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Le Lycée Français de New York

Le Lycée Français de New York a officiellement ouvert ses portes en octobre 1935 Il comptait alors trois classes et 18 élèves Installé à ses débuts dans les locaux de l’Institut Français (22 East 60th Street, aujourd’hui l’Alliance), il ne s’établira dans son premier immeuble, au 3 East 95th Street, qu’en avril 1938

La création du Lycée Français fut principalement l’œuvre du Consul général de France à New York, M. Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle (voir photo ci-dessus), encouragé et soutenu par un groupe de Français et d’Américains

Tous souhaitaient doter New York d’un établissement comparable aux “grands lycées” français, dont beaucoup d’Américains admiraient la qualité et la rigueur La première question fut de savoir quel nom donner à la nouvelle institution La nouvelle école, bien qu’étant une institution privée de droit américain, prit le nom de Lycée Français : à la fois en hommage à un système d’éducation unanimement reconnu et pour affirmer son originalité dans le paysage éducatif new-yorkais

Lors de l’ouverture, en octobre 1935, le Lycée comptait 18 élèves répartis dans trois classes : la dixième (aujourd’hui le CE1), la huitième (le CP) et la sixième Les moyens financiers étaient à l’image du nombre d’élèves : 2 133,90 dollars en caisse, provenant d’une représentation théâtrale donnée par des amateurs. L’année suivante, le Lycée accueillait 69 élèves, puis 85 en 1937, 230 en 1946 et dépassa les 1 000 élèves dans les années 70

Rapidement, après que les autorités américaines - non sans quelques réticences - eurent autorisé la création d’une école “étrangère”, le Lycée, dont la première charte date du 17 avril 1936, reçut le soutien de nombreuses personnalités françaises et américaines

Un universitaire français, M Pierre Brodin, fut nommé directeur des études Il exerça ses fonctions pendant plus de quarante ans, jusqu’en 1976. En 1938, année où le Board of Regents de la State University of New York (SUNY) accorda au Lycée sa charte définitive, l’établissement présenta ses premiers bacheliers La première promotion passa le baccalauréat à Montréal, puis la suivante à New York dès 1939

Pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, l’histoire du Lycée se lia à celle de la France : de nombreux élèves participèrent aux opérations militaires, dans les rangs des Alliés ou de la France libre. Huit d’entre eux tombèrent au champ d’honneur Une plaque à l’entrée du bâtiment côté 76th St, perpétue toujours leur mémoire De nombreux réfugiés venus d’Europe purent poursuivre en français leurs études au Lycée, et plusieurs personnalités visitèrent l’établissement durant ces années difficiles, notamment Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, André Maurois et Ludmilla Pitoëff

Après la guerre, le Lycée poursuivit son développement et les locaux s’agrandirent : d’abord en 1958 avec la construction du bâtiment du 5 East 95th Street, puis en 1964 avec les bâtiments de la 72e rue, et enfin en 1978 avec celui de la 93e rue En 1994, un nouvel immeuble, situé à la 73e rue et mitoyen de la 72e, fut acquis afin d’accueillir davantage de classes élémentaires à partir de l’année scolaire 1995-1996

Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle qui fut président de l’Institution de 1935 à 1956 mourut en 1957 Lui succèderent M Robert Lacourt Gayet (septembre 1956 - juillet 1957), et M Jean de Sieyès (septembre 1957 à novembre 1957), puis M. Maurice Galy qui resta en fonction jusqu’en juin 1989

Dans les années 1960, l’accession à l’indépendance de nombreux pays et leur présence accrue à l’ONU ont élargi le public du Lycée, notamment grâce aux familles francophones qui lui ont apporté une dimension nouvelle Les élèves américains ont, eux aussi, pris une place croissante au fil des ans, illustrant le rôle du Lycée non seulement dans le rayonnement de la culture française à New York, mais aussi dans le dialogue entre la France et les États-Unis

