Lycee Francais de Chicago

Former student here, completed the French Bac program. Teaching-wise, I wholeheartedly believe that I could not have learned some of the amazing topics and work ethic at another school in Chicago. I think the LFC drives curiosity and some of the smartest and kindest students I have ever known have come from here. There are a mix of teachers --some encouraging, some extremely unmotivated. The rigor is no joke for either the Bac or IB. Students are used to writing long papers and developing their thoughts very well... an unparalleled quality I have noticed over the years. Your child will truly grow to be an open-minded and driven individual. Critical thinking is very much part of the takeaways. Some areas of focus though I do not think are well supported at all. The music and theatre departments are woefully unequipped. Try some outside orchestras, choirs, and clubs because there is NO AUDITORIUM. There are excellent theatre, jazz, and classical orchestras in every other school except this one. When I was attending the artsy students were outcast but that may have changed. Lastly, I know some students (and teachers!) that have felt very unwelcome or were bullied out of jealousy, lower economic status, or just for dressing and expressing themselves in a unique way. Some professors and deans were helpful in that regard, but they have left back to France. In all you might be surprised by the quality of the fabulous, fabulous teachers of the school and the program itself -- or underwhelmed in some other aspects, just like any other school.

This school is simply not for everyone. If you are looking for nothing more than a springboard to an ivy league college, this school is not for you (although there are a fair amount of students that are accepted into ivy league schools). However, if you are looking for a school that is unique, has a broad worldview (read not American centric) and wonderful teachers, the Lycee is for you. An added bonus is there is no religious nonsense here which is hard to avoid in many Chicago schools. My son recently graduated with a bilingual IB. He was at the school for 14 years. He was accepted to all but one college he applied to. Several are in the top 25 worldwide. He speaks French and Spanish. He is a caring, kind and smart young man. I credit the Lycee for much of that. Some parents get hung up on how the school treats them rather than their children. They miss the point. Yes, money talks here, but it does everywhere. We were certainly not part of the moneyed crowd, but that made zero difference in how my son was treated. All in all, if you are looking for a unique school with wonderful teachers and a great worldview, the Lycee is for you.

Our experience has been incredibly enriching and special. Our children, given their educational journey at the Lycée thus far through middle school, are bilingual, curious, empathetic and critical thinking individuals. They, and we as parents, have been fortunate to make friends with families from all over the world and locally from Chicago and in the process they benefit from a robust academic program that is preparing them for top flight universities in the U.S. AND abroad.

Our family has travelled and lived in many different places around the world over the past 20 years and we have therefore been able to experience several Lycées so far - the Lycée Français de Chicago is clearly our best School experience so far ! thanks you so much - we are so grateful for what you offer to our kids.

Excellent and unique, caring and happy, balanced