TOP 10 French high schools in Dubai

If you're an expatriate in Dubai (or planning to be one in the near future), and you're looking for the best French lycée for your children, you've come to the right place! Indeed, finding and choosing the right school can be a real headache, especially when you want a French-style education.

Good news, this article will guide you through the TOP 10 French high schools in Dubai, highlighting their various advantages and disadvantages. And don't worry, we'll talk about prices too!

In this article, we will discuss :

• Lycée Georges Pompidou;
• Lycée Français International de Dubaï;
• Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé Meydan;
• The Lycée Français Jean Mermoz.
• And many more...

But also...

• Their different characteristics;
  
• Their unique educational programs;
  
• Their costs and locations ;
  
• And criteria to help you make the right choice.

Are you interested in what we have to offer? If so, let's discover the institutions that could make all the difference to your children's education in Dubai.

#1 - Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou (LFIGP)

Its advantages

1. The Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou welcomes students from kindergarten to senior high school. What's more, the school's AEFE-approved curriculum guarantees that teaching methods are in line with the French curriculum. As a result, children can easily enter the university of their choice once they leave the school.

2. Since 2014, LFIGP has been rated "Outstanding" for kindergarten, and "Very Good" for secondary, in the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) rankings.

3. Advanced language courses prepare students for international environments.

4. High-level sports sections (soccer, swimming), as well as cultural activities, enrich students' careers.

5. Costs are fairly affordable compared with other Dubai high schools, especially for a school of this standing.

• Kindergarten: 30,558 AED (~€7,600).
  
• Primary: AED 36,072 (~€9,000).
  
• Middle school: 45,623 AED (~€11,400).
  
• High school: AED 49,536 (~€12,400).
  

Its drawbacks

1. The three campuses are located in different places, which can complicate management for parents with children in several levels.

2. Given the large number of students spread over the three sites, some parents may feel that their children are not being monitored in the same way as their peers.

3. The popularity of LFIGP means that registration takes a long time, which can be frustrating.

#2 - Lycée Français International de Dubaï (AFLEC)

Its advantages

1. The Lycée Français International de Dubaï is the only school to have been awarded "Outstanding" status in the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) rankings for all levels (kindergarten to lycée).
   
2. Students are educated in French, English and Arabic, with additional options such as Spanish, Chinese and Latin.
   
3. AFLEC offers sports, cultural and language sections that enable students to develop their various interests.
   
4. The school collaborates with the Al Nasr soccer club, which has enabled them to set up a recognized women's soccer section.
   
5. For an establishment of this level, the costs remain affordable. They are as follows
   

• Kindergarten: 27,730 AED (~€6,900).
  
• Primary: AED 33,275 (~€8,300).
  
• Middle school (6th to 4th grades): 39,313 AED (~€9,800).
  
• High school (grades 2 to 12): AED 55,846 to 58,644 (~€14,000 to €14,600).
  

Its drawbacks

1. Given its size (3,000 students), this high school may impress some, especially the younger ones.
   
2. The diversity of options and the size of the school can sometimes make it difficult to keep track of individual students.
   
3. Due to its popularity, securing a place at AFLEC can be difficult and require a great deal of forethought.
   

#3 - Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé (LLFP)

Its advantages

1. The Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé offers teaching in line with the French curriculum, with the aim of guaranteeing logical continuity for expatriate students.
   
2. And that's what makes all the difference! LLFP places a strong emphasis on sustainable development (green buildings, solar panels, hydroponics, recycling, even plastic-free drinking fountains). Yes, students there learn to take responsibility for the planet, right from the start!
   
3. The school provides high-quality facilities such as laboratories, connected classrooms and areas for sports and cultural activities.
   
4. For an establishment with so many advantages, costs remain affordable. Here are the annual fees:
   
   • Petite section: AED 38,000 (~€9,500).
     
   • Primary (CP to CM2): AED 40,000 to 44,000 (~€10,000 to €11,000).
     
   • Middle school (6e to 3e): AED 48,000 to 52,000 (~€12,000 to 13,000).
     
   • High school (grades 2 to 12): 58,000 to 66,000 AED (~€14,500 to €16,500).
     
5. Although only 7% of students are French, the diversity at LLFP makes it a place of cultural exchange and enrichment.
   

Its drawbacks

1. As we have seen, and in contrast to other French lycées in Dubai, the proportion of French students is lower, which can be an obstacle for some parents.
   
