FAQs

What curriculum does the Lycée Français International de Tokyo (LFIT) follow?

LFIT follows the French national curriculum from preschool through lycée (high school). Instruction is aligned with the programs and progression set by the French Ministry of Education, ensuring continuity with schools in France and other AEFE-network schools worldwide. Students develop core competencies in French language and literature, mathematics, sciences, humanities, arts, technology, and civic education. As students progress, they encounter interdisciplinary projects, research tasks, and guided independent work that prepare them for the rigorous final examinations of the French Baccalauréat.

Which languages are taught and what is the language of instruction?

French is the primary language of instruction across the school. English is taught as a compulsory foreign language, and Japanese is widely offered as either a language of the host country or as an additional foreign language. Depending on the grade level, students may access advanced tracks, bilingual options, or reinforced language groups. The school encourages multilingualism, with an emphasis on building strong academic literacy in French while steadily developing communicative and academic skills in English and Japanese.

Does LFIT accept students who are not native French speakers?

Yes. LFIT welcomes students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Non-native French speakers may be placed in Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) support, a structured onboarding path that scaffolds French acquisition while allowing students to participate in mainstream classes as appropriate. The goal is to promote integration into the French curriculum without compromising academic progress, typically through targeted small-group instruction, language goals, and periodic assessment of readiness for progressively higher levels of linguistic autonomy.

What are the grade levels and age placement guidelines?

LFIT offers a continuum from the French preschool (maternelle) through elementary (école), lower secondary (collège), and upper secondary (lycée). Placement is typically based on age as of a reference date and prior school records. For students transferring from non-French systems, the admissions team evaluates transcripts, language proficiency, and school reports to determine the most appropriate placement, ensuring both academic continuity and social-emotional readiness.

What is the French Baccalauréat and where is it recognized?

The French Baccalauréat is a comprehensive upper-secondary diploma recognized by universities worldwide. It assesses mastery across a combination of core and specialty subjects through continuous assessment and final exams, including oral components. Graduates use the Baccalauréat to apply to universities in France (including selective programs), across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. The diploma’s rigorous academic and analytical orientation supports competitive applications and successful transitions to higher education.

How does assessment and reporting work?

Assessment follows French national guidelines and uses a mix of formative and summative tools. Students receive feedback through classroom-based observation, quizzes, projects, research assignments, and periodic examinations. Report cards highlight progress against curricular objectives and competencies. In secondary school, ongoing evaluations contribute to grade averages, and families receive regular communication through digital platforms and scheduled conferences to discuss progress and goals.

What student support services are available?

LFIT generally provides a layered approach to student support. Language support (FLE) assists non-francophone students. Learning support may include accommodations, targeted interventions, or individualized strategies proposed by teachers and support staff. Pastoral care and guidance counseling are typically available, especially in secondary school, where students receive advice on course selection, well-being, and university orientation. For highly specialized needs, families may be asked to share external assessments so the school can determine feasible supports within its educational framework.

What extracurricular activities and sports are offered?

Extracurricular life at LFIT is active and varied. Depending on the year, offerings commonly include team sports (such as football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics), swimming, music ensembles, choir, theater, art clubs, robotics, debate, Model United Nations, and cultural or service clubs. Activities aim to build leadership, collaboration, and creativity, and many programs culminate in performances, tournaments, exhibitions, or showcases that involve families and the broader community.

What are typical school hours and the annual calendar?

Daily schedules differ by division. Younger students have age-appropriate timetables with built-in breaks, while secondary students follow a period-based schedule across subject areas. The school year generally runs from late summer or early autumn to late spring or early summer, with breaks that usually include autumn holidays, winter vacation, and spring holidays. Families receive detailed calendars each year to plan travel, enrollment procedures, and co-curricular commitments.

How does admissions work and when should families apply?

Admission is open to all nationalities. Families usually submit an online application with school records, identity documents, and language information. When relevant, an interview or placement test may be requested to evaluate readiness, especially for students entering secondary school or those coming from non-French systems. Spaces in certain grade levels can be limited; early applications are recommended. Admissions decisions consider academic history, language profile, and the ability of the school to meet the student’s educational needs.

What should families know about tuition and additional costs?

