Notre-Dame International High School (NDIHS) offers a unique educational experience that blends an American high school curriculum with deep immersion in French language and culture.
Located within a French school, the programme provides students with a U.S. high school diploma and AP classes, with all the benefits of being part of a wider French school community. We spoke with school Admissions Officer, Céline Gibassier, to find out more about what makes the school stand out and how it offers a truly bicultural education.
What makes Notre-Dame International High School unique compared to other international schools in France?
Notre-Dame International High School stands out through its bilingual and bicultural approach, combining a U.S. college preparatory curriculum with immersion into French language and culture. Set within the French school Notre-Dame “Les Oiseaux“, NDIHS offers an intimate, diverse, and supportive community where students from over 20 nationalities thrive academically and personally. This dual-identity allows students to benefit from an American-style education while discovering the French educational culture.
How does being integrated into a large French school campus enhance the student experience?
NDIHS students share a 13-hectare campus with over 3,000 French students, attending the French curriculum (Kindergarten to French Baccalauréat). This unique integration fosters daily interaction between international and local students, providing a natural environment for language learning and cultural exchange. It also gives access to top-tier French facilities, such as modern science labs, arts and music rooms, a new cafeteria, and athletic fields—all within a historical setting.
How does the school help students from an international background engage with local French students and immerse themselves in French culture?
Students engage in French language classes from beginner level up to AP French and have the option to take official French exams like the DELF. Additionally, cultural integration is supported through cultural excursions, clubs shared with French students such as our Model UN club, sports activities on campus and French host family stays during breaks. Being part of the wider French school community also means participating in shared events, clubs, and daily life with French peers, fostering true cultural immersion.
What kind of American curriculum does the school offer, and how does it prepare students for university?
NDIHS delivers a rigorous U.S. high school curriculum accredited by COGNIA (NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI), focusing on critical thinking, inquiry, and communication. With small class sizes, individualised attention, French language lessons, and AP subjects, students build strong academic portfolios.
Do graduates typically continue their studies in the USA, France, or other countries?
Graduates pursue higher education around the globe—in the USA, France, UK, Canada, Switzerland, and beyond. Alumni have been accepted at institutions like University of California, Parsons Paris, IESEG France, EM Lyon, MODART Paris, Sciences Po Menton, Kings College London, or even American University of Beirut (see current list). The diversity of university destinations reflects the global readiness of NDIHS students.
How does the school support students who wish to maintain both French and American academic pathways?
Students benefit from a hybrid approach: the American curriculum is complemented with French language and culture programmes, enabling smoother transitions to French universities. Students may also live with French host families and participate in intensive French immersion programmes during school breaks, helping them meet French university language requirements.
What level of French proficiency do students need when they join, and how does the school support those with little or no French?
There is no minimum French level required upon entry. NDIHS offers French language instruction starting from beginner level, ensuring all students progress at their own pace. The immersive environment—through classes, cultural trips, and interaction with French students—further accelerates language acquisition.
How does the combination of American and French educational influences shape the overall teaching approach at Notre Dame International High School?
The blend creates a well-rounded, global education. American-style teaching promotes inquiry, participation, and creativity, while the French influence instills structure, critical analysis, and cultural awareness. The bicultural faculty and international student body reinforce an atmosphere of mutual respect and open-mindedness.
What extracurricular activities and cultural excursions do you offer the students?
NDIHS students enjoy school clubs, such as Interconnection, or the Model UN club, cultural field trips, and extracurricular programmes that evolve based on student interests. Students are encouraged to propose and lead clubs themselves. During breaks, optional trips to cities like Lyon, Montpellier, or Rouen offer intensive French classes and cultural immersion.
Can you tell us more about the school campus in Verneuil-sur-Seine?
Located just 35 minutes from Paris, the campus is nestled in a historic park with modern facilities. It offers an inspiring learning environment with outdoor sports fields, indoor gyms, labs, arts and music rooms, and cozy dormitories. The Château de Verneuil, with centuries of history, adds a unique charm to everyday school life.
How does being located so close to Paris enhance students’ educational and cultural experiences?
Proximity to Paris opens up unmatched cultural, academic, and recreational opportunities. Students regularly visit museums, attend performances, and explore world-class heritage sites. It’s also a gateway to networking with universities, attending language exams, and discovering the vibrant multicultural capital of France.
What kind of support does the school offer to new students, especially from families relocating to France?
NDIHS provides personalised onboarding with academic counselling, arrival orientation, wellness services, insurance, visa, transfers, and help navigating the French environment. Students are offered boarding or host family accommodations, based on age and maturity. Host families are carefully selected and provide an authentic cultural experience.
How involved are parents in the school community?
Parents are welcome to be actively involved. That being said, most of our parents live abroad and are not involved in daily life on campus. We are thus very pleased to welcome them for individual visits at any time during the school year and at the end of the school for the Graduation Ceremony. The school fosters open communication and invites families to participate in events, meetings, and celebrations whenever possible. Regular updates and opportunities for parent-teacher engagement ensure that families are informed and involved in their child’s educational journey.
What advice would you give to families considering NDIHS for their children?
We encourage families to view NDIHS not only as a school but as a truly intercultural experience—a gateway to international opportunities, new languages, lifelong friendships worldwide, and personal growth. Families should consider their child’s interest in cultural discovery, academic ambition, and willingness to adapt to a unique international setting. A visit to the campus can offer valuable insight into our warm and inspiring community.
To find out more about Notre-Dame International High School, visit their website.
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