Notre Dame International High School

• Location: Paris suburb, France,
• Year of foundation: 2010,
• Number of students: about 50,
• Language of instruction: English, French,
• Type of studying: mixed.

Notre Dame International High School at Notre Dame Les Oiseaux offers international students to obtain a diploma in secondary education according to the national system of the United States. The curriculum for grades 10-12 includes bilingual education: classes are mainly conducted in English, and French is available as an optional course.

The school, which has been conducting studying since 1929, began offering an international program in 2010. About 3,000 students study at the Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux campus every year, and the number of International High School students is about 50. Each student, regardless of their background, is given individual attention and academic support so that all students achieve their goals of study and admission to their chosen university.

The teaching staff includes qualified teachers who speak both English and French; they conduct classes in small groups, so they can monitor the academic progress of each student. In addition to modern teaching methods, various interactive and classical learning resources, students can devote time to developing their strengths and qualities by joining one of the thematic extracurricular clubs, a sports team, and a creative team. An extensive range of events taking place both on and off campus will allow students to immerse themselves in the study of French culture and the French language, and meet representatives of different countries.

The educational institution offers students two accommodation options: a host family or a residence. At the same time, students can choose a full-time education format if they have a place of residence in Paris.

The residence accepts students from 15 years old. The student can choose the duration of stay during the week:

• Weekly boarding: five-day stay with weekends in the homes of host families or at home,
• Full board: seven days stay on campus,
• Weekend boarding: Saturdays and Sundays at the residence with two meals a day.

The first two accommodation options guarantee the student four meals a day: breakfasts, hot lunches, light snacks and dinners every day. Most of the students are accommodated in double rooms with shared bathrooms, collectively use the living room with TV, a walking area on the territory and a computer lab. Students can also stay in the homes of host families who are local residents and native French speakers. Children are provided with single and double rooms, three meals a day throughout the week or only on weekends.

Subject list: biology, chemistry, history, mathematical analysis

Every year, the school chooses a common theme, which is revealed in a variety of activities and events. Concerts, exhibitions, lectures and seminars are held by both teachers and invited speakers sharing their experiences and developing students' horizons.

The teaching staff supports many of the students' hobbies: sports, creativity, social activities, science, and others. For example, after academic classes, sports sections are organized on campus:

• Badminton,
• Football,
• Table tennis,
• French boxing.

Students can also participate in themed clubs during the academic year:

• Model UN: International conferences,
• Cosmonautics Club,
• Book and literary clubs,
• Fashion Association,
• Theatrical and performing arts,
• Photography, editing and processing.

The school is closed during the fall, winter and spring holidays, but additional French and English classes are conducted for students, as well as multi-sport and ski camps.

• Prestigious boarding school, modern campus, convenient location near Paris,
• Advanced Placement Bilingual Diploma Program, culminating in a U.S. High School Diploma,
• International students from more than 20 different countries,
• Full accreditation from NCACASI, NWAC and SACHS CASI,
• French language courses available to students with any level of education,
• Diverse extracurricular activities.

The Les Oiseaux campus, which teaches the international diploma program, covers an area of 13 acres, located in the commune of Verneuil-sur-Seine, west of Paris. After several years of major renovation, new science laboratories, a large dining room, a library, a media center and a separate wing with living quarters became available at the school.

Facilities offered on campus include:

• Outdoor sports grounds: two football fields, two running tracks,
• Computer classes,
• Subject laboratories for project and research activities,
• Audio-visual hall, amphitheater for events,
• Library, reading room,
• Art and music auditoriums,
• Two indoor gyms with areas for basketball, volleyball, handball, badminton, mini-football and other sports,
• Self-service cafeteria with kitchen, dining room.

Notre Dame cooperates with the American Library in Paris, so that all students receive a membership card in the ALP: this provides a modern learning space in the city center with the privileges of "renting" books and access to an extensive collection of printed materials, online databases.

The academic year lasts from the beginning of September to the end of June, consisting of two semesters, between which vacations are organized: two—week winter holidays at Christmas, autumn and spring holidays, and summer holidays for two to three months.

The weekly schedule includes five school days: from Monday to Friday; on these days, students attend up to seven classes, each lasting 55 minutes; after them, students can participate in club activities, events, or study independently.

The program price already includes:

• Rent of textbooks, payment for the use of technology on campus,
• Visa support,
• School lunches on weekdays,
• Payment for accommodation (according to the selected plan),
• Meeting at the airport, transfer on arrival and on the day of departure,
• Insurance: medical, civil liability and emergency repatriation.

An approximate list of additional expenses stipulates:

• Administrative fee, deposit upon transfer,
• School fees: fees for additional subjects, participation in clubs, and others,
• Transport card for using public transport in Paris,
• Weekend excursions, some trips on weekdays,
• AP Exam Fees,
• Individual additional classes,
• Personal expenses.

Extras:

• Application fee 250 EUR
• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 1000 EUR

Before applying, staff recommend visiting the campus or contacting the admissions office to get to know and clarify the details of the program. Applicants who wish to enroll at Notre Dame International High School go through several stages:

• Filling out the registration form and providing the documents,
• Receiving an official invitation for an interview and entrance tests,
• Paying for the program and accommodation, and starting education.

Every year, 30-50 new students are accepted into the American educational program.

High School graduates annually enter leading educational institutions: colleges and universities around the world, including:

• University of California, Santa Cruz, USA,
• University of Ottawa, Canada,
• University of Groningen, The Netherlands,
• University of East London, UK,
• Galway Institute of Technology Mayo, Ireland,
• Bimm Institute, Germany,
• University of Toronto, Canada,
• American University in Paris, France.

Incoming international students must confirm their academic performance over the past two years and their level of English language proficiency, and provide teacher recommendations. They are required to send personal documents translated into English or French: an international passport, a visa for a long-term stay in France, and medical insurance. Admission is based on an interview and entrance tests. You can enroll in the spring or fall semester in grades 10 and 11, enrollment in grade 12 is possible only in the fall.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision