CIPEC International School is a bilingual primary school located near Aix-en-Provence. The school welcomes children aged 3 to 11 in a warm, international environment where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand.
With families representing more than 35 nationalities, CIPEC offers a truly international community where children grow up surrounded by different cultures, languages and perspectives.
The school follows an integrated bilingual approach combining elements of the French and English national curricula. Students learn in both languages every day, allowing them to develop strong academic foundations while becoming confident bilingual communicators. This dual system also provides flexibility for families whose children may later continue their education in France, the UK or other international systems.
A distinctive feature of CIPEC’s educational approach is the organisation of the school day. Mornings are dedicated to core academic subjects – mathematics, French and English – when students’ concentration is at its highest. Afternoons focus on sport, creative activities and the humanities, including history, geography, philosophy and the arts.
This balance reflects the school’s belief that education in the age of artificial intelligence must combine strong intellectual foundations with creativity, critical thinking and human understanding. CIPEC aims to develop both analytical skills and the human qualities that technology cannot replace.
| Number of students |
180 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
31 |
| Most common nationality |
French and English |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
50%/50% |
| Native English and French speaking teachers |
Yes, always |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and French |
Yes, we have 2 or 3 subgroups (beginners, intermediate, native) in French and English for each level. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
German, Spanish, Dutch, Chinese, Arabic, Hebrew |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
16 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes, for Kindergarten |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Only teachers use it during normal classes. We don't think it is appropriate for young children.
|
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
We did it during Covid or we do it when a child is ill and must stay at home. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| External examinations or assessments available |
French student take the Cambridge exams and Non-French students take the Alliance Française DELF exams |
| Results in these examinations |
95% success |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
A little bit but the school organise a study period and a tutoring period during which the students can do the homework with the help of a teacher |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
No more than 15 to 30min per day |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
A experienced teacher is available to work in small groups (less than 5) sometimes |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The teachers can give them different exercices and they can jump earlier to the next class |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Not at school. But we are in relation with some and often put them in contact with the families. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
No but we review the progress reports |
| Waiting list |
It depends on the year |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Registrations are received as of 2 years before the expected date and registrations are closed when there is no more space. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, if there is space available (a few families move abroad during the school year for professional reasons). |
| School start time |
8:45 |
| School finish time |
16:25
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, tutoring from 16:25 to 17:00, and then Smart Playtime from 17:00 to 18:00 |
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
On Wednesdays afternoons we offer "Smart Wednesdays", a multiactivities program. And during the vacations, "Smart Holidays". |
| Sports activities included |
Sport is very important with 1:30 of sport every day |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
No |
| Facilities at the school |
Our school is in the forest, on a very large space in the nature. We also have a library. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Stadium, different fields |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
CIPEC International School is an international bilingual nursery and primary school of Provence.
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| Teaching approach of the school |
Kindergarten and Primary school are fundamental in children’s social, educational and future professional lives, as well ad their personal growth. With this in mind, CIPEC teachers spend each day focusing on a common goal: to develop each pupil’s potential by giving them the tools to succeed. CIPEC's teaching methods are adapted to every child’s unique personality, interests and rhythm. |
CIPEC (Centre International pour l’Education et la Culture) was created in 1984, becoming the first bilingual, international kindergarten and primary school in Provence.
The school follows an integrated bilingual approach combining elements of the French and English national curricula. Students learn in both languages every day, allowing them to develop strong academic foundations while becoming confident bilingual communicators. This dual system also provides flexibility for families whose children may later continue their education in France, the UK or other international systems.
A distinctive feature of CIPEC’s educational approach is the organisation of the school day. Mornings are dedicated to core academic subjects – mathematics, French and English – when students’ concentration is at its highest. Afternoons focus on sport, creative activities and the humanities, including history, geography, philosophy and the arts.
This balance reflects the school’s belief that education in the age of artificial intelligence must combine strong intellectual foundations with creativity, critical thinking and human understanding. CIPEC aims to develop both analytical skills and the human qualities that technology cannot replace.
Small class sizes ensure that every child receives individual attention and support. Teachers know each student well and are able to adapt their teaching to different learning styles and needs.
Located in a peaceful natural environment close to Aix-en-Provence, CIPEC offers students the benefits of outdoor activities, a strong sense of community and a safe, supportive atmosphere in which to grow and learn.
Many families join CIPEC when relocating to the south of France, and the school provides a supportive environment that helps children settle quickly into a new country and school system.
We’re delighted that you’re considering CIPEC International School for your child’s education.
Please call or email our Admissions team, with any questions.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