À la fin des années 1990, le Conseil d’administration commença à imaginer ce que pourrait être le Lycée du XXIᵉ siècle et élabora un projet visant à réunir l’ensemble de l’école sur un campus unique, conçu spécialement pour elle À la rentrée scolaire 2003-2004, le Lycée emménagea dans son nouveau siège à la 75ème rue: une remarquable structure moderne dessinée par l’architecte James Stewart Polshek, inaugurée par Jacques Chirac, président de la République française

Depuis 1935, plus de 40 000 élèves de plus de 150 nationalités différentes ont été inscrits au Lycée Français de New York

“A school giving education here in two civilisations is held a success” : c’est en ces termes que le New York Times du dimanche 28 juin 1936 évoquait la nature et les raisons du succès du Lycée, un an à peine après qu’il eut ouvert ses portes Le 10 mai 1942, Charles de Fontnouvelle déclarait dans ce même quotidien : “So long as the French culture survives, there will always be a free interchange of ideas between the people of the two nations. In many respects, that was my main purpose in founding the Lycée”.

Sources :

Présentation inspirée de l’article de Pierre E Brodin (en collaboration avec Dorothy Brodin): “A Witness Remembers: Charles de Fontnouvelle and the Beginnings of the Lycée Français de New York”, Laurels, Vol 58, no1, Spring 1987, pp 7-20, published by the American Society of the Légion d’Honneur.

Yearbook de 1946, préface de Charles de Fontnouvelle, “Un peu d’histoire”

Yearbook de 1995, préface du président: “Vingt ans après, le Lycée Français de New York 1935 - 1955”

Yearbook de 1996, préface de Gérard Roubichou, président

Le Lycée Français de New York

The Lycée Français de New York officially opened its doors in October 1935. At the time, it had three classes and 18 students. Initially established on the premises of the Institut Français (22 East 60th Street, today l’Alliance), it wouldn't settle into its first building, at 3 East 95th Street, until April 1938

The creation of the Lycée Français was primarily the work of the Consul General of France in New York, Mr. Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle (see picture above), encouraged and supported by a group of French and Americans

All wished to equip New York with an institution comparable to the "grand lycées" of France whose quality and rigor many Americans admired This project received the support of the French ambassadors of the era. The first question was what name to give the new institution The new school, despite being a private institution under American law, took the name Lycée Français, both as a tribute to a universally recognized educational system and to affirm its unique character in the New York educational landscape.

When it opened in October 1935, the Lycée had 18 students divided into three classes: the dixième (today the 2nd grade), the huitième (Kindergarten), and the sixième (6th grade) Financial resources were commensurate with the number of students: $2,133 90 in the bank from a theatrical performance given by amateurs The following year, the Lycée grew and welcomed 69 students, 85 in 1937-1938, 230 in 1946 and over 1,000 students in the seventies

Quickly, after American authorities not without some reluctance authorized the creation of a "foreign" school, the Lycée, whose first charter dates from April 17, 1936, received the support of numerous French and American figures

A French academic, Mr Pierre Brodin, was named Director of Studies in 1936 He held this position for over forty years, until 1976 In 1938, the year the Board of Regents of the State University of New York (SUNY) granted the Lycée its definitive charter, the institution presented its first bacheliers (Baccalaureate graduates). The first graduating class took the Baccalaureate exams in Montréal, and the next one in New York starting in 1939

During the Second World War, the Lycée's history was linked to that of France: numerous students participated in military operations in the ranks of the Allies or the Free French Forces Eight of them fell in the line of duty A memorial plaque at the 76th Street entrance honors their memory. Many refugees from Europe were able to continue their studies in French at the Lycée, and several public figures visited the institution during these difficult years: notably Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, André Maurois, and Ludmilla Pitoëff

