Notre Dame International High School
Description of Notre Dame International High School
- Location: France, Verneuil-sur-Seine, suburb of Paris
- Age of students: 15-18 years old
- Educationl programs: studying in 10-12 grades
- Number of students: about 3000 people
- Fondation year: 1929, New Office was open in 2010
- Type of studying: mixed
- Accommodation: boarding house - from 16 years, family - from 15 years
- Price: from 12990 euros per semester full board
- Ranking: prestigious boarding school, one of the few in France where American and French secondary education programs are offered.
Notre Dame International High School is a private American high school with an impeccable reputation and one of the prestigious colleges in Paris. The private school of Notre Dame is located in 38 kilometers from the center of Paris. The school is located on the campus of the educational institution Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux in the resident village of Verneuil-sur-Seine
American and French specialists work at the school, who read disciplines from the subject groups of linguistics (English), the exact sciences (mathematics), social studies, natural sciences. French teachers teach art, music, physical education.
Education at Notre Dame International High School allows students to qualitatively prepare for admission to American and French universities. At school, students learn not only academic literacy, they are motivated to achieve high goals, they bring up love for knowledge, responsibility and develop important social skills.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Notre Dame International High School
US High School diploma in France requirements correspond with the NCA guidelines for college preparatory schools and meet or exceed the Minnesota state graduation standards.
Students must submit complete, translated academic transcripts for each year of high school in order to be considered as a candidate for a US High School graduation.
48 semester credits are required for an American High School diploma:
- 8 LANGUAGE ARTS CREDITS
- 6 MATHEMATICS CREDITS
- 7 SOCIAL STUDIES CREDITS
- 6 SCIENCE CREDITS
- 2 PHYSICAL EDUCATION CREDITS
- 1 HEALTH CREDIT
- 2 FINE /PERFORMING ARTS CREDITS
- 1 TECHNOLOGY CREDIT
- 6 FOREIGN LANGUAGE CREDITS (4 IN THE SAME LANGUAGE)
- 9 ELECTIVE CREDITS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All graduating students must have one of the following exams and scores to prove their English level:
- TOEFL- 80 or above
- SAT - 450 or above on the Critical Reading Section
- ACT- 18 or above on the English Section
International students who have fulfilled the following requirements are eligible to receive a US high school diploma in France from Notre-Dame International High School :
- Completion of an equivalent of four years of high school;
- Completion of the above academic credits;
- Proven proficiency in English;
- Attendance at Notre-Dame International High School for a minimum of two semesters.
Note: Some students start classes in the school with lower English language skills that may require additional ESL classes to meet English language standard and graduate.
IB Diploma Program
- Age: 15-19 years old
- Duration: 2 years.
Notre-Dame International High School is an IB World School® authorized to teach the Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate (IB). IB courses include the IB core and standard and/ or higher level courses in Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Experimental Sciences and Mathematics:
- IB English Language and Literature
- IB French and French Ab Initio
- IB History
- IB Geography
- IB Biology
- IB Math
The cost of the program:
- Grade 11: 17,990 € / year.
- Grade 12: 18,490 € / year.
French language and culture
- Age: 15-19 years old.
In addition to the American curriculum, the school offers an extensive French language and culture program as well as enrichment courses taught by French teachers. Courses administered by the French school’s faculty include:
- French language (from Beginner level)
- Art
- Music
- and Physical Education
The school arranges for students to take official French exams, such as the DELF exam, by request.
During school breaks (fall, winter and spring breaks), students are given the opportunity to travel to various towns in France, such as Lyon, Rouen or Montpellier, where they will attend intensive French classes. Placements in French host families are also offered during breaks for further language and culture immersion.
French Language Course & DELF Exam
- Age - from 16 years.
Students of the school attend French lessons daily, which can be supplemented by individual and group lessons organized outside the standard schedule. Such classes follow the standards of the CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The course is aimed at training speaking, reading and writing skills, listening comprehension and improving vocabulary.
In addition to the AP exam in French, the institution recommends taking the DELF exam for which this language course prepares. DELF is a diploma of knowledge of the French language, awarded annually to those who have reached one of four levels:
- DELF A1: guarantees basic knowledge: the student can talk about himself and his immediate environment.
- DELF A2: Recognizes the linguistic competence of the basic user. The candidate can communicate on simple topics and exchange information.
- DELF B1: the user becomes independent, can maintain interaction: understand and support the discussion, express his opinion, cope with situations that may arise in everyday life.
- DELF B2: The bearer has a certain degree of independence that allows him to come up with arguments to defend his opinion, explain his point of view and negotiate. At this level, the student speaks fluently and corrects his own mistakes, being aware of them.
The higher the level of language proficiency, the more expensive it will be to pass the exam. Students are tested on two different days at an exam center in Paris: the first test assesses writing skills and the second assesses speaking skills.
French Summer Course in Paris
- Age - from 14 to 19 years,
- Dates – August,
- The duration of training is two weeks,
- The level of the language is any.
The Summer Intensive French Course is ideal for all students wishing to continue their education in France. The program will also prepare students for studying at High School and its additional disciplines.
The camp is available to schoolchildren from 14 to 19 years old. Over the course of 13 days, students will attend 20 lessons each week. Classes are aimed at improving existing knowledge and are suitable for any initial level. Teachers choose a communicative approach, daily training conversational skills, reading and grammar, listening comprehension and vocabulary of pupils. Native teachers have many years of experience teaching children and FLE qualifications ("Teaching French as a Foreign Language").
The training takes place in the center of Paris, which gives students the opportunity to explore the sights, architectural and natural beauty of the French capital. Guided tours are organized daily, including on weekends. Students are provided with accommodation in a youth residence: half board with accommodation in dormitories.
The price of the program includes:
- Administrative fees,
- Accommodation with two meals a day: breakfasts and dinners,
- Weekday language courses and study materials,
- Guided tours of Paris and its surroundings, local transport,
- Meeting at the airport and transfers (upon arrival and departure),
- Support, assistance and a round-the-clock emergency number.
Extras:
- International air ticket,
- Travel insurance (loss of luggage, flight delay, etc.),
- The cost of visa, passport and medical examination,
- Personal expenses and pocket money,
- Lunches
- Medical insurance, civil liability insurance.
Accommodation, meals, prices
In NDIHS, foreign students are offered two options for schools in Paris accommodation:
- Host family
- Residence.
In families, students are accommodated on a full board basis. They are provided with furnished comfortable 1-2-bed rooms, complex meals, possibility of full immersion in French cultural environment.
In the residence the international students can accommodate 5 or 7 days a week on a full board basis. In the first case, the weekend students spend in the host family. Meals for those living in the residence are provided with a comprehensive nutrition (three meals a day). Rooms in the residence are double.
Subjects, specialties
Activities Notre Dame International High School
On Campus Extracurricular Activities
Following is a list of clubs/sports that are currently or have been active in the school. They include clubs that are exclusive to the American school as well as opportunities for involvement in the French school (list subject to changes).
After-school extracurricular activities change each year.
- Futsal (Indoor Soccer) practice day TBD with games on Wednesdays 12:45-1:30 ; starts week of September 14
- Tennis de table (Table Tennis) Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 12:45-1:30- starts September 14
- Demi-fond (Cross Country Running) TBD 12:45-1:30-starts September 14
- Renforcement musculaire (Weight Training) Tuesdays 12:45-1:30- starts September 16
- French Boxing- Fridays 4:30-6:30- starts September 20
The whole school theme for the year is "E3D" (Development Durable).We encourage students to sign up for activities on campus during the week. This will allow them to meet French teens, practice their French and feel integrated into their new community
International students share the same study building with their French peers and should use every opportunity to participate in social activities with them.
- Student Council
- Model UN (2 hours a week): participation to international conferences such as ILYMUN (Lyon) and INDMUN- Institut de Notre Dame in St Germain en Laye conferences;
- European Youth Debate: 8 students participate in this debate every year.
- Gazette des Oiseaux- School newspaper/blog meets during lunch.
- Atelier BD -comic strip workshop for 10th graders (9 euros a session) Wednesday or Friday sessions to sign up for.
- Arts and culture club (teacher led tours of Paris neighborhoods)
- On campus: Private music class on students' request
- Available for boarders: sports hall
All students are invited to be leaders and suggest new clubs or extracurriculars. Note that the above activities may take place if enough students participate. Join!
Advantages
- Notre Dame International High School allows students to receive an education in accordance with international standards in a bicultural environment.
- Personalized studying in small classes and groups.
- Studying art, English, mathematics, science, etc is offered.
- International, intercultural environment and bilingual education contribute to development of social, communicative skills.
- Convenient location. In a resident city with measured rhythm of life, nothing distracts students from school. Entertainment infrastructure of Paris is located in a half an hour's drive from the campus. It's an opportunity to organize interesting leisure activities during the weekend.
