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The mission of Rochambeau is to create a multicultural learning environment built on a rigorous French curriculum accredited by the French Ministry of Education. Rochambeau also offers the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) starting in 9th grade.
Rochambeau The French International School admits qualified students of all nationalities, race, origin, or economic status to all programs and activities made available to the students by the school. Section 504 coordinator is Florence Piard.
Rochambeau, The French International school, is looking for students who:
- value a French and International education
- demonstrate age appropriate academic performance
- are motivated, positive and internationally-minded
- act in a way that is respectful of self and others
- enrich and contribute to the Rochambeau community
- believe in the Rochambeau vision, mission and values
The admissions process starts in October, one year ahead of the school year being applied for and continues on a rolling-admissions basis after the first round deadline in January. The number of spots available varies from year to year.
Priority is given to families with siblings already enrolled at Rochambeau and students coming from the AEFE network of French schools abroad.
Application form is available for the following school year in October
How to apply: details and deadlines are outlined below per level.
Enrolled students: Re-enrollment for our enrolled students opens after the board has validated the tuition and transportation fees for the following school year. Rochambeau reserves the right to deny continued enrollment or re-enrollment to any student in accordance with the Annual Tuition and Fees Contract.
- Maternelle: Nursery, Pre-K, K
- Elementary: CP/1st - CM2/5th grade
- Middle and High School, French Baccalaureate Program - 6ème / 6th - Terminale / 12th grade
- International Baccalaureate (IB) High School 9th to 12th grade
- Next steps after enrolling my child(ren) - New family Information
Maternelle: Nursery, Pre-K, K
Eligibility criteria
A student's grade level is determined by birth date. The school adheres to the French cut-off date of December 31 for all grades except TPS
- Your child must be 2 years old by September 1 to enter Nursery 1 (TPS)
- Your child must be 3 years old by December 31 to enter Nursery 2 (PS)
- Your child must be 4 years old by December 31 to enter Pre-K (MS)
- Your child must be 5 years old by December 31 to enter K (GS)
Prerequisites
- There is no language competency requirement for the Maternelle
- All applicants, except TPS (2-years old) must be toilet-trained before the school year begins
Steps to apply
- Register for a Tour: On campus and virtual tours are available as of September. Register.
- Application form : The online application includes student information, family information and a $150 non-refundable application fee. When you have submitted your fee, you will have access to your checklist to submit the required items listed below.
- Required items: Upload the following documents on your child’s checklist.
- Recent photo of your child (format JPG, PNG).
- Scan of your child's birth certificate or French "Livret de famille."
- Applicants should ask the child’s current teacher or caretaker (when applicable) to complete the Rochambeau Maternelle Evaluation Form available on the application checklist
- Skills or progress report from current school or daycare center. if available. External assessments reports if available are recommended.
- Letter of motivation by the parents outlining the reasons for applying to Rochambeau. Please elaborate on your choice of the French language and curriculum and how it fits with your child and family plans. It is important to note that attending a bilingual program requires parental commitment, especially for families who do not speak French (or English) at home. Reinforcement of the French language and French-speaking cultures outside of classroom hours is encouraged.
- Family language questionnaire - "Language passport"
4. Observation session: An observation session will be organized if your child is not currently enrolled in a French accredited daycare or school. If you live outside of the DC area, a virtual assessment will be organized.
5. Parent Interview: Interview with a member of the admissions or school director.
Admission decisions
Applications completed with all required checklist items by January 15 will receive a decision notifications by March 7th. All applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis.
If your child is accepted, you are asked to return a signed contract with the below non-refundable enrollment fees* in order to secure your child’s spot.
- First-time enrollment fee of $2,000 (this is a one-time fee per family; it is non-refundable and non-deductible from tuition fees)
- Annual registration fee per child of $1500, of which $650 is applied toward tuition.
* fees subject to change
Elementary: CP/1st - CM2/5th grade
Eligibility criteria
- Students entering 1st grade/CP must be 6 years old by December 31st or have received a “passage de niveau anticipé” from an accredited French school.
- If you are applying from a school that does not have the same age requirements, the entry grade will be determined by the student assessment, teacher evaluations, and report cards.
- French beginner speakers are eligible for enrollment via our dedicated French Immersion program in grade 1.. Students must demonstrate age-appropriate skills in English and mathematics.
- As of fourth grade (CM1), students must demonstrate age-appropriate understanding and linguistic competence in French.
- English in not a prerequisite for any grade. English beginners will be placed in a dedicated English Language Learning. (ESL).
Steps to apply
- Register for a Tour: On campus and virtual tours are available. Register.
- Application form: The online application includes student information, family information and a $150 non-refundable application fee. When you have submitted your fee, you will have access to your checklist to submit the required items listed below.