After the war, the Lycée continued its development, faithful to the quality of its teaching and its tradition of rigor and excellence In the 1970s, it reached over 1,000 students The premises expanded: first in 1958 with the construction of the building at 5 East 95th Street, then in 1964 with the 72nd Street buildings, and finally in 1978 with the one on 93rd Street In 1994, a new building, located on 73rd Street and adjacent to the 72nd Street one, was acquired to accommodate more elementary classes starting in the 1995-1996 school year

Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle, who was the school’s President from 1935 to 1956, died in 1957. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Lacourt Gayet (September 1956 - July 1957), and Mr Jean de Sieyès (September 1957 to November 1957), and then Mr Maurice Galy, who remained in office until June 1989

In the 1960s, the accession to independence of numerous countries and their increased presence at the United Nations broadened the Lycée's demographics, notably thanks to Francophone families enrolling at the school American students have also taken an increasing place over the years, illustrating the Lycée's role not only in the influence of French culture in New York but also in the dialogue between France and the United States

By the late 1990s, the Board of Trustees began envisioning what a Lycée for the 21st century might look like and developed a plan to unite the entire school within a single, purpose-built campus At the start of the 2003–2004 school year, the Lycée moved into its new home on East 75th Street a striking modern structure designed by architect James Stewart Polshek which was inaugurated by Jacques Chirac, President of France

Since 1935, over 40,000 students have been enrolled at the Lycée Français de New York, representing more than 150 nationalities

"A school giving education here in two civilisations is held a success": it was in these terms that the New York Times of Sunday, June 28, 1936, spoke of the nature and reasons for the Lycée's success, barely a year after it opened its doors On May 10, 1942, Charles de Fontnouvelle declared in the same newspaper: “So long as the French culture survives, there will always be a free interchange of ideas between the people of the two nations. In many respects, that was my main purpose in founding the Lycée.”

Sources :

Presentation inspired from the article of Pierre E Brodin (with Dorothy Brodin): “A Witness Remembers: Charles de Fontnouvelle and the Beginnings of the Lycée Français de New York”, Laurels, Vol. 58, no 1, Spring 1987, pp 7-20, published by the American Society of the Légion d’Honneur

1946 Yearbook, preface from Charles de Fontnouvelle, “Un peu d’histoire”

1995 Yearbook, president preface “Vingt ans après, le Lycée Français de New York 1935 - 1955”

1996 Yearbook, preface from Lycée President Gérard Roubichou

En 1972, nous écrivions dans le Yearbook...

En 2025, l’équipe de français, représentée par Mme Noutat, répond :

F comme la Fable du monde

R comme Révolution

A comme Anne Harreau et Anne Charton

N comme Noutat

C comme Créativité

A comme Amour

I comme Indépendance

S comme Solidarité

En 1956, nous écrivions dans le Yearbook...

En 2025, le département de Maintenance et Sécurité, représenté par M, Kennedy répond :

A reimagining of what a school can be Welcome to the Lycée we have much to see

Of science maths and histories but three Lively, bright students calling on first day

Growing though the seasons gaining courage in every way

A quick bright lunch our sun drenched café

Is this a museum, arena or theater of play?

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Dans le Yearbook de 2015, les Terminales attribuaient des prix aux professeurs et membres du staff...

En 2025, M Freeman, M Johnson et M Michot leur répondent :

M Freeman: In my younger and more vulnerable years, my former Head of Department gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since: don't wear novelty trousers patterned with little skulls if you want to be taken seriously, even if it does win you a Yearbook award.

M Michot: Cela m’a amusé de voir cette citation sur le « prix spécial » que j’avais reçu. Je me souviens encore du costume de kangourou que j’avais porté lors de l’épreuve du concours Kangourou des Mathématiques un moment drôle et un peu surréaliste ! Certains anciens élèves m’en parlent encore aujourd’hui, ce qui reflète bien ma vision de l’enseignement : aborder des sujets sérieux avec rigueur tout en gardant une part de plaisir et de légèreté.

M Johnson: I hope I will continue to be ÿour favorite person to see in the morning!

En 1945, nous écrivions dans le Yearbook...

