International & Bilingual Schools
SPRINT’s main objective as seen in our By-law Article 2 is to support English-speaking children and their families who currently reside or are relocating to France by assisting them to integrate into French life and within the international community. SPRINT provides advice, professional and social resources, as well as helps facilitate a child’s transition to a new culture and their integration into a school.
SPRINT collects and shares information about inclusive and supportive school programs.
As many parents ask for information regarding which school would be a good fit for their child, it’s important that through surveys, visits, and discussions that SPRINT keeps their school information up to date to provide the most accurate information to prospective families.
The schools that we work with are 'school members' of SPRINT. This means that they pay a yearly fee in exchange for various services: SPRINT can inform teachers on new techniques, give support in integrating children with special needs, organise talks on a variety of topics for them, give support for school staff in addressing challenging situations with children, and much more. School members can also have a representative participate in all SPRINT meetings.
Following a visit by two dedicated SPRINT members to visit the schools and hear more about how they work and what challenges they are facing, we then create a support plan that includes one tailored workshop that is included in their membership fee. Workshops can be expanded into further training, if needed, at an additional cost. The workshops could cover any number of topics that would be most useful to the school.
Our hope is that by offering support in this manner, schools will have more strategies to use as well as the names and contacts of professionals for ongoing support.
School Members of SPRINT France
Here is a simple yes/no question grid which recapitulates in brief the capacities and policies of each school concerning children with special needs. Below this grid, you will find a drop-down menu for each school in which there is complementary information to expand on the brief answers.
Here are the individual drop-down menus for each school with more complete answers and contact details.
Click on the school name to access the information.
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Their own description: ISP is a non-profit organization, founded in 1964, and still governed today by the parents of our students. Our vison is: educating for complexity, and our mission is: as the leading International Baccalaureate World School in France, we prepare our students to engage with and succeed in a complex world. To fulfil our vision and mission, we believe that student well-being is critical. We want children to be nurtured, supported, and to develop a natural enthusiasm for learning. We have a team of staff explicitly dedicated to student well-being: vice principals at both the primary and secondary levels, full-time nurses, counsellors, and learning support. This team, alongside all members of the teaching community, strive to enable students to develop skills such as agility, imagination, and critical thinking. Lastly, we aim to encourage a mind-set where challenges and setbacks are seen as exciting learning opportunities.
Website: https://www.isparis.edu
Address: 6, rue Beethoven, 75016 Paris
Email: admissions@isparis.edu
Answers to the questions in detail:
1/ Do you accept students with special needs?
Yes: learning variances.2/ Do you offer onsite learning support?
Yes.3) If not, can specialists gain access to students in your school to provide services?
Yes.4) Are AVS / AESH / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) welcome?
If a current student is recommended one, then we support an AVS; however, this is something that is privately hired by the students' family.5) Are teachers encouraged to accommodate/ modify curriculum to meet student’s needs?
Yes; special seating, larger fonts, check ins, modified work requirements and guidelines.6) Does your school provide training for your teachers / staff to accommodate your disabled students?
Yes; IB relevant workshops, presentations from staff and outside specialists on professional development days, and SPRINT workshops.7) Does your school have an inclusion policy?
Not yet.8) Does your school have a parent contact that can offer advice for prospective parents with children that have special needs?
No. -
Their own description: ISL is a value-driven school. We recently redefined our Vision, Values and Mission in consultation with our staff, parents, students and governing board. We strive to live by this main principle on a daily basis in everything we do, both in and out of class. Our mission is to develop curious, responsible and independent lifelong learners who work actively to help shape their diverse communities.
Website: https://www.islyon.org
Address: 80 Chem. du Grand Roule, 69110 Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon
Email: info@islyon.org
Answers to the questions in detail:
1/ Do you accept students with special needs?
Yes: Learning disorders, Behavioral issues, Emotional disorders2/ Do you offer onsite learning support?
Yes.3) If not, can specialists gain access to students in your school to provide services?
Yes.4) Are AVS / AESH / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) welcome?
Yes. If paid for by parents.5) Are teachers encouraged to accommodate/ modify curriculum to meet student’s needs?
Yes, in primary and lower secondary. In exam grades, some adaptations may be possible.6) Does your school provide training for your teachers / staff to accommodate your disabled students?
