International Education Coming to Marin

Marin Mommies presents a sponsored article from Lycée Français de San Francisco, which will offer a new, bilingual International Track program starting next fall.

Leveraging its 55+ years of experience in providing a high quality, international education to Bay Area families, LFSF is finally available to all Marin students! 

The IB (International Baccalaureate*) powered, International Track is a groundbreaking bilingual program that offers an English-focused pathway, from elementary school through high school. 

Bilingualism, international-mindedness are just the beginning

LFSF is known in Marin and in San Francisco, for being a rigorous and well-regarded French immersion, international school. Today, in addition to its original French track, the International Track welcomes students without any French language prerequisite, who are taught in English (80%) and learn French (20%), making the outstanding LFSF education available to all Marin students.

Both the French and the International tracks have the same characteristic of providing an international, bilingual education, which is at the core of the school’s DNA. Amina MAINE, Head of English Department and International Track Coordinator at the Primary level (with entry points in K and Gr1 for Fall 2024) explains: “The LFSF's teachers have years of experience working in a bilingual setting and are passionate about bridging curricula and building on students' language skills.”

Both tracks strive to make students reach for the stars and achieve their full potential. “The IB develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through an education that builds intercultural understanding and respect. And as I was looking back to the mission and the vision of LFSF, it struck me how much of this work is already resonating throughout the building.”, says Chloé SUBERVILLE, LFSF alumni and Development Manager at International Baccalaureate®.

International-mindedness is a big focus of the International Track. “Through this program's language acquisition track, students will have the opportunity to learn about different cultures”, adds Maine. They will also do so, immersed and supported by our inclusive, international community that counts some 50 nationalities and 30+ spoken languages. The school’s “mission is to connect the students to global issues and raise compassionate students, which aligns with the IB program's focus on global citizenship. The International Track encourages students to reflect on their identity and develop a global perspective.”

The LFSF Global Learning program of educational travels, from Gr1 to Gr12, heightens the international mindedness of the LFSF education, allowing students to go beyond the walls of the classroom or the campus, to cultivate global perspectives… and make amazing memories and connections!

Winning Partnership and Dual Diploma

The International Track is a natural fit for the LFSF in that it does not reinvent the wheel but rather enhances the experience and know-how of the top rated bilingual school. The decision to choose the International Baccalaureate framework to support this program came just as naturally to result in a win-win scenario for the greater number of students who can now join the school and jump start their educational journey.

The two organizations share similar values and LFSF students grow up cultivating curiosity and critical thinking, empathy and respect for others. This is an opinion shared by Alejandra NAVARRO, DEIB director at LFSF, currently working on the implementation of the International Track at the Middle and High school level. Alejandra adds that “The IB framework aligns with our school’s mission and vision for educational excellence, which gives our students and faculty an opportunity towards a transformative educational journey that strengthens our community and equips students for a future without boundaries."

The rigorous, English focused program of the International Track leads to a dual diploma: the IB bilingual diploma and the U.S. High School Diploma.  The LFSF education is recognized and valued by universities worldwide which is another common point with the IB  whose students have a higher acceptance rate at the 25 best universities. 

Is the International Track a good fit for you?

Next fall, the International Track will be welcoming students

• In primary school : in K and Gr1, on our Sausalito campus
• In middle school: in Gr6 and Gr7, on our Ortega campus 
• In high school : in Gr9, on our Ortega campus

Let’s get in touch and/or come say hello!

Join us for an open house event for preschool or for the International Track. See you soon!

*LFSF is a Candidate School* for the IB programs, pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that LFSF believes is important for our students.*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP).  Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org