Et puis en 1955, une élève écrivait aussi...

En 2025, le département de sport, représenté par M, Burpoe répond:

Wehavecomealongwayinathletics Theathleticdepartmentnowofferseleven sportsandforty-fourteams Justtonameafewteamsthatwehavehereatthe Lycée:Basketball,CrossCountry,Tennis,Volleyball,andSoccerWecompeteinthe NewYorkCityAthleticLeague(NYCAL),whereanumberofourteamshavewon championshipsandsportsmanshipawards.Wetravelthroughoutthecitytoswim, playsoccer,andrun Weareluckytohavetheuseoftwogymswhereourteams canpracticetoimprovetheirskilllevel

Inadditiontostrongfacilities,ourdedicatedcoachesandsupportivecommunity helpfosterteamwork,discipline,andapassionforsports Whetheryou’rea seasonedathleteorjuststartingout,there’saplaceforyoutogrowandsucceed here AthleticsattheLycéeisnotjustaboutcompetition it’saboutbuilding lifelongfriendships,learningresilience,andembracingthespiritoffairplay.

En 1981, nous écrivions dans le Yearbook...

En 1993, on affichait le CDI... Et en 2013, Facebook!

En 2025, le département des Bibliothèques et Digital Learning, représenté par M, Serrandon répond:

Delamachineàlamaîtrise 1981ouvrel’èredel’informatiquescolaire.1998montreunCDIencours d’adaptationauxressourcesnumériques 2013placelaconversationdes élèvesenligne.Aujourd’hui,ledépartementLibraries&DigitalLearningrelie cesétapesenunparcourscontinuduPrimaireàlaTerminale:chercher, penser,créeretpublierdansunmondedeplusenplusnumérisé,defaçon conscienteetresponsable

En1981,ons’interrogeaitsurl’ordinateuràl’écoleetsur“l’écoleparallèle” possibleàlamaison En2025,ceparallèleprendsouventlaformed’IA générativesquiexpliquent,corrigentetgénèrentducontenu,parfoisavecune grandeassuranceetparfoisàtort Lerisquerestelemême:apprendresans repèresfiables.Notreéquipetransformecettetentationencomplément éclairé Nousintégronsdesleçonssurl’IAdanslescours,guidonsnosélèves versl’informationfiabledansunmondeoùpullulentdésinformationet mésinformation,etaccompagnonslavérificationdessources,la citation/l’attributionetlaprotectiondesdonnées

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En2013,laconversationpassaitparFacebook Aujourd’hui,ellesefragmente entreplusieursplateformesetl’IAs’invitedansleséchanges.Lesenjeux s’intensifient:attentionetbien-être,confidentialité,empreintenumérique, droitsd’auteuretattribution,maisaussidésinformation,mésinformationet contenusgénérésartificiellement Parminosmultiplesinitiatives,notre programmedecitoyenneténumérique,duprimaireaulycée,apprendà évaluerlessources,réglersaconfidentialité,gérersonattention,publierde façonresponsableetcollaboreravecl’IAengardantlamain Lesmodes évoluent.Laresponsabilité,elle,augmente.

En 1952, un élève de Première écrivait dans le Yearbook...

En 2025, le département des Arts, représenté par M, Guibreteau répond:

L’artvud’hieretvud’aujourd’hui

Waouh!Juste WAOUH!

Ilyatantdepassagesdifficilesàliredanscesextraitsdupassé Heureusement,l’enseignementartistiqueaévolué,élargisonchampd’action lesétudiants,commelemonde,ontprofondémentchangé!