- Required items: Upload the following items on your child’s checklist.
- Photo of your child (format JPG, PNG)
- Scan of your child's birth certificate or French "Livret de famille"
- Letter of motivation by the parents outlining the reasons for applying to Rochambeau. Please elaborate on your choice of the French language and curriculum and how it fits with your child and family plans. It is important to note that attending a bilingual program requires parental commitment, especially for parents who do not speak French (or English) at home. Reinforcement of the French language and French-speaking cultures outside of classroom hours is encouraged.
- Scan of your child's previous year's report cards or evaluation reports and when available current year report cards.
- Teacher Evaluation Form: Applicants must request that child’s current teacher complete the online form. The form is sent to the teacher from the checklist.
Admissions Application Requirements
4. Assessments
- Students enrolled in a school accredited by the French Ministry of Education (Schools in France, AEFE, RMLF) are accepted based on their school records. An evaluation can be requested on a case by case basis.
- Students enrolled in a school not accredited by the French Ministry of Education, such as a local private or public US school, a French Immersion school, or a European school must validate their level of French and Math. A virtual test will be organized with a teacher. Overview of competences tested for entrance into: 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade
- French beginners applying for the French Immersion program (Grades 1) are required to submit a WPPSI-IV test (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence) or WISC-V test depending on their age. Parents and students will also have an interview with the immersion teacher (in person or online).
5. Parent Interview: Interview with a member of the admissions or school director.
Rochambeau reserves the right to request additional teacher recommendations, interviews, or require additional school work from all applicants.
Rochambeau reserves the right to offer a conditional acceptance or deny admission.
Admission decisions
Applications completed with all required checklist items by January 15 will receive a decision notifications by March 7th, at the latest. All applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis.
If your child is accepted, you are asked to return a signed contract with the below non-refundable enrollment fees* in order to secure your child’s spot.
- First-time enrollment fee of $2,000 (this is a one-time fee per family; it is non-refundable and non-deductible from tuition fees)
- Annual registration fee per child of $1500, of which $650 is applied towards tuition.
*subject to change
Middle and High School, French Baccalaureate Program - 6ème / 6th - Terminale / 12th grade
Eligibility criteria
- Students must demonstrate age-appropriate understanding and linguistic competence in written and oral French as prescribed by the French Ministry of National Education
- English proficiency is not a requirement for admission
Steps to apply
- Register for a Tour: On campus and virtual tours are available. Register.
- Application form: The online application includes student information, family information and a $150 non-refundable application fee. When you have submitted your fee, you will have access to your checklist to submit the required items listed below.
- Required items: Upload the following items on your child’s checklist.
- Photo of your child (format JPG, PNG)
- Scan of your child's birth certificate or French "Livret de famille"
- Parent letter of motivation outlining the reasons for applying to Rochambeau. Please elaborate your choice of the French language and curriculum and how it fits with your child and family's plans. It is important to note that it is a commitment and investment of time for families who do not speak French (or English) at home to choose our bilingual program. Reinforcement of the French language and French-speaking cultures outside of classroom hours is encouraged.
- Student handwritten motivation letter in French (two paragraphs maximum). It should include their academic and personal interests, and how they are maintaining their level of French (CNED, tutor...).
- Scan of your child's previous year's report cards or evaluation reports and when available current year report cards.
- If your child is applying for 11th (1ère) through 12th grade (Terminale), please note report cards for 8th (4ème) and 9th (3ème) are required.
- Teacher Rating Form: Applicants must request that child’s counselor or teacher complete the online form. The form is sent to the teacher from the checklist.
Admissions Application Requirement
4. Assessments
- Students enrolled in a school accredited by the French Ministry of Education (Schools in France, AEFE, RMLF) are accepted based on their school records. An evaluation can be requested.
- Students enrolled in a school not accredited by the French Ministry of Education, such as a local private or public US school, a French Immersion school, or a European school must validate their level of French and Math. In person test dates will be made available in February. If the family lives abroad, an arrangement will be made with an appointed agent.
5. Parent & student interview: Interview with a member of the admissions or school director.
Rochambeau reserves the right to request additional teacher recommendations, interviews, or require additional school work. Rochambeau reserves the right to offer a conditional acceptance or deny admission.
Admission decisions
Applications completed with all required checklist items by January 15 will receive a decision notifications by March 7th. All applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis.
If your child is accepted, you are asked to return a signed contract with the below non-refundable enrollment fees in order to secure your child’s spot.
- First-time enrollment fee of $2,000 (this is a one-time fee per family; it is non-refundable and non-deductible from tuition fees)
- Annual registration fee per child of $1500, of which $650 is applied toward tuition.
Enrolled students will be given an English assessment in June for class placement.
