International Boarding School in France

Bordeaux International School:
Conveniently located in the centre of historic Bordeaux in South-Western France on the Atlantic Coast, approximately 495 km / 308 miles south-west of Paris, Bordeaux International School provides high-quality, full-time bilingual (French / English) education programs for international pupils from the age of 2½ to 19 years. We offer home-stay / boarding facilities with French families in the local area for our secondary school students. Secondary education is taught in English and prepares students for IGCSEs, AS and A2 Level examinations. The programs are adapted to meet the needs of American students requiring entry qualifications to colleges in the United States.

Bordeaux International School was re-accredited by the Council of International Schools in June 2010 and the Primary school is recognised by the French Ministry of Education.

Our Philosphy:
The bilingual environment is a cornerstone of school life, which pupils find both stimulating and rewarding. All pupils, regardless of age, know each other due to our program of full integration across the school. The whole school comes together at lunchtime and the social education of sharing a meal with friends is of great benefit to all pupils. Parents are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of their child’s education.

Full-time bilingual (French / English) secondary school education programs for international pupils from the age of 12 to 19 years:

- Secondary education is taught in English and prepares students for IGCSE and AS and A2 Level examinations in a range of subjects with the Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.
- The programs are adapted to meet the needs of American students requiring entry qualifications to colleges in the US.
- Homestay with a local French family

Teaching Methods - Focus On Languages:
Our teaching approach focuses on the pupils and structures their learning in order for them to achieve their full academic potential. In the secondary school, students must have a satisfactory level in English to prepare for the IGCSEs, and AS and A2 Level examinations in a range of subjects.

Living with a local family in Bordeaux is an ideal arrangement for Secondary School pupils whose parents live a long way from the school. It is also the most effective way to gain fluency and to absorb the French language and culture. The pupils become part of the family and are soon chatting at the breakfast table, going shopping, visiting relatives and helping at meal times.
Accommodation is full board either on a weekly or full-time basis.

All host families are personally vetted and selected, some of whom have been hosting pupils for several years, and with whom the school has built up very close relationships.

International Diversity:
The student population is approximately 30% British and 70% French and other nationalities in the Primary Section and 40% British, 20% French, 10% American and 30% other nationalities in the Secondary section.

Our Staff:
Our staff who includes both French and English native speakers (60% British, 40% other nationalities), are fully qualified and experienced.

Bordeaux International School is situated in the picturesque, 18th century port of Bordeaux in the southwest of France, with its inhabitants, or "Bordelais", numbering approximately one million and world famous as a centre of the wine industry. It is the capital of the Aquitaine region, as well as the prefecture of the Gironde department. Occupying both banks of the majestic Garonne River, Bordeaux’s exquisite architecture is as compelling as its cultural offering.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble". The city has a long and colourful history, with evidence of early settlers dating back to Gallo-Roman times. Bordeaux has excellent motorway connections, rapid train services to destinations throughout France and Europe and an international airport.