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Dans le Yearbook de 1943, on nous donnait des nouvelles des anciens:

En 2025, le département du College Counseling représenté par Mme Berson répond: CollegeCounselinghasevolvedasapracticeover90years,justascollege admissionhasevolvedinparallel Thelandscapeissocompetitivenow, especiallyintheUS,forthetoprankedschools And,ofcourse,in1943,not onlywasthereawar,butnosuchthingasrankingsexistedglobally!Asthis yearbookphotoreveals,ourstudentshavealwayssoughtbothAmericanand globaluniversitydestinations For90years,theLycéehasbeenguiding studentstouniversitiesthatprovideagoodfitforthemandtheirinterests

1930’s

The Lycée Français de New York opens its doors in October of 1935

Founded by Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle, Consul General of France in New York, the school is established to serve French diplomats, expatriates and American families interested in a French education. By the end of the first year, 24 students had registered.

First newsclipping published, June 28, 1936 in the

The first classroom, photographed in 1935.

New York Times.

The first photo of students captured at the Lycée in 1936.

World War II touched the Lycée and its students deeply

School yearbooks spotlight the joy of daily life, and yet much activity was focused on the war effort. As European countries fell, a surge of French artists and thinkers arrived, along with refugees from across Europe, transforming the school into a vibrant cultural hub and a quiet guardian of French identity.

A committee, led by Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle and Mme Seton Porter, organized shipments of knitted goods for the soldiers of France. Here are the two directors of the “Paquets au front” initiative, personally applying the finishing touches by nailing shut one of the countless crates destined for nos poilus (the French soldiers).

Source: France Presse

In December, French author Antoine de Saint Exupéry paid a historic visit to the Lycée and spoke to students in an assembly.

“M. de St. Exupéry nous a raconté d’une façon passionnante ses expériences dans le désert…et nous a décrit son rôle dans la guerre aérienne de 1940 en France. Les élèves fascinés sont restés figés d’intérêt.”

Source: France-Amérique

1943

Lycée students and teachers adapted to wartime effort. An optional First Aid class was added to the curriculum. The school saw a surge in student volunteerism for armyrelated charities, including a scrap metal drive and care packages for prisoners of war. One student even anchored a radio show in France.

1945

A number of Lycée graduates joined such forces as the Free French, the Norwegian Army, and the Royal Air Force. Sadly, six did not return, including Charles de Fontnouvelle, son of Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle. The 1945-46 yearbook memorialized them.

1946

Alumnus Pierre Frye wrote to his classmates about his experience at D-Day. Here’s an excerpt:

“Sur le sable, j’éprouve un grand soulagement; ouf, la terre ferme! J’ai la sensation de ne plus être en danger. La détonation des obus sur la plage ne me frappe pas. Mes nerfs sont momentanément anesthésiés. Ce n’est qu’en voyant un camarade ne pas se relever que je me rends compte du sens de ces éclatements. Mais tous mes gestes demeurent mécaniques: j’agis comme on m’a appris à agir en pareille circonstance.”

1950s

Continued expansion of the Lycée and a rise in interest in sports offerings at

the school, the beginning of true Lycée

team spirit!

1957

After 40 years as directeur des études, Pierre Brodin retired still strong in his belief in the French education he so cherished. “Stepping into his book-lined office in the 95th-Street building was an experience, whether as a victime of a Conseil de discipline or to seek some college placement advice,” Stephan Haimo, alumnus and past Board Chair shared.

“Il est encore possible de parler du ‘rayonnement français’...il s’agit d’une influence faite d’impondérables, de valeurs culturelles intangibles mais réelles, et ce ‘rayonnement’ représente, me semble-t-il, un élément précieux de confiance et une raison de ne pas désespérer de l’avenir,” Monsieur Brodin wrote to students in his final year at the Lycée.

1958

The Lycée opened a modern extension to its East 95th Street building. An inauguration ceremony took place on December 10, 1958, in the presence of many dignitaries, including a speech by M. Grayson Kirk, President of Columbia University and Trustee of the Lycée.

1951

Inauguration ceremony of the

SS Verrazzano

Students of M. Jacques Habert, who taught at the Lycée from 1947 to 1953, were present for the christening of a new ferry, the SS Verrazzano in June 1951. M. Habert was a passionate researcher, particularly on the subject of Verrazzano, who, in 1524, was the first European to visit what is now NYC, which, which he claimed for France and the city of Angoulême in the name of François 1er.

