Admissions

Step 1: Read our Admission Policy

Your school year in France starts here. 

Rolling admission policy: we currently consider applicants for the school year 2024/2025. Visa students must apply at the very latest 4 months before school starts. We advise early applications.

The school welcomes international students capable of following a program with the language of instruction being English:

• Grade 10 (fall and spring intake, semester students also eligible): Admission is based primarily on the completed student application which includes a review of previous school records and teacher recommendations.
• Grade 11 (fall and spring intake, semester students also eligible): Admission is based primarily on the completed student application which includes a review of previous school records and teacher recommendations.
• Grade 12 (fall semester students eligible): admission in 12th Grade is limited and subject to academic eligibility. Please inquire. Besides the completed application form, an interview with a member of the staff as well as an essay may also be required. Students must have strong English writing and speaking skills to integrate a Grade 12. Students should expect a rigorous academic curriculum with the space and time to develop strong study skills and the attributes of the  learner profile in a quiet and serene setting.

Age requirement: Students from 14/15 to 18 years old may be admitted to study at Notre Dame International High School.

Academic Requirements

Notre Dame International High School is a unique program that offers students a rare opportunity to interact with students from around the world in a college-preparatory setting. We feel strongly that young people are better prepared for their future careers by learning to succeed in a diverse environment. As an international school in Paris Greater Area, our American school is perfect for students:

• Who are interested in pursuing careers with an international focus,
• Who wants to attend college in the US or a French University,
• And those who have a passion for travel, culture, and language.

Applicants to our international school in the Paris Greater Area:

• Are high-achieving, motivated students with a proven academic record;
• Are committed to studying while in the program;
• Have not yet graduated from high school in their home country (unless they are planning to attend college in the US);
• Are proficient in English: please note that a strong prior English language program may be arranged for students in need to provide students with intermediate English skills with the necessary English ability to earn high school credits; French prior knowledge is not mandatory but French lessons will be introduced on arrival. Students are also invited to attend a French summer course in Paris.
• Are interested in learning about cultures of the world including American and French education and culture;
• Are comfortable interacting with people from different cultures;
• Plan to pursue higher education (either in the US, in France or abroad);
  are flexible and capable of integrating with a host family;
• May have other talents and abilities (sports, music, art, etc.) that will contribute to the community's life of this international school.

The school reserves the right to reject an application that we feel does not meet the criteria for admission that we have set.

Each applicant must be made aware of the following:

• This is an academic program. All students are required to enroll in a full course of study including classes in math, social studies, English, science and foreign language regardless of the length of their program.
• We are a school trained in working with an international student body. This means that there are students from all over the world. Being a school with a large international student body, we provide a unique opportunity for a student to receive a first-class American education while interacting with students from around the world.
• Students are required to be accepting of cultural differences and sensitive to the feelings of others. Any form of racism, bullying, or harassment will not be tolerated in our international school.
• Our international school students are not allowed to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or do drugs, regardless of their age and laws in their home country.

Step 2: Discover our American high school program in Paris

Learn more about us! Call us on 0033 9 70 40 79 22 on school days, book a Google Meet Call, or contact us via email. You may also visit our school. 

Personalized School Visit

Learn firsthand the benefits of a Notre-Dame International High School education with a personalized visit to our campus. During this visit, you will be able to meet the educational team and visit the classes, the boarding school, and the campus.

Notre-Dame International High School offers the chance to any prospective applicant to come to school and spend some hours with our students as a shadowing student. Parents and children will also be able to meet with the School Principal or Teachers.
Contact us via our contact form to arrange your visit.

Step 3: Apply to study at Notre-Dame International High School

Please download the specific application form of Notre-Dame International High School. Note that the complete application package is available via email on request.

Do not forget to add your:

• Boarding Accommodation
• Homestay Accommodation
• Contract

Placement decisions are made by the administration and are based on a number of factors that may include:

• Interview,
• Recommendations,
• Transcripts of grades.

Students are placed in classes that are appropriate for their skill level, curriculum and interests.

All students, including international students who are not planning to graduate from our international school near Paris must be enrolled in a full course of study at all times.

Step 4: Pay your Tuition and Accommodation fees

The Headmaster will assess your application and decide on admission. We will send the final response to the parents as soon as the corresponding decision has been taken.
If you are admitted at Notre-Dame International High School, you will receive your Admission Letter and Fee Invoice. Confirm your application while paying your school tuition and accommodation fees. 

Housing options:

Download our accommodation options:

Step 5: Apply for your French student visa

If you have a passeport of a country of the European Union, you will not need to apply for a French Student visa. 

If you do not have a passeport of a country of the European Union, you will need to apply for a French Student visa. Our Admission Office will assist you with this process. 
Learn more about the French Student Visa for Minor Schooled Students. 

Step 6: Prepare your arrival in Paris

School Calendar 2024/2025

Arrival for dorm and homestay students is early September 2024 with all students attending orientation on the first day.  Chaperoned transfer from/to a Paris airport to/from the international school is arranged on first arrival and last departure only. Group transfers by minibus are usually available on official arrival and departure dates. Transfer via public transportation is used on other days.

Chaperoned transfers for school holidays available on request. Please inquire.

School year 2024/2025

Arrival day for dorm and homestay students: September 1 2024
First Day of School: September 2 2024
Fall holidays: Friday, October 18 after 12:35-Monday, November 4, 8:35
Christmas holidays: Friday, December 20 after 12:35 – Monday, January 6, 8:35
End of the fall semester: January 19 2025
Spring semester arrivals: January 20 2025
Winter holidays: Friday, February 14 after 12:35 – Monday, March 3, 8:35
Spring holidays: Friday, April 11 after 12:35 – Monday, April 28, 8:35
Departure day: June 18 2025

Major school breaks are as follows:

• All Saints (la Toussaint): Fall
• Christmas (Noël)
• Winter (hiver)
• Spring (printemps)
• Summer (été), two months starting end of June

Download the current school calendar!