In Canada, “lycée” most typically references a relationship with the French ministry of education, and that’s true of Lycée international de Calgary. That’s of interest to French nationals, perhaps particularly, or to families expecting to move outside of Canada—say to France, for example—prior to the end of a student’s secondary career. Indeed, when the school was established in 1966, that’s exactly the community it was intending to address, and enrolment was reserved for the children of French nationals. Times have changed, and today most families that enrol at Lycée international de Calgary don’t fall into that narrow category. Rather, they are looking for a strong language program, one that is more robust than those found in public schools. They are also looking for a curriculum that is delivered through a different lens, one that is more cognizant of the diversity of the global community, and more reflective of a student’s place within that wider world. Certainly, Lycée international de Calgary provides all of that. The ideal student is one looking for a challenge and to learn within a diverse community of peers.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Lycée international de Calgary is an independent French school, part of a network of 600 French school in 140 countries. Offering full-day programs from Preschool to Grade 12, with small class sizes and bilingual learning, it is Calgary's only school accredited by both the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education. Join us in providing a nurturing, inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual learning environment that empowers your child to thrive academically, socially, and culturally."
Bilingual instruction with exceptional academic standards
Learn within an international environment
Lycée Calgary teaches the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula.
Alberta High School Diploma and French Baccalaureate
Member of CAIS, AFSA, AISCA and AEFE
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"We are proud to offer a unique bilingual educational experience. We are the only school in Calgary that follows both the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education...(more)
"We are proud to offer a unique bilingual educational experience. We are the only school in Calgary that follows both the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula. Our school stands out as the sole institution in Calgary to provide this comprehensive program. From the age of 3, our students engage in stimulating learning activities tailored to their developmental stage. We are committed to providing every student with a bilingual education that equips them for future success in French or in English. At Lycée, we ensure personalized attention and tailored instruction for every student. Our teachers can focus on the individual needs and learning styles of each student, fostering a supportive and conducive learning environment."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"The Lycée is where two seemingly different systems - the French educational system and the Canadian - merge together seamlessly. Through nearly 60 years of experience, we have...(more)
"The Lycée is where two seemingly different systems - the French educational system and the Canadian - merge together seamlessly. Through nearly 60 years of experience, we have retained the best of both worlds. We emphasize the early start and focus on language of the French system and its cycles of learning, with the Canadian system."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Approximately 80 per cent of Lycée Calgary families do not speak French at home and choose the school for its intensive program from France. Maternelle (which encompasses...(more)
"Approximately 80 per cent of Lycée Calgary families do not speak French at home and choose the school for its intensive program from France. Maternelle (which encompasses preschool and kindergarten) is full-time hours in a classroom so students learn a second language in no time. A good fit are families who are looking for their child to thrive in a bilingual and international environment. The school encourages a multidisciplinary approach and looks to build intercultural competencies among students so they are ready to lead in an increasingly global world.
Whether you are considering the Lycée for maternelle, elementary, junior high or high school, we look forward to meeting you and your child, and discussing how our unique educational environment can help them reach their full potential."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"The school is proudly bilingual. Whereas some French schools focus their efforts on cultural and linguistic preservation of French, we integrate English from the very start of...(more)
"The school is proudly bilingual. Whereas some French schools focus their efforts on cultural and linguistic preservation of French, we integrate English from the very start of school. The teaching of English is integral to the school and many international students seek us out in order to improve their English. We are an international school and our students speak at least two language by elementary school, if not more."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families choose our school for its excellent French education. We are the only school in Alberta to teach the French curriculum, alongside the Alberta material, which means...(more)
"Families choose our school for its excellent French education. We are the only school in Alberta to teach the French curriculum, alongside the Alberta material, which means students learn from accredited French teachers at the same high standards that exist in Europe. We consistently hear this provides the best of both worlds.
Families also choose the Lycée international de Calgary because we are the only school in Western Canada where students can get the Baccalauréat diploma from France. As one of the few people who have completed the challenge of obtaining two high school diplomas, our graduates gain a competitive edge when applying to universities in North America."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"We are primarily known as a bilingual school that teaches the French curriculum, and also as an international school that blends the best of Canadian and French teaching...(more)
"We are primarily known as a bilingual school that teaches the French curriculum, and also as an international school that blends the best of Canadian and French teaching styles.
Our features include :
- Differentiated and individualized instruction.
- Involving our community of parents and supporters to play an active role in the school.
- Offering international experiences in Calgary and abroad.
- Offering a wide range of extracurricular activities – including athletics, music, dance, science, art and social skills – for all students."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
Information not yet available.
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
Information not yet available.
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"The school is preparing to open a new maternelle building in January 2025, with eight new classrooms for our youngest students. This change will allow us to have our learners in...(more)
"The school is preparing to open a new maternelle building in January 2025, with eight new classrooms for our youngest students. This change will allow us to have our learners in spaces built for them. This commitment to offering an excellent classroom experience, and classroom space, will continue to set our French program apart.
Learn more about our facility renovation project on this page : https://facilities.lycee.ca/"
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"In 2025, the school is about to undertake a new strategic planning process to define our future. With a capital project now complete, the school will engage with families,...(more)
"In 2025, the school is about to undertake a new strategic planning process to define our future. With a capital project now complete, the school will engage with families, students, the community and other key stakeholders to chart a new future for the school."
Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 1 (current) — Watch our parent interview with Katheryn Carley to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Lycée international de Calgary.
My daughter enjoyed the school environment and the size of the school allowed kids to feel like it’s their home. She has always felt like she was academically ahead of her age group compared to different schools. Having friends from every country in the world, allowed her to feel like a citizen of the world and she already has a great network around the world. In the school environment, kids are exposed to different world views and culture, which allows them to develop skills of empathy. Teachers are very dedicated. Not to mention the strength of language skills. It is the only school in Calgary where kids can learn French like a native language- not only as a second language. The school also provides the luxury of a safe roof, whichever country they might need to go to. Parents can choose the luxury and comfort of having their children in the same school from maternal and kindergarten- all the way to high school graduation.
I have to say that the class sizes really are what make our children feel comfortable, less kids make it calmer and not as chaotic. Also the teachers we had this past year are wonderful. We have seen our children have so much more confidence in their work. The positive energy and encouragement is so helpful.
Our kids love the playground, the outdoor space, the climbing wall, the school programs. The friends they have are multi-cultural or from a different country.
There is nothing that my kids have said they dislike and I feel the same way. Our experience at LLP has been wonderful and nothing has been disappointing for our family. We plan on sending our younger children there as well and can't wait to try the Maternelle Program for 3 & 4 year olds.