Melanie Doherty
Ermitage International School of France is delighted that you’re considering our school for your child’s education.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
IB or French Bilingual: Find the programme that is right for you
Welcome to Ermitage International School, a diverse, cosmopolitan community founded in 1941 in Maisons-Laffitte, a green and peaceful retreat just 20 minutes from Paris. This stunning, historic environment gives our 1,500 students a safe and beautiful place to explore, study and socialize.
At Ermitage, we offer you the choice of a programme that suits you the best:
IB Programmes
Ermitage is an IB World School offering the innovative IB learning experience, placing students at the center of their learning experience. The IB pathway begins at age 5 with the Primary Years Programme (PYP Candidate School), leading to the Middle Years Programme and culminating in the Diploma Programme. Teaching is mainly in English, with French and other languages available.
French Bilingual Programmes
Accredited by the French Ministry of National Education from Pre-K to Grade 12, our programmes combine academic excellence with an internationally-minded approach. Several pathways are available, including the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI). Teaching is primarily in French, with strong English provision and additional languages.
Our unique campus also enables students to benefit from exceptional equestrian programmes, combining regular practice, expert coaching and competitive opportunities.
Quick summary of key school information
The school's life in pictures
School details
We have organised the information available for this school into 11 sections and 39 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
| Number of students |
1500 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
80 |
| Native English and French speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and French |
For French and English, students are organised based on their requirements to optimise the learning experience.
|
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Spanish, Mandarin, German |
| Max. number of students per class |
18 |
| Average number of students per class |
15 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
No |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Personal and school computers and laptops, interactive boards |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| External examinations or assessments available |
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, French Baccalaureate, BFI (International Option of the French Baccalaureate) |
| Results in these examinations |
100% pass rate |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Our dedicated Student Care Team, comprising a Head of Safeguarding, Pastoral Leads, Diverse Learning Needs Coordinator, Careers Adviser, School Nurse, and Psychological Counselor, collaborates to enhance student’s experiences and learning. |
| Learning support offered |
Tutoring, in class accommodations, differentiated learning, extra time allocations |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Differentiated learning inside the classroom and with homework. As well as our co-curricular activities that encourage students to develop their skills, abilities and to follow their passions. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Level test in Math and English for IB Programmes, + an interview. |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Rolling admissions |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:30 |
| School finish time |
17:00 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Primary school offers supervised care before and after the school day. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Canteen hot lunch and lunch box |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Daily afternoon activities : basketball, soccer, ping pong, volleyball, yoga, fitness, art club, science club, drama, cooking club, student council, World Scholars Cup, MUN, and more at lower, middle and upper school levels.
|
| Sports activities included |
Physical Health Education |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Mustangs soccer (girls and boys), basketball (girls and boys), volleyball (girls): inter-school competitions
|
| Facilities at the school |
Library, Science Labs, music room |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Interior gym, dance room, outdoor stadium, and sports fields. Access to the municipal swimming pool and horseback ridding clubs. |
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
11-18 years old. Boarding not mandatory. |
| Boarding facilities at the school |
5 or 7 days options |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Ermitage International School of France is a day and boarding school in a wonderfully safe and beautiful environment. We are an IB World School offering both the IB MYP (Middle Years Program) and the IB DP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Program), as well as the French Baccalaureate and the BFI (International Option for the French Baccalaureate). We strive to provide an education that stimulates the mind and develops critical thinking, while imparting the values of respect and mutual understanding, honesty and cooperation, empathy and open-mindedness.
|
| Teaching approach of the school |
Ermitage offers a student-centered approach to teaching with a focus on giving students the tools and responsibility to succeed in their school work, all while fostering student-led initiatives in and out of the classroom.
|
Why choose Ermitage?
International Baccalaureate Programmes | Ages 5-18
Ermitage International School Paris is an IB World School. We offer the innovative IB learning experience, with classes primarily in English, with the possibility of studying French and other languages at an advanced level. Our school is approved as a PYP Candidate School. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides innovative education for students aged 5 to 11, serving as an ideal gateway to our IB Middle Years (MYP | Ages 11-16) and Diploma Programme (DP | Ages 16-18).
Why choose the IB curriculum?
• The demanding IB curriculum that leads students to academic excellence through a focus on inquiry, critical thinking, empathy and independence.
• A caring community that is multicultural and open-minded.
• A diploma that is recognised worldwide, providing access to the best universities in France or abroad.
French Bilingual Programmes | Ages 3-18
Ermitage offers French and bilingual instruction from Maternelle to Terminale (Pre-K to 12th grade) with a true commitment to academic excellence. These programmes are accredited by the National Ministry of Education.
One of our key objectives is for students to master both French and English. The Ermitage team has developed an approach to teaching that considers the needs of each individual so everyone can work together to reach success.
Our programmes lead students to their final accomplishment: the French baccalaureate. The diploma can be completed in French or students can choose the American section of the international option baccalaureate.
Boarding
Ermitage offers an idyllic location for a boutique boarding experience. Students quickly feel at home when they join our supportive community.
Our residents, aged 11 to 18, come from around the world to live together in our historic French homes. Ermitage boarding houses offer a safe haven for students to learn and grow together.
Our kind and caring staff is always on hand to support and look after our boarders. They gain self-sufficiency, organizational skills and an ability to share their space and experiences. Boarding prepares students to become valuable community members throughout their lives.
Our Campus
Choosing a school where you feel at home is an important first step in guaranteeing academic success.
This green haven is an exceptional place to live, close to the center of town with all its conveniences and a château that was once a favorite of the kings of France. Since 1941, this park has been the inspirational backdrop for our campus. It started with one emblematic home, then expanded to other historic and traditional French buildings as we grew together at Ermitage.
Today, our campus brings life to an entire section of this gorgeous park and stands out as a recognizable cornerstone of the city. It gives our students the space and safety to move about independently and come into their own.
Check out the campus in this interactive virtual tour.
Sports & activities
At Ermitage, we believe sports are more than just games, they are a key part of education and personal growth. Regular physical activity helps students build resilience, confidence, and balance, while fostering discipline, focus, and teamwork that support academic success. Find more information about our sports here.
Beyond sports, extracurricular activities enrich student life by offering opportunities to explore, create, and grow beyond the classroom. Designed to nurture curiosity and collaboration, these programmes combine academics, arts, athletics, and community engagement. Guided by dedicated teams and strong partnerships, students develop new skills, pursue their passions, and thrive in a supportive environment. You will find more information about our extracurricular activities here.
Get in contact with the Admissions team
News & Articles about the School
We are very happy with our experience at Ermitage International School, where our son is now in his second year.
The IB progr...
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↳ Reply from Ermitage International School
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful message.
We are truly delighted to hear about your son’s positive experienc...
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April 2026
This is our first year at Ermitage and my child is thriving. My child has always loved school, but has not had the best exper...
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↳ Reply from Ermitage International School
Thank you for your kind feedback and for your trust in Ermitage International School Paris during this first year.
We are ple...
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April 2026
I have 3 kids in the school, at different levels, we have been following the IB program for years now and they are all very h...
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↳ Reply from Ermitage International School
Thank you for your feedback and for your trust in Ermitage International School Pais.
We are delighted to hear that your chil...
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April 2026
There is 1 more review