International Baccalaureate (IB) High School 9th to 12th grade
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR MYP and IB Diploma program
- Students must demonstrate average to excellent age-appropriate academic performance.
- Student must demonstrate understanding and linguistic competence in written and oral English; for foreign students: Level B2 or equivalent.
- Students must be enrolled in a French language class, or have knowledge of the French language.
- Students who wish to enter the Math HL course must be enrolled successfully in an honor Math course.
- A letter grade equivalent to a B for US students in a Honors English level class.
MYP and IB Diploma program at Rochambeau
STEPS TO APPLY
- Register for a Tour: On campus and virtual tours are available with certain restrictions. Register.
- Application form: The online application includes student information, family information and a $150 non-refundable application fee. When you have submitted your fee, you will have access to your checklist to submit the required items listed below.
- Required items: Complete the following items on your child’s application checklist:
- Photo of your child (format JPG, PNG)
- Scan of your child's birth certificate or French "Livret de famille"
- Parent letter of motivation outlining the reasons for applying to Rochambeau. Please elaborate your choice of the IB curriculum and how it fits with your child and family's plans
- Scan of your child's previous year and 1st quarter/semester for current year report cards. If applying from a US school, please submit official transcript.
- Two Teacher Evaluation Forms: Applicants must request evaluation forms from a current Math or English teacher or counselor using the online evaluation form on the checklist.
- Student Essay (250-500 words) : Based on your personal experience and the The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Learner Profile, to what extent do you believe you would be a good candidate for the IB program.
- Evaluations: A French or English assessment and/or English is required.
- Student Interview: Interview with admissions and IB coordinator.
Rochambeau reserves the right to request additional teacher recommendations, interviews, or require additional school work. Rochambeau reserves the right to offer a conditional acceptance or deny admission.
ADMISSION DECISIONS
Applications completed with all required checklist items by January 15 will receive a decision notifications by March 7th. All applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis.
If your child is admitted, you are asked to return a signed enrollment contract with the below non-refundable enrollment fees* in order to secure your child’s spot.
- First-time enrollment fee of $2,000 (this is a one-time fee per family; it is non-refundable and non-deductible from tuition fees)
- Annual registration fee per child of $1500, of which $650 is applied toward tuition.
Upon acceptance to the program, students and parents will be required to sign an Agreement of Understanding that outlines the commitment that will be expected from the IB students.
*subject to change
Next steps after enrolling my child(ren) - New family Information
Bienvenue ! Welcome!
We are very excited to welcome you to Rochambeau, The French International School.
For many of you, this will be a big change, either because you are moving to a new country, a new home, or simply a new school. We strive to accompany you through this transition with the support of the Rochambeau community.
Below is a timeline which gives you a general idea what to expect and when.
- June:
- deadline to register for transportation to ride at the start of the school year.
- New family virtual online gathering
- deadline to order books for middle and high school (6th – 12th grade).
- July/August
- Access codes to Rochambeau Parent portal and AUGUST health portal is sent to families
- Medical forms due
- End of year report cards must be submitted on your enrollment account.
- End of August (approximately a week prior to the start of school):
- New family orientation for all new students and parents.
Important Requirements
> Tuition payments: All parents must open a FACTS (US Bank) or FLYWIRE (International) account at the time of enrollment . If your employer is paying, they must also open a FACTS account. Information For all questions: facturation@rochambeau.org
> Academic Options (secondary school) Please complete the options form for students in secondary school. sent via email. Presentations will be organized for the options offered in secondary school.
> Medical information A Health certificate and immunization form are required by Maryland State law to start school: Maryland Vaccine Requirements for Children in School. Instructions and deadlines will be sent via email.
> Final report cards: All last semester/trimester report cards are to be submitted in July. For students coming from in US Middle or High school, please request an official transcript from the registrar’s office. The exeat is only required from students coming from French or AEFE schools. These documents are required for admissions.
Other useful information
> Visiting the school: Since many of our families are coming from all over the world, an orientation session is planned before the start of school. This is the best way time to discover the school and meet staff and teachers and other families. There are no visits of the campuses organized over the summer.
> Parent ambassadors: Please reach out to our parent ambassadors. They are there to help facilitate your transition to Rochambeau. For issues regarding admissions, billing, medical information or transportation, or other specific questions, please contact the Rochambeau school contact.
> Supply lists and books and summer reading: Information is posted on the back to school pages in June.
> Club activities and after school study hall or care: Registration and information will be sent in August.
> Campus
Useful sites for Francophiles
CONTACTS
Admissions: admissions@rochambeau.org
Billing: facturation@rochambeau.org
Nurse: nurse@rochambeau.org
Transportation: transportation@rochambeau.org
Books and supplies: bookstore@rochambeau.org