2. Given its location in Meydan, LLFP may be less convenient for families living far from this area.
   
3. Although its program is approved by the AEFE, the school has not yet been rated by the KHDA (a factor some parents may find a deterrent).

#4 - The Lycée Français Jean Mermoz

Its advantages

1. The Lycée Français Jean Mermoz offers education in line withAEFE standards. Thanks to this, students are sure to get a solid preparation before their transition to high school.
   
2. The campus offers a range of facilities to stimulate students' learning. These include science laboratories, libraries, a gymnasium, an auditorium and a semi-Olympic swimming pool. Enough to motivate children to excel!
   
3. Its unique program supports students in their orientation projects, helping them to better prepare for their future studies and careers.
   
4. Although mainly French-speaking, the school welcomes students of many different nationalities.
   
5. Registration fees are also affordable. They are as follows:
   
   • Kindergarten: 37,890 AED (~€9,700).
     
   • Primary (CP to CM2): AED 45,258 to 50,520 (~€11,600 to €12,900).
     
   • Middle school (6e to 3e): AED 52,625 to 58,940 (~€13,100 to 14,700).
     

Its drawbacks

1. Unlike other French schools in Dubai, the Lycée Jean Mermoz does not yet offer the seconde to terminale level. Unfortunately, this forces families to look for other options beyond 3e.
   
2. Although modern, its location in Al Quoz may not suit all families looking for a school close to home.
   
3. Due to its growing popularity, waiting lists can be long. This complicates admissions for newcomers.
   

#5 - The International Concept for Education (ICE)

Its advantages

1. The International Concept for Education places great emphasis on bilingual education in French and English, from kindergarten onwards. As a result, students quickly become linguistically comfortable.
   
2. Approved by the AEFE and recognized for its International Baccalaureate (IB), ICE enables students to benefit from a French education while remaining open to international educational standards.
   
3. The ICE offers modern, well-connected facilities such as science laboratories, well-stocked libraries and spaces dedicated to the arts and sport.
   
4. In addition to the academic program, ICE offers enriching extracurricular activities that enable children to discover their talents and cultivate their creativity.
   
5. Although the school stops at 3rd grade, annual fees are still attractive for a bilingual school:
   
   • Kindergarten and primary: 45,000 to 64,000 AED (~€11,300 to €16,100).
     
   • Middle school (6e to 3e): 75,000 AED (~18,800 €).
     

Its drawbacks

1. Unlike other schools, ICE stops at the 3rd grade. As a result, students are forced to transfer to another high school to continue their secondary education, which can complicate their studies.
   
2. Located in Nad Al Sheba, ICE can be a long way away for some families living in other parts of Dubai.
   
3. Given the small number of 480 students, the school certainly favors a personalized education, but this can limit social and team sports opportunities compared to larger schools.
   

#6 - Jumeirah Baccalaureate School (JBS)

Its advantages

1. The Jumeirah Baccalaureate School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB)-compliant curriculum, while incorporating French language courses for French speakers. This enables students to benefit from an international education, while maintaining their mastery of the French language.
   
2. The JBS provides top-of-the-range facilities such as connected classrooms, laboratories, and areas dedicated to the arts and sport. This ideal setting encourages students to give their all!
   
3. Students can take part in extracurricular activities such as art and music clubs or team sports. This fosters personal fulfillment and the development of essential social skills.
   
4. As with other high schools, tuition fees are affordable (but a little more expensive). 

Here's an overview of costs:

• Daycare and kindergarten: AED 40,900 to 49,950 (~€10,400 to 12,700).
  
• Primary (CP to CM2): AED 54,075 to 64,376 (~€13,700 to €16,300).
  
• Middle school (6e to 3e): 75,150 AED (~€19,100).
  
• High school (grades 2 to 12): AED 86,700 (~€22,100).
  

Its drawbacks

1. JBS is very popular. As a result, waiting lists can be long, making enrolment complicated for newly arrived expatriate families.
   
2. Although the French courses are of a high standard, some French-speaking parents regret that the pedagogical approach is more international than purely French.
   
3. Compared to other French schools in Dubai, JBS has higher costs for higher levels.

#7 - Dubai International Academy (DIA)

Its advantages

1. Dubai International Academy follows the IB curriculum from primary to secondary school. What's more, French-speaking students can take advantage of French language options.
   
2. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities such as science laboratories, well-equipped libraries, sports fields and areas dedicated to artistic activities. In short, an ideal environment to encourage students to reach their full potential!
   
3. DIA actively prepares its students to enter the world's top universities, thanks to its demanding, internationally recognized IB program.
   
