1635 Place du Lycée Pl., Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 0E5, Canada
95 Bellevue Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2N8, Canada
1635 Place du Lycée Pl., Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 0E5, Canada
95 Bellevue Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2N8, Canada
1962
2008
980
155
Preschool to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English, French
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Montessori
20 to 24
10 to 24
Dedicated gifted class
$12,376 to $14,527
$18,700 to $20,700
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
61
12
0%
0%
75%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 1 - 6
No
No
information not available
information not available
In really any way you care to look at it, there is a lot going on at the Lycée Claudel. It was founded as the Cours Claudel in 1962 in order to provide a school for the children of Francophone diplomats wishing to have their children educated in French, and following the French national curriculum. When the first students graduated the program in 1974, the school became known as Lycée Claudel. The school continued to grow, and move, ultimately moving in 1988 into the buildings vacated by the University of Ottawa’s secondary school.
Lycée Claudel is an international school in two important ways, both of which are somewhat unique to the school. First, its student population includes students from nearly 50 different countries, which is surprising, at least initially, given that it’s a day school and doesn’t have a boarding program. Of course, the reason is because the school is in Ottawa, and therefore enrolls many children of diplomats. Second, the school continues to offer the French curriculum, as it has from day one. It’s also a member of AEFE, an accrediting body to assure that schools comply with the French curriculum, something of particular interest to French nationals living abroad who intend to return to France. There are only four schools that are fully accredited by the AEFE in Canada, and Lycée Claudel is one of just two that are located outside Quebec, and the only one in Ontario.
Many families choose the school because they are French nationals, while others choose it because the instructional language is French, rather than the model used in French immersion classrooms. Others choose the school because if the quality of instruction, and the international focus. Of course, the profile of the school is high, given the range of students that attend and the long list of notable alumni, which includes Justin Trudeau.
In all those ways, Lycée Claudel is remarkably unique. Again, there is a lot going on, and all of it impressive. The ideal student is one who thrives in a large, diverse, and challenging educational and social setting.
There are various aspects to the Montessori model of instruction, though Westside nicely addresses not only what Montessori is, but also what it can mean in the longer-term. Maria Montessori didn’t think small—her classrooms, she felt, could be a doorway to many things, including world peace. That’s a very big thought of course, but within it is that idea of the longer-term, the belief that education is about the future of a society through addressing the future of each child. At Westside, that’s very much the intention: to give young students the basis for success in their education, and ultimately, success in life. The vibrancy of the surrounding Kensington Market community finds its way, very happily, into the classroom as well. Core literacy and numeracy are important, though there is also an attention to esteem, executive functioning, and social interaction. Rightly, families look to Westside, often principally, because of the program’s attention to those foundations.
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"Teachers are knowledgeable, organized and take pride in their work."
Ksenia Yadav - Parent (Jul 08, 2021)
My children have had a great experience at Lycée Claudel over the past two years. The bar is set co...
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"There is a strong emphasis on the students being independent and autonomous."
Jen D - Parent (Jul 08, 2021)
Our three children are new to the school and all of them have really enjoyed the school. Our childre...
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"They have instilled in her a love for learning..."
Georgina Lopez - Parent (May 08, 2018)
I cannot say enough good things about this school. I am so happy I discovered it 4 years ago for my ...
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"At Lycée Claudel, we offer: * Dynamic teaching that encourages students to take on new challenges and develop their autonomy. *Attentive teachers and staff who provide exceptional guidance and implement innovative educational projects. *School visits, field trips, clubs, and extracurricular activities. *An enriched curriculum featuring a wide variety of courses while encouraging students to face new challenges and strive for excellence."
"From the earliest years through adolescence, Westsiders radiate self-confidence and a love for learning. Our two downtown campuses, each with expansive green space, offer Toddler (1.5-3yrs), Casa (3-6yrs), Elementary (6-12yrs) and Adolescent (12-14yrs) programs that are holistic, bilingual (French) and academically challenging, while staying true to Montessori Philosophy. Our children develop strong executive functions, a love of and connection to nature, and a sense of belonging and commitment to their community."
