The Lycée Français International Charles de Gaulle de Pékin is the established French school in Beijing, founded in 1965 and among the oldest international schools in the city. It is directly operated by the Agency for French Education Abroad, the French government body that runs the worldwide network of French schools, and teaches children from age 3 to 18 in the Chaoyang district. Its programme follows the French national curriculum and leads to the French Baccalauréat rather than the IB.
Lycée Français International Charles de Gaulle at a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | French national curriculum, leading to the French Baccalauréat |
| Stages | Maternelle, élémentaire, collège and lycée, covering ages 3 to 18 |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Operated by | The Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), part of the French state |
| Streams | A French stream, a bilingual British stream and a bilingual Chinese stream |
| Location | Chaoyang district, Beijing |
Curriculum and academics
The Lycée Français follows the French national curriculum from maternelle through to the lycée, structured into the familiar French stages and leading to the French Baccalauréat in the final years. Because it is run directly by the Agency for French Education Abroad, its programme, inspection and teaching mirror the French system that families will recognise from France itself, which makes it a natural choice for French speaking and Francophone families on assignment in Beijing.
The school runs more than one stream. The standard French stream teaches entirely in French, while a bilingual British stream adds several hours a week of subjects taught in English, and a bilingual Chinese stream works in a similar way. Families who are instead looking at the International Baccalaureate route can compare with our IB curriculum hub and the city's IB schools, since the Lycée leads to the French Baccalauréat rather than the IB Diploma.
Working out the real cost of a place?
Use our fee calculator to model tuition and the extras for a Beijing school.
Lycée Français International Charles de Gaulle fees
As a school in the AEFE network, the Lycée's fees are typically more moderate than the top of Beijing's commercial premium tier, though they still represent a significant annual commitment. Our Beijing international school fees guide sets out how the bands compare across the city. Fees vary by stage and stream, so treat any single figure as indicative and check the school's published schedule.
Beyond tuition there is usually a first enrolment or registration charge and possible costs for transport and meals. Model the full annual figure with our fee calculator before you apply, and confirm the current schedule and any AEFE related arrangements directly with the school, since these are reviewed each year.
Admissions
The school year runs on the French calendar, beginning in late summer, and admission is organised by stage from maternelle upward. Families choose between the French, bilingual British and bilingual Chinese streams, and the admissions team will advise on language background and the right entry point, particularly for children joining the French stream without prior French.
As a French network school it serves French and Francophone families closely, but it is open more broadly subject to places and language fit. Apply ahead of your move and ask about availability in your child's stage and year group.
Location and who goes there
The Lycée Français is in the Chaoyang district of Beijing, the diplomatic and embassy heartland of the city where many international families and French institutions are based. That setting reflects the school's long history and its role as the focal point for French education in the capital.
The community is anchored by French and Francophone families but extended by the bilingual British and Chinese streams, giving it a distinct character among Beijing's international schools. To weigh it against other routes, start with the Beijing city hub, or compare with the International School of Beijing and Keystone Academy.
Lycée Français International Charles de Gaulle reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle fees?
As a school in the French AEFE network, fees are typically more moderate than the top of Beijing's commercial premium tier, though still a significant annual commitment, and they vary by stage and stream. See our Beijing international school fees guide and confirm the current schedule with the school.
What curriculum does the Lycee Francais follow?
It follows the French national curriculum from maternelle to lycee, leading to the French Baccalaureat rather than the IB Diploma, and offers a French stream alongside bilingual British and Chinese streams.
Who operates the Lycee Francais in Beijing?
The school is directly operated by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), the French government body that runs the worldwide network of French schools.
When was the Lycee Francais in Beijing founded?
It was founded in 1965, which makes it one of the oldest international schools in Beijing.
Where is the Lycee Francais International Charles de Gaulle?
The school is in the Chaoyang district of Beijing, the diplomatic and embassy area of the city.