As with most international schools, tuition varies by grade level. In addition to tuition, families should anticipate fees related to registration, materials, transportation (if used), lunch services, and optional activities such as clubs, trips, or exams. Because fees may be updated annually, families are encouraged to review official fee schedules and payment policies during the application process and to plan for potential incidental expenses across the school year.

Is there a school bus or transportation option?

Many families commute via public transport, given Tokyo’s extensive network. Some international schools in Tokyo also coordinate private bus routes through third-party providers if demand and logistics allow. Availability and coverage can change over time; families typically confirm current options, routes, and costs with the school or approved vendors prior to enrollment. Regardless of the chosen mode, safety and punctuality are emphasized for arrivals and dismissals.

Does the school require uniforms and what is the dress code?

Dress expectations vary by division and school policy. Some French schools abroad adopt a smart-casual dress code, while others have partial uniform items (such as sports kits). Families should consult the current student handbook for details on acceptable attire, PE requirements, footwear, and guidelines for seasonal changes. Clear dress expectations help maintain a respectful and focused learning environment.

How are lunch and nutrition handled on campus?

The campus typically offers cafeteria services that emphasize balanced meals suitable for different age groups. Younger children eat under supervision, and older students have scheduled lunch periods. Families can expect rotating menus, vegetarian options where feasible, and transparency about ingredients. If a student has allergies or dietary restrictions, parents should inform the school so appropriate precautions and alternatives can be arranged according to health and safety policies.

What technology and digital learning tools are used?

Classrooms are generally equipped with modern teaching tools, and students use age-appropriate devices and platforms for research, assignments, and communication. In secondary school, learning management systems facilitate course materials, homework submission, and grade tracking. Digital citizenship—covering online safety, academic integrity, and responsible use—is embedded in the curriculum so students learn to use technology thoughtfully and ethically.

How does the school communicate with families?

Families receive regular updates through newsletters, learning portals, and email. Parent-teacher meetings are scheduled to discuss progress, and additional conferences may be arranged as needed. The school calendar highlights key academic dates, performances, and community events. The parent association often serves as a bridge between families and the school, helping newcomers integrate and providing opportunities to get involved in community projects and cultural initiatives.

Can students transfer to or from other school systems?

Yes. One of the strengths of the French system is the ease of transfer within the AEFE network worldwide. Students arriving from non-French systems can transition with support, particularly in language and subject alignment. When transferring out, the school provides transcripts and relevant documentation so students can enroll in other international or local systems. In the lycée years, transfer timing should be planned carefully to align with course sequences and Baccalauréat requirements.

How does the school promote well-being and inclusion?

LFIT emphasizes respect, inclusion, and a safe learning climate. Classroom routines, advisory systems, and whole-school initiatives foster positive behavior and social-emotional growth. Anti-bullying policies outline prevention, reporting, and response procedures. Teachers and staff are trained to monitor student well-being and to collaborate with families when concerns arise. The school’s multicultural environment also offers students daily practice in empathy, cross-cultural communication, and global citizenship.

How are arts and cultural activities integrated?

Arts education is a core component of the French curriculum. Students engage with visual arts, music, and drama through classes, clubs, and events. Cultural programming often includes exhibitions, concerts, theater productions, and interdisciplinary projects tied to literature, history, or civic themes. The school celebrates both French traditions and Japan’s rich cultural heritage, helping students connect learning across languages, disciplines, and contexts.

What guidance is available for university and career planning?

In secondary school, students access academic advising for course selection and Baccalauréat pathways. University counseling typically supports applications to French universities and écoles, as well as institutions in the UK, US, Canada, Japan, and beyond. Counselors help with timelines, essays or personal statements, standardized testing (if applicable), and scholarship research. Workshops and information sessions guide families through admissions processes across different systems.

How can families learn more or arrange a visit?

Prospective families usually begin by reviewing official admissions pages, whether to check entry requirements, fees, or language pathways. Many schools host open days, virtual briefings, or campus tours by appointment. Families are encouraged to prepare recent report cards, language records, and questions about placement, support, transportation, and activities. A visit provides valuable insight into the learning environment, community culture, and day-to-day routines, supporting confident and well-informed enrollment decisions.

Tokyo International School Guide