International School in Marseille & Aix-en-Provence area, France

EPIM, International Private Schools of Marseille and the Mediterranean, Provence:
EPIM, International Private Schools of Marseille and the Mediterranean consists of two international bilingual (French and English) kindergarten and elementary schools in Provence, Southern France. One is located in Marseille between Roucas Blanc and the old port, and the second is in Luynes, 10 km south of Aix-en-Provence. Since the schools' creation, EPIM offers a unique educational concept, yet based on a curriculum recognized by UNESCO and mastered by more than 2,000 international schools around the world. The school offers children an atmosphere where they can learn both French and English for an international oriented future. Our curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB), which has been specifically designed by and for international schools.

Bilingual (French / English) Education Program - Kindergarten & Elementary School:

- At EPIM, the week is split equally, half in English and half in French, so that each child actually has two teachers; one English and one French with the younger children benefiting from an assistant. Our art and music teachers are also either French or English.

- EPIM currently enriches the range of languages offered in its school with Dutch, German and Italian.

- EPIM's curriculum is designed specifically for children between the ages of 3 to 12 years. The program is interdisciplinary, and each subject is dealt with in a coherent manner and preserves its importance. Mathematics, for example, is also discussed in science, geography, music, etc.

- Activities are not only centred around languages, math, and science but also the arts, music and social studies. Our school has an open admissions policy and each application is considered entirely on the child’s individual merits.

EPIM's Curriculum:
Having identified certain international schools and evaluated their different possible educational alternatives, EPIM chose in 2003 to use the IB - PYP philosophy and principles of education. The school offers the added-value of integrating the French national curriculum requirements in its curriculum which facilitates the move of children towards national secondary schools. The schooswork with local Colleges and International Sections.

This curriculum ensures that the child:

- Develops a deep understanding of key concepts
- Acquires and, more importantly, puts into practice all the skills necessary to flourish
- Develops a positive attitude towards learning, the environment and others
- Is accountable and responsible

The program uses a variety of assessment tools that accurately measure the level of learning of each child and thus makes it possible to create an individualized program that suits him. Through daily activities, teachers continually measure the progress of children in their knowledge acquisition and expertise. With the support of these evaluations, they are then able to plan future activities with the children, organizing the class into groups of same level, with progress being reported to parents on a regular basis.

The Elementary (Primary) school program focuses on critical thinking, personal responsibility in learning, curiosity and the spirit of helping others. It involves the child, that they are actively involved and becomes an actor in their own learning.

In addition to using this international program that involves over 2000 schools worldwide, EPIM also includes highlights of national programs in order to prepare children to continue their studies both in France and internationally. 

EPIM has an extra curricular programme in English every Wednesday afternoon and during school holidays coordinated by a Fine Art Teacher with a broad international experience.

Bilingual Learning as Early as Kindergarten:
The most sensitive period for learning a language is from birth to the age of 8. A 2 year old child recognizes the languages ​​to which it is exposed and can clearly express him or herself in one or the other. This is why, at EPIM, as in any international school in the world, language is not considered a subject of study: the child must simply use them to access activities that are shared in English or French during the week accompanied by professors of the native language. 

Sport at EPIM:
Subjects taught include languages, mathematics, social studies, science and technology, personal, social and physical education and the arts. EPIM has access to the local gymnasium in Marseille and to its private sport area in Aix-en-Provence (Luynes).

EPIM's Strengths:
- An ideal location in Marseille and Aix
- Classrooms are large, bright and very child friendly.
- Equipped classrooms continuously evolving.
- An experienced team of child education specialists from international / national schools
- A co-ordinated team-approach towards working with the child/family - team building and supports.
- Class sizes are limited enabling our international team to individualize programs to meet the specific needs of each child (maximum class size : 16 children).