Yes.7) Does your school have an inclusion policy?
Yes.8) Does your school have a parent contact that can offer advice for prospective parents with children that have special needs?
Yes. -
Their own description: We make every child a priority. It is essential for our young students to feel secure and free to explore their new school community. We help them grow and thrive, making sure their needs are met. Pre-K and Primary School students are divided into groups by language level so everyone can be appropriately challenged and receive personalized guidance.
By involving your child in their own learning, Ermitage has accepted the challenge of leading them to independence. This process takes place in French and English, as early as Primary School. Depending on their linguistic background, we will choose the best class for your child to make sure they reach middle school at their full potential.Website: https://www.ermitage.fr
Adresses: 46 Avenue Eglé, 78600 Maisons-Laffitte
Email: admissions@ermitage.fr
Answers to the questions in detail:
1/ Do you accept students with special needs?
Yes: Learning disorders, Behavioral issues, Emotional disorders.2/ Do you offer onsite learning support?
Yes.3) If not, can specialists gain access to students in your school to provide services?
No.4) Are AVS / AESH / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) welcome?
No.5) Are teachers encouraged to accommodate/ modify curriculum to meet student’s needs?
Yes (extra time, modifications to exams, preferential seating, word processor, graphic organisers, calculators).6) Does your school provide training for your teachers / staff to accommodate your disabled students?
Yes. We are starting to incorporate more training. Most recently we had two training sessions relating to anxiety/depression (signs/symptoms and strategies in the classroom).7) Does your school have an inclusion policy?
Yes.8) Does your school have a parent contact that can offer advice for prospective parents with children that have special needs?
Not yet, but we could ask. -
Their own description: At Ermitage, the heart of our work is to prepare young people for a successful and happy future. We give them the tools they need to become active participants in their own education. With a foundation built on academic excellence, internationalism and community support, Ermitage students gain admission to the best universities and go out into the world with purpose.
The International Baccalaureate programs are part of a world-renowned education framework, recognized by top universities across the globe. The student-led approach aims to develop inquisitive, knowledgeable and caring young people, ready to face the future.
Website: https://www.ermitage.fr
Adresses: 46 Avenue Eglé, 78600 Maisons-Laffitte
Email: admissions@ermitage.fr
Answers to the questions in detail:
1/ Do you accept students with special needs?
Yes: Learning disorders, Behavioral issues, Emotional disorders.2/ Do you offer onsite learning support?
Yes.3) If not, can specialists gain access to students in your school to provide services?
Not at the moment but this might change in the coming months/years.4) Are AVS / AESH / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) welcome?
Not at the moment but this might change in the coming months/years.5) Are teachers encouraged to accommodate/ modify curriculum to meet student’s needs?
Yes. Extra time, modified/abbreviated exams, computer/spell check, speech to text/text to speech, testing in a separate room.6) Does your school provide training for your teachers / staff to accommodate your disabled students?
Yes. We have had workshops on depression/anxiety and are learning differences (signs/symptoms/interventions). We are planning on providing them with more this year.7) Does your school have an inclusion policy?
Yes.8) Does your school have a parent contact that can offer advice for prospective parents with children that have special needs?
Yes. -
Their own description: The Bilingual Montessori School of Paris is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Our teachers hold AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) diplomas. Established in 1972, the school offers a unique bilingual Montessori education for children from 2 through 12 years of age. Our commitment is to the intellectual, physical and emotional development of every child through organized educational activities. Respecting their innate curiosity and desire for independence, we create a harmonious environment that promotes work, self-discipline and a lifelong love of learning. In this way, they are prepared for transition into mainstream public, private and international schools.
Website: https://www.montessori-paris.com
Adresses: 65 Quai D'Orsay in the American Church of Paris, 75007, Paris
Email: info@montessori-paris.com
Answers to the questions in detail:
1/ Do you accept students with special needs?
Case by case.2/ Do you offer onsite learning support?
Children work at their own rhythm thanks to the multi age class and can attend remedial lessons.3) If not, can specialists gain access to students in your school to provide services?
Yes, Timetables can be adapted in collaboration with the school to allow children to attend appointments.4) Are AVS / AESH / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) welcome?
