| Grade | 7th Middle School Cycle | 8th Middle School Cycle | 9th Middle School Cycle | 10th Secondary Seconde | 11th Secondary Premiére | 12th Secondary Terminale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Geometry | Algebra 1 | Algebra 2 | Calculus or Advanced Math | ||
| Science (The science order may differ, but it will be marked clearly.) | Biology/ Physics Blended Consider: Biology | Biology/ Chemistry Blended Consider: Chemistry | Physics/ Chemistry Earth & Space Consider: Physics & Earth & Space Science | Advanced Science | Advanced Science | |
| Social Studies | World Geography | Country- Specific History Consider: SPTSS | Civic Education Consider: SPTSS | Country- Specific History Consider: SPTSS | World Topics Consider: SPTSS | |
| Regional Language (e.g., French) | *French 2 | French 2 or 3 | Consider: Advanced French | Consider: Advanced French | Consider: Advanced French | |
| Foreign Language (English) | Vocabulary Conversation | Vocabulary, Grammar, Conversation, Reading, Writing | Vocabulary, Grammar, Conversation, Reading, Writing **Consider: English 1 | Vocabulary, Grammar, Conversation, Reading, Writing | Vocabulary, Grammar, Conversation, Reading, Writing | Vocabulary, Grammar, Conversation, Reading, Writing |
| Foreign Language (language other than English/ French | 3rd Language | 3rd Language | ||||
| Technology | BUIM 1 | BUIM 1 | ||||
| Fine Arts (Clearly defined as to which fine arts; usually multiple fine arts taken) | Art 1 / Music 1 | Art 2 / Music 2 | ||||
| P.E. | P.E. | P.E. | P.E. |
*Should have had consistent schooling with minimal gaps in education
**Assuming English is at a Novice Mid to Novice High Level
School Year: September to June | Compulsory Education: 1st-10th | Graduation: 1st – 12th
| School | French Translation | Grade | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary School Cycle | école | 1st-5th | 6 to 10 years old |
| Middle School Cycle | collége | 7th-9th 6éme – 11 to 12 years old 5éme – 12 to 13 years old 4éme – 13 to 14 years old 3éme – 14 to 15 years old | 11 to 15 years old |
| Secondary Education | 3 Tracks: lycée general, lycée technique, or a lycée professionsl | 10th-12th Seconde (CAP, BEP) – 15 to 16 years old Premiére (CAP, BEP) – 16 to 17 years old Terminale (BAC) – 17 to 18 years old | 15 to 18 years old |
| France Scale 1 | U.S. Equivalent | U.S. Numerical Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | A | 98 |
| 14.5-14.99 | A- | 92 |
| 14.0-14.49 | B+ | 88 |
| 13.5-13.99 | B | 85 |
| 13.0-13.49 | B- | 80 |
| 12.0-12.99 | C+ | 78 |
| 11.5-11.99 | C | 75 |
| 11.0-11.49 | C | 72 |
| 10.5-10.99 | D+ | 72 |
| 10.0-10.49 | D | 70 |
| <10 | F | 69 |
Frane Education Practice:
The French don’t necessarily expect children to have “fun” at school. Sports and creative activities are encouraged, but generally organized by community or private associations, not by the schools (“Expat Guide to France | Expatica” 2019).
French schooling is free and mandatory from ages six to 16, although the majority of French children start earlier. Another two years of study are required if a student is to sit for the “baccalauréat” exam, which must be passed to enter the university. Class sizes tend to be large, with one teacher for some 30 or more students (“Expat Guide to France | Expatica” 2019).
U.S. Educator Implications:
Students from France may find it difficult to transition from a rigid learning environment to one that promotes creativity and imagination. Although academically students may be strong, social-emotional considerations should be made to ensure a holistic approach to supporting the student. Promoting a safe and positive classroom will be essential for student success.
Strategies for Transition
