
Lycée International School of Boston
Secular, Founded 1962
Updated July 2026
Languages
The International School of Boston is an accredited, private, bilingual school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, serving 540 students from age 2 through Grade 12. It provides a rigorous, multilingual education that blends French and American traditions to prepare students for an interconnected global landscape.
Teaching approach
The school is a Center for Global Learning that emphasizes the development of the bilingual brain and intercultural understanding. Its educational model is rooted in the belief that multilingualism improves cognitive function, focus, and decision-making. The school fosters a community where students learn to think in at least two languages, promoting empathy, open-mindedness, and the ability to engage with diverse perspectives.
Programmes
The academic program is bilingual, with instruction in French and English across all divisions. The Maternelle (Preschool and Kindergarten) combines the French Ministry of Education curriculum with Massachusetts Common Core standards. The Lower School (Grades 1-5) utilizes project-based learning, while the Middle School (Grades 6-8) allows students to emphasize either French or English and introduces additional languages such as Spanish, German, or Mandarin. In the Upper School (Grades 9-12), students pursue either the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
Outcomes
Graduates earn an American high school diploma and choose between the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Alumni matriculate to a diverse range of universities across the globe, with the school maintaining a geographically diverse college acceptance list. Students graduate as critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and global citizens prepared for higher education and professional life.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides learning support services, including school-recommended tutoring, to assist students in meeting the demands of its bilingual curriculum. The faculty, representing over 25 countries, are dedicated to nurturing individual educational journeys and supporting students regardless of their native language or educational background.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Lycée International School of Boston offer?
- Lycée International School of Boston offers IB MYP, IB Diploma and French National Curriculum.
- How much is tuition at Lycée International School of Boston?
- Annual tuition at Lycée International School of Boston is $28.1K–$48.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Lycée International School of Boston teach?
- Lycée International School of Boston enrolls students aged 2 to 18.
- What accreditations does Lycée International School of Boston hold?
- Lycée International School of Boston holds accreditations including CIS, NEASC, IB and AEFE.
- Is Lycée International School of Boston co-educational?
- Lycée International School of Boston is a co-ed school.
- Where is Lycée International School of Boston located?
- Lycée International School of Boston is an international school in Boston, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Day for Preschool (Toute Petite Section and Pre-K Only) - Mornings Only | 2–4 | $28.1K |
| Preschool (Toute Petite Section, Pre-K, & Mid-K) and Kindergarten | 2–5 | $35.1K |
| Lower School (Grades 1-5) | 6–11 | $38.8K |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | 11–14 | $41K |
| Upper School (Grades 9-12) | 14–18 | $48.8K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: Varies
Admissions
The school accepts applications for students from Preschool through Grade 12. Prospective families are encouraged to attend on-campus events or schedule a Shadow Day, while international families may participate in virtual information sessions. Financial aid is available through a need-based assessment process managed by Clarity, with specific deadlines for new and returning families.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on a historic campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the school features dedicated libraries for each division, a large gymnasium, a media center, and two playgrounds. The grounds include shared outdoor athletic fields and specialized spaces for visual and performing arts. The campus is accessible via public transportation, including the MBTA Red Line and local bus routes, and the school provides private bus service for specific routes.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities spanning the arts, athletics, and global learning. Students participate in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and service projects, such as the student-led Novasta chapter. Additionally, the school hosts a bilingual summer camp for children ages 3 to 10 and provides adult and community education through ISB Extension.
- Richard UlffersHead of School
Richard Ulffers has served as Head of School since July 1, 2016, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in international and bilingual education. Previously, he spent 16 years at the French American International School of San Francisco, where he held roles including Assistant Head of School and High School Principal. He is an expert in the French national curriculum, the French Baccalaureate, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.
- Mehdi LazarAssistant Head of School for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives
Mehdi Lazar serves as the Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives.
- Joyce LatapieSecondary School Division Director
Joyce Latapie serves as the Secondary School Division Director.
- Christine Brandebourger BodetElementary School Director
Christine Brandebourger Bodet serves as the Elementary School Director.
- Isabelle PraudChief Financial & Operating Officer
Isabelle Praud serves as the Chief Financial & Operating Officer.
- Andrea GosselinDirector of Strategic Engagement
Andrea Gosselin serves as the Director of Strategic Engagement.
- Alexander PatturelliDirector of Admission and Enrollment Management
Alexander Patturelli serves as the Director of Admission and Enrollment Management.
IB MYP
French National Curriculum
CIS
NEASC