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Choosing Lycée Claudel for you child aged 3 to 18 means giving him or her the benefit of:
- first-rate guidance provided by highly qualified professionals recruited in France or locally who participate in an ambitious annual training program;
- academic instruction that is meticulous and demanding, based on the programs and teaching methods followed in the French system;
- innovative teaching at the cutting edge of new technologies;
- everyday use of both official languages – French and English – beginning in kindergarten;
- the option of studying a culture in an ancient language: Latin
- an opportunity for certification in English (Advanced Placement), in French (DELF/DALF) and Spanish (DELE);
- sports, artistic, cultural and all activities promoting the development of a well-rounded personality;
- cultural diversity through contact with over 50 nationalities;
- a leading-edge film and audiovisual program;
- civic and social activities to encourage community engagement;
- the development of personal talents in every field;
- the development of a solid humanist and scientific culture validated by the Diplôme National du Brevet and the French Baccalauréat, which are recognized by North American and European universities;
- personal growth in a harmonious environment with a strong family feeling, in which diversity and universality are the key elements.
Do come and visit us. More powerful than mere words, the happy smiles of our students will persuade you to place your trust in us.
Children present us with opportunities to think about the world in new and fascinating ways. I am blessed to share my days with our Westside students and my evenings with my own child, who is three. A few months ago, when explaining to my son Wyatt that I work at his school and we may see each other from time to time, he began with the “Why? Why?” that educators and parents are extremely familiar with. He wanted to know why I work at his school, “Because I like to help children and teachers.” “Why?” “Because I love children.” “Why?” Up until this moment, the conversation had been easy, really easy. This was a huge question and he was awaiting my response, “I love children because within each child lies an opportunity for a better world”.
Maria Montessori, who lived through two world wars, believed that through children, we can achieve world peace, and I quote, “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” Mahatma Gandhi met Maria Montessori in 1931, and she invited him to speak to a group of Montessori teacher trainees. He said, “If we are to create peace in our world, we must begin with our children.”
They are right, if peace doesn’t begin with the children, it doesn’t begin at all. Spending time with these beautiful souls reminds me on a daily basis that anything is possible and they will lead us there. We must give them the opportunity, trust and confidence to make it happen. We must have faith in their development and know that they will arrive.
I invite you to set up a time to come to Westside Montessori School and learn more about our programs and the independent, motivated and compassionate students we are guiding.
Montessori
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
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In a caring and healthy environment, Lycée Claudel provides quality education and instruction that complies with the programs of Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale of France, and revolves around 3 major themes : - A French education with world-wide perspectives - A welcoming school dedicated on the students journey - A mastered digital culture that meets contemporary challenges
Every child is an individual, captivated by different things at different times. We personalize your child’s learning experience by creating individualized lesson plans based on their interests, level of understanding and experiences. In this manner, every child is introduced to all aspects of our curriculum at the right time in their development. Children who graduate our program will be prepared for the next step in their education, private or public, with a genuine love of learning. They will have an increased curiosity about the world around them and the confidence necessary to take on new academic and social challenges.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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L'approche consiste à faire découvrir les concepts mathématiques par des activités, formaliser ces concepts et les appliquer.
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Usage des manuels français numériques et papier. Liste des manuels, visitez http://www.claudel.org/vi-lycee-claudel/manuels/
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Utilisation régulière de la calculatrice scientifique à partir de la 6ème (11 ans).
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Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
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Étude phonologique avancée dès la Maternelle permettant d'avoir une approche syllabique de l'apprentissage de la lecture au cours de la première année. À cela s'ajoute l'étude de livres de littérature de jeunesse dès la 1ère année (6 ans).
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Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Dès la Maternelle, les enfants sont confrontés à la trace écrite réelle. A partir de la 1ère année, l'aprentissage de l'écriture se fait de manière systématique, structurée en prenant également en compte des situations réelles de communication. L'étude de la langue par l'analyse de la phrase permet aux enfants de structurer la langue écrite. Étude avancée de la grammaire, la conjugaison, le vocabulaire et l'orthographe. Dès l'âge de 11 ans, l'étude d'oeuvres littéraires classiques est systématique.