With a student body of 300 by decadés end, the school maintains its strong underpinnings in French education and culture, but also builds on its American side, with student leadership organizations, the growth of co-curriculars and competitive sports.

1960s

The 1960s were marked by the expansion of the Lycée, with a growing international community and new buildings to welcome them

Enrollment increased as the diplomatic presence of France and la Francophonie grew in New York, and as international business expanded. This international orientation was embraced by the Lycée’s new President, Maurice Galy.

1964

“We have truly entered a new and dynamic age, in which fundamental knowledge and scientific research are determining our destiny to a greater extent than ever before in man’s history. The motivating force for space travel is the quest for truth.”

- Wernher von Braun, Director, NASA, opening letter of the 1964 yearbook.

1967

The Lycée instituted a Journée annuelle de la solidarité, a community-wide service day. In 1967, students supported relief efforts for the Aberfan Disaster (coal slurry inundation in Wales), the FDNY, Save the Children, the March of Dimes, and the American Red Cross.

Photo by Balthazar Korab

1961

Maurice Galy arrived as President in 1959 and remained for 30 years. He wrote to students in 1961 about these years of rapid growth for the school.

“L’évènement marquant de cette année scolaire aura été l’ouverture de l’annexe de la 72ème rue qui nous permettra au mois de septembre prochain, d’accueillir les 750 élèves dès maintenant inscrits. Comment toutefois ne pas exprimer notre joie de voir le Lycée Français de New York jouer un rôle de plus en plus important dans le domaine des échanges culturels franco-américains et constituer à New York un des foyers de rayonnement les plus actifs de la culture et de l’enseignement français.”

Mr. and Mrs. Galy are photographed at the Bal des débutantes internationales alongside Mr. U Thant, Burmese diplomat and Secretary General of the U.N., and Mr. Louis Rakotomalala, Ambassador of Madagascar to the U.S.

1968-69

The rise of youth voices echoed at the Lycée in the late 1960s: the yearbook became a snapshot of the era, showcasing art and poetry that reflected student concerns and preoccupations–from war to generational differences to fashion.

1970s

The Lycée’s ties with New York’s French cultural institutions strengthened in these years, and its arts and cultural programs flourished

The school also experienced continued growth and modernization of its facilities–“a school in constant evolution,” as we say, which remains true to this day.

1975

After 40 years as Directeur des études, Pierre Brodin retired, still dedicated to the system of French education he so cherished, as he wrote to students:

“Il est encore possible de parler du “rayonnement français”, expression pratiquement impossible à traduire en anglais parce qu’il s’agit d’une influence faite d’impondérables, de valeurs culturelles intangibles mais réelles, et ce “rayonnement” représente, me semble-t-il, un élément précieux de confiance et une raison de ne pas désespérer de l’avenir.”

1974

Lycée’s president, Maurice Galy, enjoyed high-level connections, meeting with French President Georges Pompidou in 1970 and, apparently, with General Charles de Gaulle.

Following Pompidou’s death, Galy paid tribute to the former educator in this homage in the 1974 yearbook: “Humaniste, homme de devoir mort à la tâche, personnalité brillante et courageuse, Georges Pompidou nous laisse l’exemple d’un grand Français, digne, de l’héritage culturel qu’il avait,trouvé sur les bancs de l’école, et qui avait formé son caractère et son idéal.”

1976

The bicentennial of the United States coincided with the Lycée’s 40th anniversary year, with celebrations of both.

1978

The first gala fundraiser debuted this year, establishing an essential tradition. Attendees included French Ambassador Gérard de La Villèsbrunne, Mr. and Mrs. Arpels, Estée Lauder, and Jean-Claude Baker, son of Joséphine Baker. A film crew from Télé France was also present, capturing the “elite Franco-American event.”

