FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY LFIC ?
Why should I choose LFIC for my child?
LFIC offers a distinctive educational experience in Chennai: • a rigorous, internationally recognised French National Curriculum; • genuine French–English bilingualism, with both languages used for learning, not French taught only as a subject; • small multi-age classes with close individual attention; and • membership of the AEFE global network of 612 schools across 138 countries. Families choose LFIC for its combination of academic rigour, genuine multilingualism and international openness, within a diverse and caring community in Chennai.
What should I consider a French school if I am not French?
The French educational approach places strong emphasis on analytical thinking, independent reasoning and intellectual rigour. Across subjects, students are encouraged to understand, question, argue and construct their own ideas, not simply reproduce knowledge. This develops the critical thinking and intellectual independence that serve students well, whether they later study in India, Europe, North America or elsewhere.
What is the community like at LFIC?
LFIC brings together French, Indian and international families in a genuinely multicultural community. This authentic diversity is precisely what makes the international immersion real: your child grows up hearing several languages, encountering different cultural perspectives every day, and building the intercultural fluency that a curriculum alone cannot teach.
Is LFIC suitable for an Indian family planning to stay in Chennai?
Absolutely. A French education is not only for internationally mobile families. Indian families choose LFIC for its bilingual environment, academic rigour and genuinely international community. Your child can gain an international outlook every day while remaining fully rooted in Chennai.
We are an internationally mobile, non-French family. Is LFIC a good fit for us?
Yes. LFIC welcomes families of every nationality. For internationally mobile families, membership of the AEFE network offers an important advantage: educational continuity across French schools in 138 countries. Whatever language your family speaks at home, your child joins a plurilingual, multicultural environment designed to support confidence, adaptability and international mobility.
LANGUAGES & BILINGUALISM
Does my child need to speak French before applying?
Before age 8, children can join LFIC with little or no prior French. Our teachers support them as they develop French progressively through immersion and structured instruction, while English remains a strong part of daily learning. A child who starts without French is not disadvantaged. From age 8 onwards, joining a bilingual programme means learning French while continuing to progress academically. We therefore begin with a friendly conversation and assessment to understand each child's needs and identify the right pathway. This may include additional language support or personalised tutoring. Our aim is to ensure that every student joins LFIC with the right foundations to thrive.
If my child studies in French, will their English suffer?
No. English remains an important language of learning and communication at LFIC. Our bilingual approach is designed to develop strong academic French alongside confident English, giving students the ability to learn, communicate and think across languages.
We don't speak French at home. Will we be able to support our child?
Absolutely. You do not need to speak French to support your child's education at LFIC. Learning takes place primarily at school through immersion, structured teaching and close teacher support. Our teachers communicate with families in English and keep you regularly informed about your child's progress and how you can support them at home. For parents interested in learning French themselves, we can also organise French classes for adults where there is sufficient interest.
How does bilingualism develop at LFIC?
Genuine bilingualism develops progressively through sustained exposure, meaningful use and academic learning in both languages. Students who join us in Kindergarten or the early elementary years typically develop strong French alongside confident English, with increasing academic proficiency as they progress through the school.
Will my child earn recognised language qualifications?
Yes. Students can work towards recognised qualifications in both languages, benchmarked against the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In French, students may take the DELF Prim and DELF Junior diplomas which are valid for life and delivered by the French ministry of Education, in partnership with the Alliance Française Madras. In English, students can work towards Cambridge English qualifications appropriate to their age and level.
Can my child maintain Tamil, Hindi, or their mother tongue, such as Japanese or Korean?
We value the linguistic and cultural identity each child brings to LFIC. All students take part in Tamil sessions during the week, whether they are beginning the language or consolidating existing knowledge. From the equivalent of Grade 7, students also choose a second European language, with Spanish or German recommended. Families wishing to develop another language such as Japanese and Korean more substantially can discuss dedicated after-school provision with us, subject to sufficient demand to form a group.
How is language instruction structured across the different levels?
French and English are integrated throughout the school day rather than taught in isolation. Across academic subjects, the balance is 60% French and 40% English, with flexibility according to the subject, the stage of learning and the needs of each group. In the early years, teaching is particularly adaptive, using visual, hands-on and sign-supported communication alongside French, English and Tamil. As students progress, they develop increasing independence and academic proficiency in both languages, with a growing emphasis on academic French as they approach national examinations.
ACADEMIC FUTURE & RECOGNITION
Is the French Baccalaureate recognised by Indian universities?
Yes. The French Baccalaureate is recognised under the India–France agreement on the mutual recognition of academic qualifications, in force since 2019. LFIC graduates can therefore apply to Indian universities, subject to the specific entry requirements of the university and programme concerned.recognition of academic qualifications, in force since 2019. LFIC graduates can therefore apply to Indian universities, subject to the specific entry requirements of the programme concerned.
Can LFIC students pursue medicine (NEET) or engineering (JEE) in India?
Yes, but families should understand that the French National Curriculum is not designed as direct preparation for NEET or JEE. Students targeting these examinations will need additional, specialised preparation alongside their LFIC studies. The French curriculum provides a strong foundation in mathematics and science, with an emphasis on reasoning, problem-solving and conceptual understanding. We discuss individual pathways with families well before these examinations and can explore additional preparation where appropriate.
