school provides numerous activities, including options like art, cinema, and visual and audio Latin. The LFT organizes many outings that strengthen the bonds between students, despite any cultural differences that may exist. Classes are arranged so that we can start late or finish early. Sports at LFT are very important; the PE classes are intense, and many students participate in sports outside of school.
Gr. 7 (current) — When I first arrived at this school, I was really scared because I thought I was going to be criticized because of my nationality. Thankfully, LFT is an inclusive school that ensures its students feel seen. I want to thank CPE Melyssa Rose for helping me improve and for always being there for me in a professional manner. I love this school because the education is excellent and the staff is amazing. The only thing I wish we could change about the school is being able to use our phones in the foyer. But I must admit that this new rule of not using our phones has made me a more productive and less phone-dependent person. One thing I wish I'd known about the school when I arrived is that there were no uniforms. I was so worried about wearing a uniform because I didn't know how much it would cost. Thankfully, the only uniform required is the sports uniform. I think Lycée Français is the best French school in Toronto, and I'm so grateful to be here.
Gr. 9 (current) — This school offers a great quality of education with an amazing French method. It pushes its students to achieve the best results and is very demanding, yet it offers much support for their success. There are many school trips, both within and outside the country. The success rate is very high, and many graduates attend excellent schools. The lycée fosters friendships that will last a lifetime. Your child will be in a very supportive and accepting school. They offer many extracurriculars, including Model UN; students have traveled to the US to attend conferences where they can win awards that look very good on resumes. The international system is one of the best and has a very high rate of university acceptance. The teachers are wonderful and supportive, offering many solutions and good advice. I would recommend this school to anyone interested in enrolling their child in a French system.
Gr. 6 (current) — I love the Lychee Francais de Toronto, although I think it has its flaws. When I first arrived at the school, I wasn't prepared for the workload and the difficulty of the lessons. I found it hard to switch from a Canadian public school to the Lychee. Though I am very happy I did cause in the near future, I will have many skill sets. The Lycée teaches kids how to write properly, think analytically, and so much more. teaches kids how to write properly, think analytically, and so much more. I really appreciate the teachers as well, who are very kind, funny and smart such as Madame Berger and Monsieur Mathieu are two teachers who really encourage their students. I think the LFT is a great school to attend, and the school is truly amazing with great teachers.
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