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Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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Dès l'école élémentaire, la démarche d'investigation scientifique est abordée. Enseignements basés fortement sur les pratiques expérimentales en laboratoires à partir de 11 ans.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
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In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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L'enseignement français offre une grande place à la littérature. Dès le jeune âge, les élèves sont invités à lire plusieurs livres par année, d'auteurs, de styles littéraires et de thèmes variés. La fréquentation hebdomadaire de notre bibliothèque contribue à donner le goût à la lecture aux élèves.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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Dans les premières années, le programme est axé sur la découverte du monde en se basant sur l'environnement proche de l'enfant. Dès l'âge de 8 ans, l'enfant est exposé à travers un enseignement riche d'histoire et de géographie à la compréhension du monde plus global qui l'entoure.
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Une des grandes forces du Lycée Claudel est de donner aux élèves une culture générale importante avec des apports en histoire et géographie mondiales à partir de la 6ème (11 ans), puis en sciences sociales et économiques à partir de la Seconde (15 ans).
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These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Tous les jours, les élèves de la Maternelle (4 ans) jusqu'à la Terminale (18 ans) ont une pratique régulière de l'anglais en parallèle de celle quotidienne du français (langue d'apprentissage). Possibilité de certifications en français (DELF), en anglais (Advanced Placement) et en espagnol (DELE).
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Chant chorale, danse, arts plastiques pour les élèves de 3 à 10 ans Musique et arts plastiques pour les élèves de 11 à 14 ans. Ouverture culturelle dès le primaire par la découverte d'oeuvres majeures en musique, peinture et littérature (histoire des arts) Théâtre proposé à partir de 14 ans. Cinéma, arts audio-visuels proposé à partir de 15 ans.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Usage quotidien et raisonné des outils technologiques (ordinateurs, tablettes, tableaux interactifs, robots...). Usage généralisé de la tablette numérique à partir de 10 ans.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
En Maternelle, salle dédiée à la motricité, utilisation quotidienne. Au Primaire, 2 séances obligatoires par semaine en plus d'activités sportives à l'extérieur de manière ponctuelle Au Secondaire, 2 séances obligatoires par semaine avec des spécialistes de la discipline en plus de participations à des compétitions régulièrement.
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Montessori
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
In Pre-School, the children begin their full-time learning at age 3 around five basic areas: acquiring language, discovering writing, becoming a student, moving and self-expressing with one's body and discovering the world. The main learning methods promote hands-on projects to develop independence and physical and intellectual abilities, all tailored to the pace of each student. Arts and physical activities are also among the development areas in pre-school: a different set of motor skills addressed every week, and a weekly choir practice culminating with two performances per year for an audience of parents.
The Montessori classroom is a nurturing, bright and spacious environment specifically prepared for children. At WMS, children engage in a variety of activities; some enjoy a snack, one child writes a story, others work in a group and the teacher introduces a new lesson to a student. The mixed age setting enables the older children to build confidence and leadership skills through teaching and helping their younger peers. Meanwhile, the younger children are inspired to adapt the responsible, mature behaviours of their older classmates.
Student-paced
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
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Supportive
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
La rigueur et l'excellence du programme d'étude au Lycée Claudel, fournissent aux élèves, encadrés par des professeurs qualifiés et engagés, une éducation exceptionnelle, un haut niveau de connaissances et de compétences dans un esprit d'ouverture au monde. Des élèves de 60 nationalités différentes se côtoient et se rassemblent autour de la culture française dans le respect de leur propre culture. L'innovation pédagogique est au cœur de la pratique enseignante.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
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Racquet Ball |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
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100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 1 - 6
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Meticulous and curious students who are open to learn about other cultures while broaden their perspectives to the world.
All applications for admission to Lycée Claudel require the following procedures:
1. Complete a pre-registration application (online) (in French only)
2. Forward us the following documentation:
3. Write and pass an entrance exam (students coming from schools belonging to the AEFE network or from France are exempted from the exam)
4. Headmaster and the registration team will then evaluate if the student can be admitted, depending on the number of places available in the requested grade.
5. Complete the personalized registration form, which will be forwarded by e-mail to the new families !