Can my child pursue higher education abroad after LFIC?
Yes. The French Baccalaureate is internationally recognised and provides access to universities in France, Europe, North America, Asia and beyond. For students wishing to study in France, the pathway is particularly direct: the Baccalaureate is France's national secondary-school qualification, and LFIC students apply through Parcoursup, the national higher-education admissions platform, with guidance from the school and the wider AEFE network.
What happens if we relocate within India or internationally?
For international moves, AEFE membership offers a significant advantage: students can transition between French schools across 138 countries with strong curriculum continuity. We can also help, depending on the family project, to prepare academically for a smooth transition back home, for instance when a stronger background in mathematics is required. A move to an Indian city without a French school requires more individual transition planning, as the French curriculum does not directly correspond to CBSE or ICSE. We work with families to help identify the most appropriate pathway for their child.
Is LFIC officially recognised? What does "homologation" mean?
LFIC follows the French National Curriculum throughout the school. The status and certification arrangements differ between primary and secondary education. Primary: LFIC is homologated by the French Ministry of Education and operates within the AEFE network. Homologation confirms that the school delivers the French National Curriculum in accordance with the standards of the French education system. Secondary: LFIC students follow the French programme through CNED, France's national public distance-education institution, enabling them to pursue the French secondary curriculum and sit the relevant national examinations. Together, these pathways provide continuity within the French education system and connect LFIC students to the wider AEFE network.
THE LFIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Why multi-age classes?
Multi-age learning is a deliberate pedagogical choice at LFIC. Learning alongside children at different stages encourages autonomy, adaptability, collaboration and respect for others. Older students reinforce their own learning by supporting younger classmates, while younger students benefit from positive role models and peer learning. This approach is particularly valuable in a bilingual environment: students hear and use French naturally in meaningful interactions, learning from one another as well as from their teachers. The classroom becomes a community where every child has something to learn—and something to contribute.
How small are the classes?
Small classes allow our teachers to know each child well and provide close, individual attention throughout the school day. Our recruitment policy is designed to maintain a teacher-to-student ratio of no more than 1:12. A small school does not mean a small social world. Multi-age classes encourage children to build relationships across age groups, while shared projects, activities and whole-school events create a strong sense of community.
How do you personalise learning for each child?
We begin by getting to know each child: how they learn, where they are confident and where they may need more time or challenge. Teachers use this understanding to adapt their teaching and monitor progress closely. Where appropriate, we develop a personalised learning plan with the child and family, setting clear priorities and support strategies. Regular assessment helps us track progress and adjust the pathway as the child develops. In our bilingual environment, this naturally includes each child's individual language journey.
Is LFIC academically demanding?
Yes. We believe that academic ambition and a caring environment go hand in hand. In primary school, we do not rely on formal examinations, daily written homework or grades alone. We assess competencies: what students genuinely understand and can do, and monitor their progress over time. Our expectations are nevertheless high. Students are expected to work consistently, think independently, persevere, collaborate and take increasing responsibility for their own learning. Teachers guide students towards finding and justifying their own answers rather than simply providing them. Our approach is demanding, but never at the expense of the child.
How do you support children with additional or specific needs?
Every child is different. When a child has an identified learning need, learning difference, health consideration or particular way of learning, we begin with an open conversation with the family to understand their needs and identify appropriate support. We work together to establish a realistic, practical plan and are transparent about what we can provide. Where a child's needs would be better supported through specialist external services, we will discuss this openly with the family and help identify the most appropriate approach.
How does LFIC support parents, not only students?
Enrolling in a new school, and discovering the French education system for the first time, can raise many questions. We see supporting families as part of our role. Alongside regular communication with teachers, we offer parent sessions on understanding the French system and supporting children through their education. We can also organise French classes for parents. Our aim is for families to feel informed, confident and fully part of their child's educational journey.
How can parents be involved in school life ?
We see parents as partners in their child's education. Regular communication with teachers, consistent routines and good attendance all help children make the most of their learning. Parents also have a genuine role in the life and development of LFIC. Family representatives participate in our governing committees and contribute to decisions about the school's future. Beyond governance, we wish to develop a wider school community through extracurricular, cultural and linguistic activities and event. We want parents to feel that LFIC is their community too, not simply a place where their children come to school.
ADMISSIONS & PRACTICAL DETAILS
What is the admission process ? Is there an entrance exam?
We do not use a traditional entrance exam. We review each child's previous schooling and learning profile, meet the family and child, and use age-appropriate assessment to understand their readiness for our bilingual programme. For students aged 8 and above who are new to French, we also assess their current academic and language levels to determine the most appropriate pathway and any additional support they may need.
At what ages can children join, and is mid-year admission possible?
LFIC currently welcomes children born in 2024 or earlier. Mid-year admission may be possible depending on the year group and availability of places. Current age ranges and openings are detailed on our Admissions page.
What are the fees, and what do they include?
Our complete fee schedule is available as a downloadable document on our Admissions page
How can we visit LFIC and learn more?
We encourage families to visit LFIC, meet our team and experience our learning environment first-hand. To arrange a visit or request further information, please contact us to schedule a visit.