4. Annual fees are quite affordable. They are as follows
   
   • Kindergarten: 42,832 to 48,305 AED (~€10,800 to €12,100).
     
   • Primary (CP to CM2): AED 48,758 to 55,216 (~€12,300 to €13,900).
     
   • Middle school (6e to 3e): 55,216 to 69,023 AED (~€14,000 to 17,500).
     
   • High school (grades 2 to 12): AED 75,893 (~€19,200).
     
5. The DIA encourages its students to take part in sporting events and artistic projects to promote balanced development.
   

Its drawbacks

1. Although French-language options are available, some French-speaking parents feel that teaching is mainly oriented towards an international approach.
   
2. Compared to other high schools in Dubai, the fees for the high school (IB level) may seem particularly high.
   
3. Because of its reputation, DIA is in high demand, which can make it difficult for newcomers to secure a place.

#8 - The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD)

Its advantages

1. The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai offers bilingual immersion in English and French or German. As a result, students can develop excellent language skills while following a focused academic program.
   
2. The school offers the IB curriculum from the very first years. This guarantees excellent academic preparation, and above all, worldwide recognition.
   
3. The facilities are modern. In fact, the SISD provides students with laboratories, libraries, an Olympic-size swimming pool and even a residence for boarders.
   
4. Whether in sports, the arts or technology, SISD's extracurricular activities encourage students' personal development.
   

Its drawbacks

1. The SISD is one of the most expensive establishments in Dubai, which can be a deterrent for some families. Here's an overview of the fees:
   

• Kindergarten and primary: 62,000 to 82,000 AED (~€15,900 to €21,000).
  
• Middle and high schools: 88,000 to 140,000 AED (~€22,600 to €36,000).
  

2. Although the French-language offer is of high quality, some parents may regret a lack of purely French immersion.
   
3. Located near Dubai Creek, the school can be a little remote for families living in areas such as Jumeirah or Dubai Marina.
   

#9 - Lycée Théodore Monod (LTM)

Its advantages

1. The Lycée Théodore Monod follows a well-developed curriculum and guarantees educational continuity for expatriate students. As a result, students can easily enter the best international universities once they graduate.
   
2. In addition to teaching in French, the school offers intensive English courses, with the aim of making students bilingual at an early age.
   
3. The setting is very stimulating, with libraries and sports facilities.
   
4. Cultural, artistic and sports clubs enable students to develop their talents and fulfill their potential outside the classroom.
   
5. Fees are reasonable for an AEFE-approved school:
   
   • Kindergarten and primary: 37,000 to 45,000 AED (~9,400 to 11,500 €).
     
   • Middle and high schools: 52,000 to 66,000 AED (~€13,200 to €16,800).
     

Its drawbacks

1. For families living in Dubai, distance can be an obstacle, although some transport services are available to get there.
   
2. The international focus can sometimes reduce immersion in the French language and culture.
   
3. As with many popular establishments, enrolment at LTM requires advance planning to guarantee a place.
   

#10 - Dubai College (DC)

Its advantages

1. Dubai College prepares its students for GCSE and A-Level examinations with results that are among the best in the region. As a result, students are well equipped to enter the world's top universities.
   
2. Although based on the British curriculum, the DC attracts students of many nationalities.
   
3. The campus boasts modern laboratories, libraries, impressive sports facilities and even theaters.
   
4. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, art projects and team sports. As a result, they develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
   
5. As usual, registration fees are affordable:
   
   • Middle school (years 7 to 9): 29,735 AED (~€7,400).
     
   • High school (years 10 to 13): AED 33,670 (~€8,400).
     

Its drawbacks

1. For families looking for complete immersion in the French system, this school will not be suitable. However, it remains an excellent international alternative.
   
2. Due to its reputation, Dubai College is highly selective, which can make admission difficult for newcomers.
   
3. Although international openness is present, the framework remains largely oriented towards a British-style education.
   

Choose your children's future school!

Congratulations, you've just discovered the TOP 10 French high schools in Dubai, with all their advantages and disadvantages. Now you have a clear vision of how to make the best choice for your children's educational needs.

So why not take the opportunity to go even further with your installation? At DRN, we know that a good education and an ideal home go hand in hand. That's why our team of French-speaking experts is ready to help you buy, rent or manage your future property. If you're ready to take the plunge, contact our agency today! Once it's done, our team will take care of everything, while you concentrate on your family's future. Your next chapter begins here, with us!