1980s

Years

of technological change and the first official American high school diplomas

awarded

Surely the most notable technological change of this era was the introduction of the desktop computer and “informatique” classes at the Lycée. “L’informatique est entrée dans la vie quotidienne…elle amorce sa conquête de l’école,” wrote M. Joël Vallat, Director of Studies, in the 1981 yearbook.

1983

The Lycée creates the official role of “Proviseur” with the arrival of Christiane Lafon, the first proviseur and the first female academic leader of the Lycée. M. Galy stayed on as President of the school until his retirement in 1989.

1985

This photo is our first record of what has become the Lycée’s annual “Shakespeare Competition!” Guest judge Donald Sutherland presided over the event, shown here with English teachers Jane Ross and Catherine Pointelet. Student Laetitia Orti was the Lycée winner that year.

1985

The Lycée celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1985, a milestone accompanied by a crucial pedagogical development: the school was officially granted the authority to issue its own high school diploma. This move made official the school’s unique French-American approach to education.

1987

Students joined celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, a four-day event, which included speeches by French President François Mitterand and U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

1989

When Jamaica was hit by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, Lycée students held a fundraiser to support victims. Here, students presented the Consul General of Jamaica with the proceeds of their efforts. It was the most damaging hurricane to hit Jamaica ever until Hurricane Melissa devastated the island in October 2025.

1990s

The Lycée strengthened its bicultural French-American underpinning, adopting the Option internationale du baccalauréat français

(OIB)

An unforgettable D-Day commemoration for our Lycée students. Marking the 50th anniversary of the Omaha Beach landing, the school hosted two living links to history for discussions with students: 2nd Lt. Walter Sidlowski, featured in this iconic landing photo, and the photographer, Walter Rosenblum of the US Army Signal Corps.

The Lycée acquires a new building, 12 East 73rd Street, to meet growing demand in the Elementary School.

The Lycée is officially accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) for the first time, deepening its connection with NYC’s private school system and strengthening its American credentials for a population of students increasingly interested in colleges and universities in the U. S.

The Lycée launches its first Festival Première Scène - French Theater Festival competition for French students in New York City. Created by Nathalie Roussel and Frédéric Yvelin, the Festival remains an annual event at the Lycée.

1998

A shift began at the Lycée as a dedicated group of parents and Trustees started envisioning a bolder future for the school and its unique education. This initiative was highlighted by Michel Somnolet, then Chair of the Board, in his opening letter to the 1998 yearbook.

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2000s

A New Campus Marks a New Era for the Lycée

The Lycée opens its current purpose-built, state-of-the art building at 505 East 75th Street, one of the first historic private schools in the city to take such a step, ushering in a new era for the school.

2001

Yves Thézé, Head of School, was just one month into his role on 9/11, a crisis he managed across all five of the school’s buildings. Lycée students rallied to support our local FDNY outpost. Michel Colbert, Class of 1980, was the sole community member to perish in the attack.

A memorable field trip: A Pre-K class visited the 7,503 “gates” of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s iconic Central Park exhibit in February 2005.

2003

After years of planning, the Lycée Français de New York opened its doors on East 75th Street at Rentrée 2003.

The opening transformed the school, with spaces for performing arts, sports, technology integration, and much more. Enrollment soared past 1,200 students in its first decade.

On September 23, 2003, President Jacques Chirac of France cut the ribbon on our new building, and even visited with students playing basketball in the large gym. He was joined by Board Chair, Elsa Berry; Simone Veil, then President of the Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah; Dominique de Villepin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and a Lycée alumnus; and Yves Thézé, Head of School.

2006

Hurricane Katrina struck ground in New Orleans in August 2005 becoming one of the deadliest weather events in U.S. history. In February 2006, the Lycée community held a special concert to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans. Created by Remy Loumbrozo, the evening featured performances by students and special guests Petula Clark and Angélique Kidjo. M. Thézé joined Petula Clark on stage for a song at the end!