Facilities and equipment at Notre Dame International High School
Today, Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux welcomes a large community of approximately 3000 students (comprising French students attending a French school curriculum and about 50 international students attending an American curriculum), aged 4-20 in pre-school (Kindergarten) to post secondary education. They enjoy the facilities adapted to each age range.
Notre-Dame International High School students share those wonderful French campus facilities with their French peers. There are roughly 230 staff members including teachers, administration and maintenance staff who oversee the students and the school facilities and gardens (on a total of 14 hectares of land).
Investments are made year after year on the campus to improve and modernize the facilities offered to students (lately the cafeteria has been improved, the chateau has been renovated with a new library/media center and wing of dorm rooms). There is also a multi-year project to upgrade the facilities and improve accessibility for persons with physical disabilities.
International students attend classes in the high school building (St. Pierre).
Classrooms are close to the science labs and the common areas where students congregate during breaks and freetime.
TUITION
- CLASSROOMS DISTRIBUTED IN VARIOUS BUILDINGS DEPENDING ON AGE
- COMPUTER ROOMS
- MODERNIZED SCHOOL LIBRARIES FOR MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS
- EXCELLENT SCIENCE AND COMPUTER LABS, WITH UP TO DATE SCIENCE INSTRUMENTS.
SPORTS FACILITIES
- 2 OUTDOOR SOCCER FIELD
- 2 RUNNING PLACES OF 100 AND 350 M
- 2 INDOOR GYMNASIUMS FOR BASKETBALL, HANDBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON, INDOOR SOCCER ETC.
- 1 SPECIFIC ROOM FOR FITNESS (NO FITNESS MATERIAL AVAILABLE)
SOCIAL AND ARTS FACILITIES
- THEATER AND MUSIC ROOM
- A BRAND NEW SELF-SERVICE CAFETERIA WITH A KITCHEN ON LOCATION, SERVING VERY BALANCED AND HEALTHY FOOD (HOT LUNCH SERVICE);
- THE OPEN CAFE, OFFERING FRENCH CAKES AND PASTRIES, DONUTS, SNACKS, PIZZA, PANINI, PASTA BOX, SALADS, SANDWICHES, CHIPS, YOGURT, SODAS, WATER ETC.
- ON SITE NURSE AVAILABLE.
Admission dates and extra charges
Studying period lasts from September to June. Deadline for submission to school - May 15th.
Additional fees:
- Deposit for current school expenses 600 euro
- Advance payment of the reservation for a visa 2000 euros (upon refusal of a visa 250 euros of this amount are not refundable)
- Visa services and fees
- Admission to school services.
Extras:
- Application fee 250 EUR
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 1000 EUR
Enrolment process
Before applying, staff recommend visiting the campus or contacting the admissions office to get acquainted and clarify the details of the program. Candidates wishing to enroll in Notre Dame International High School go through several stages:
- Filling out the registration form and providing documents,
- Obtaining an official invitation for an interview and entrance examinations,
- Payment for the program and accommodation,
- The beginning of training.
Enrolment statistics
Every year, 30-50 new students are accepted into the American training program.
Perspectives
High School graduates annually enter leading educational institutions: colleges and universities around the world, including:
- University of California, Santa Cruz, USA,
- University of Ottawa, Canada,
- University of Groningen, The Netherlands,
- University of East London, UK,
- Galway Institute of Technology Mayo, Ireland,
- Bimm Institute, Germany,
- University of Toronto, Canada,
- American University in Paris, France.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Incoming foreign students must confirm their academic performance over the past two years and the level of knowledge of the English language, provide recommendations from teachers. They need to send personal documents translated into English or French: a passport, a visa for a long-term stay in France and medical insurance.
Admission is carried out on the basis of an interview and entrance examinations. You can enroll in the spring or fall semester in grades 10 and 11, but enrollment in grade 12 is possible only in the fall.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Notre Dame International High School
When my daughter was 14 years old, we seriously thought about her future career. She is fond of drawing and studies foreign languages. She wants to design clothes and find her place in the modeling business.
We considered studying in England, Italy, France. We stopped at France, because French is her second foreign language after English. For the third year she has been studying at a private school Notre Dame. She studies French, improves English, since the education here is conducted in two languages ​​- French and English. Daughter is immersed in the language environment, she lives in a family, full board. She studies program disciplines, French culture, is engaged in an art studio. She misses home, but does not want to return.
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