Case by case.5) Are teachers encouraged to accommodate/ modify curriculum to meet student’s needs?
The children work at their own speed in class.6) Does your school provide training for your teachers / staff to accommodate your disabled students?
Yes, in 2023-2024.7) Does your school have an inclusion policy?
No.8) Does your school have a parent contact that can offer advice for prospective parents with children that have special needs?
No. -
Their own description: The American School of Paris is a vibrant, international, family-oriented community. Our mission is to inspire and prepare every student to achieve personal and academic excellence as an engaged global citizen by providing a challenging, innovative program within a compassionate environment.
Website: https://www.asparis.org/academics/support
Adresses: 41 Rue Pasteur, Saint Cloud, 92210
Email: communications@asparis.fr
Answers to the questions in detail:
1/ Do you accept students with special needs?
Yes. Learning disorders, Physical disability (requiring elevators, ramps, etc.), Behavioral issues, Emotional disorders.2/ Do you offer onsite learning support?
Yes.3) If not, can specialists gain access to students in your school to provide services?
Yes.4) Are AVS / AESH / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) welcome?
Yes.5) Are teachers encouraged to accommodate/ modify curriculum to meet student’s needs?
The Learning Support staff provides specific, academic intervention based on student needs. In addition, we work with teachers to implement strategies in the classroom to create an optimal learning experience for every child. Our goal is for students to become independent, lifelong learners. Areas targeted for specialized instructional and accommodations include, but are not limited to: social-emotional growth, reading, writing, mathematics, core-content instruction, time management, organization, self-advocacy, study skills, and learning strategies.6) Does your school provide training for your teachers / staff to accommodate your disabled students?
Yes - Visiting Experts in Reading & Math also included ways to support students with Dyslexia & Dyscalculia.7) Does your school have an inclusion policy?
Yes.8) Does your school have a parent contact that can offer advice for prospective parents with children that have special needs?
No. -
Their own description: L'Ecole Koenig combines an American music conservatory and a bilingual American preschool & kindergarten around a common vision: rethink education for the 21st century around music.
Our school provides accessible, natural, and joyful learning—this is how we prepare children to take their places in the Orchestra of Humankind. For children to learn and grow, they must feel a sense of belonging. Teaching them to be respectful, inclusive, safe, and encouraging to their friends is a joint effort between the school and each family.We feel that open communication lines between home and school are essential in each child's experience. This promotes a clear and consistent climate that is conducive to learning. We are dedicated to the well-being of the children and their achievements; therefore, we encourage all our families to contact us if they have any queries: together, we can make a difference.
Website: https://www.ecolekoenig.com/
Adresses: 33 rue Fondary, 75015 Paris.
Email: info@ecolekoenig.com
Answers to the questions in detail:
1/ Do you accept students with special needs?
Yes. Learning disorders, Physical disability (requiring elevators, ramps, etc.), Behavioral issues, Emotional disorders.2/ Do you offer onsite learning support?
No.3) If not, can specialists gain access to students in your school to provide services?
Yes.4) Are AVS / AESH / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) welcome?
Yes.5) Are teachers encouraged to accommodate/ modify curriculum to meet student’s needs?
Yes, our teachers work closely with Jessica Lament (Sprint France member and vice-president).6) Does your school provide training for your teachers / staff to accommodate your disabled students?
Yes, they are trained by Jessica Lament.7) Does your school have an inclusion policy?
No.8) Does your school have a parent contact that can offer advice for prospective parents with children that have special needs?
No.
For more information on how to choose the right bilingual school for your child, SPRINT France would like to share this short but very complete article written by EKIPP (Extraordinary Kids In Paris and Parents too), our sister association, which touches on many key questions to keep in mind when researching.
Information for schools:
School memberships are 180 euros for the academic year. Staff from the school are welcome to attend meetings, be on the mailing list and receive information. These individuals will also be on the membership list of SPRINT schools. Schools do not have the right to vote for the administration of SPRINT.
If you are a school and would like to join SPRINT, you can watch the video below. SPRINT France works in partnership with member schools to help improve services for special needs kids. This presentation aims to outline more information about how this partnership works .
Please do not hesitate to contact our secretary for more information: secretary.sprintfrance@gmail.com