Ermitage International School

The school emphasizes multilingualism, academic excellence, and the development of empathy, compassion, and integrity. It fosters a multicultural community where students are encouraged to become active participants in their own education, cultivating critical thinking, adaptability, and a love of learning. The pedagogical approach balances individual success with teamwork, aiming to guide students toward self-awareness and confidence.

The school offers two main academic paths: a French Bilingual programme accredited by the National Ministry of Education (Pre-K to 12th grade), which includes the International Option of the Baccalaureate (BFI), and an IB continuum consisting of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The French Bilingual path spans Maternelle to Terminale, while the IB path serves students from ages 5 to 18. Both programmes focus on bilingualism and academic mastery, preparing students for university entrance.

Ermitage students consistently achieve academic success, with a 100% pass rate on the French Baccalaureate, often with honors. IB students maintain a strong average diploma score and are frequently placed in their first-choice universities, including institutions in France and abroad. Graduates are prepared to become engaged, responsible global citizens with the self-awareness and critical thinking skills required for future leadership.

The school provides personalized instruction through level groups in the Collège to meet individual student needs. For the IB programme, additional support is available through English Intensive or English Enhancement courses, as well as support for diverse learning needs, with fees determined based on individual assessments. The school also offers French as a Foreign Language (Français Langue Etrangère) where necessary.

Ermitage is a selective school that requires an application review and potential interview for prospective students. Depending on the grade level, applicants may be required to sit for level papers in specific subjects to determine placement. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis for the International Primary Programme and the IB programmes, while French Bilingual School offers for PS and 6eme begin in October, with other grades following in January and February.

The school operates two distinct calendars for its French Bilingual and IB programmes. The 2025/2026 academic year for the French Bilingual School begins in late August or early September 2025, depending on the grade level, and concludes in late June 2026. The IB School calendar for 2025/2026 includes orientation for new students in early September 2025 and concludes on July 3, 2026. Both programmes observe common holiday breaks, including Toussaint, Winter, February, and Spring breaks, as well as various French bank holidays.

The campus is situated in a 740-acre park in Maisons-Laffitte, featuring five distinct sites housed in historic and traditional French buildings. It includes four boarding houses located in historic homes, offering both 5-day and 7-day boarding options. The school is located approximately 20 minutes from Paris via the RER A commuter line.

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including language courses, sports, and the arts. Students may participate in international projects such as student exchanges, trips, service and solidarity projects, conferences, and Model United Nations. Additionally, the school provides specialized equestrian programmes for students aged 11 to 18 and organizes holiday and summer camps for children aged 4 to 11.