French International School of Philadelphia EFIP
EFIPSecular
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
French National CurriculumAccreditations
Middle States AssociationLanguages
English
French
SpanishThe French International School of Philadelphia is an independent, not-for-profit school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It provides a comprehensive bilingual curriculum in French and English, accredited by both the French Ministry of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school aims to foster high academic achievement, critical thinking, and creativity within a multicultural community. It emphasizes the development of global citizens who are fluent in both French and English and possess a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. The educational approach is rooted in the belief that early immersion is the most effective way to achieve bilingual mastery.
Programmes
The school offers a dual-language curriculum where students learn in both French and English, with the percentage of French instruction decreasing from 90% in preschool to 50% by eighth grade. The French curriculum follows the official national standards of France, while the English curriculum adheres to Pennsylvania state standards. Core subjects include Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Music, Art, and Physical Education, with a Spanish immersion program available for fourth and fifth graders.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a speech therapist and provides homework support services. It is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does French International School of Philadelphia EFIP offer?
- French International School of Philadelphia EFIP offers French National Curriculum.
- How much is tuition at French International School of Philadelphia EFIP?
- Annual tuition at French International School of Philadelphia EFIP is $26K–$32.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does French International School of Philadelphia EFIP hold?
- French International School of Philadelphia EFIP holds accreditations including Middle States Association.
- Is French International School of Philadelphia EFIP co-educational?
- French International School of Philadelphia EFIP is a co-ed school.
- Where is French International School of Philadelphia EFIP located?
- French International School of Philadelphia EFIP is an international school in Philadelphia, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| PK2 | 2–2 | $28K |
| PK3 | 3–3 | $26K |
| PK4 | 4–4 | $26K |
| K | 5–5 | $26.5K |
| G1 | 6–6 | $27K |
| G2 | 7–7 | $27.5K |
| G3 | 8–8 | $29.5K |
| G4 | 9–9 | $30K |
| G5 | 10–10 | $31K |
| G6 | 11–11 | $32.5K |
| G7 | 12–12 | $32.5K |
| G8 | 13–13 | $32.5K |
Other fees(2)
| Materialsannual· Programming Fee for PK2 to G5. Covers textbooks, consumable workbooks, classroom, science and art supplies, field trips, assemblies, accident insurance, and daily snack for pre-elementary students. | $1K |
|---|---|
| Materialsannual· Programming Fee for G6 to G8. Covers textbooks, consumable workbooks, classroom, science and art supplies, field trips, assemblies, and accident insurance. | $1.5K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 5%
Admissions
The school accepts applications for students from age two through eighth grade. Admission is based on developmental readiness, and while non-French speakers are welcome in early grades, applicants for first grade and above must demonstrate French proficiency or participate in the school's "En Route!" program. The school maintains a non-discriminatory policy and provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
Calendar
The school operates on a full-day schedule, with hours varying by grade level: 8:45 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. for PK3 and PK4, 8:30 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. for kindergarten through third grade, and 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for grades four through eight. The academic year includes various field trips, assemblies, and school traditions.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates two campuses in Bala Cynwyd: a Lower School on North Highland Avenue and an Upper School on City Avenue. The Lower School features classrooms, a multipurpose room, a technology lab, and a French resource center, with access to the adjacent public library. The Upper School includes the Air Liquide Center for Science and Innovation, the Casey-Willig Arts Center, and dedicated green space.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a range of activities, including annual science fairs, bilingual musical performances, and art exhibits. Upper School students in grades five through eight have the opportunity to join soccer, basketball, and swim teams. Additionally, the school offers extended day services, a hot lunch program, and summer camp sessions.
- Kathy KotchickHead of School
Kathy Kotchick serves as the Head of School at the French International School of Philadelphia. She was recently recognized by Education Insider as one of the Top 10 Heads of School.
- Sylvia ConnellyAssistant Head of School/Program Grades 1-3
Sylvia Connelly serves as the Assistant Head of School and is responsible for the program for grades 1 through 3.
- Jordan BurnsDirector of Finance and Human Resources
Jordan Burns serves as the Director of Finance and Human Resources for the school.
- Florence ZemouraLower School Teacher/Program PK-K
Florence Zemoura is a teacher who coordinates the program for Preschool and Kindergarten.
- Lise HummelUpper School Teacher/Program Grades 4 & 5
Lise Hummel is an Upper School teacher who coordinates the program for grades 4 and 5.
- Fabrice Paradis-BélandUpper School Teacher, Program Middle School
Fabrice Paradis-Béland is an Upper School teacher who coordinates the Middle School program and provides information regarding the summer camp.