2009

The Lycée counts seven alumni among its current faculty and staff: Nadine Kaston ‘80, Joëlle Reilly ‘80, Clarissa Sylvestre ‘99, Chris Haspil ‘01, Bienvenu Etsike ‘05, Sophie Riemenschneider ‘09, Fabrice Ulysse ‘16. Sophie wrote this essay to her classmates to close out the 2009 yearbook:

2010s

A new mission for the Lycée, with an emphasis on bilingual excellence, student-centered learning, wellbeing, and innovation

2011-12

Sean Lynch arrived in 2011 and focused his first year on a school-wide study of student well-being. As a result of this effort, the school formally integrated social emotional learning into the Primary curriculum and a new advisory program into the Secondary.

2012-13

The Lycée’s Cultural Center was created in 2010, with Pascale Richard at the helm. She launched its artistin-residence program two years later, with Vahram Muratyan’s residency in graphic design with CM1/Y4.

Hurricane Sandy hit New York. Lycée students shared both their excitement (no school tomorrow!) and fear about the environment.

In 2013, the Lycée launched its Service Learning program, linking classroom learning with realworld engagement in service to nonprofits. That fall, ten 2de/Y10 students traveled to Vietnam to study water scarcity and support an orphanage in Da Nang—marking the start of the school’s enduring commitment there. Photo: 2024 Service Learning Trip (MO Couture)

2015

A New Vision for the Lycée

The Lycée’s Strategic Plan, “Our Vision: Aujourd’hui et Demain,” set a path for the next transformation of the Lycée, with a commitment to bilingual excellence; technological innovation; student-centered learning, collaboration, and creativity; and faculty and staff development. Out of this vision, a new mission was developed, “Citizens of Culture and Courage.”

2016

The Lycée introduced its annual Day of Understanding in the Primary School, led by Vannina Boussouf in partnership with the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding. She wrote to the community about the new initiative, quoting poet Audre Lorde: “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”

The York Wing, opened in September 2016, brought the school’s new vision to life with state-of-the-art classrooms, inviting student “breathing” spaces, and dynamic creative areas designed to foster collaborative learning among students, teachers, and staff.

2018-2019

Lycée students and faculty participate in the National Walkout Against Gun Violence in support of the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.

Evelyne Estey was appointed Head of School. Past Trustee and CFOO, she would guide the community through the pandemic and further programmatic transformation at a challenging time in the history of the school, and the world.

2020s

A rise in student agency, engagement and leadership across school life–and excitement, as we look to the future of our Lycée!

2020 2022

On March 12, 2020, the Lycée closed its doors for three months of fully Online Lycée. That fall, with rigorous health and safety procedures (and many masks) in place, the school opened its doors to hybrid learning on August 31, 2020–one of the first schools in New York City to do so.

The French Minister of Education, Pap Ndiaye, paid a memorable visit to the Lycée in September 2022 to formally launch the American section of the Baccalauréat français international (BFI). A highlight was his warm, extended roundtable with student leaders in the CDI.

2020

Strengthening Belonging

Students in the Class of 2020 led a community-wide Black Lives Matter march in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Their actions inspired a strengthening of inclusion and belonging efforts across school life and the formation of a dedicated team of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging leaders.

2020

Lycée Students marched for the Future Coalition for the Climate

and Black Lives Matter.

2023

In October 2023, Jérémie Bourdon was appointed interim Head of School, and officially Head of School in March 2024. Under his leadership, the Lycée begins its next phase of evolution and growth.

2024

A community-wide project resulted in clearly articulated values for our Lycée that combine our historic French and American roots: solidaritécommunity, ténacité-commitment, esprit de découverte-open minds, and épanouissement-joy!

2025

The Student Council creates a new student government charter, which elevates the voices of student leaders across school life. At the same time, the Lycée’s student sustainability initiatives grow, with 51 eco-delegates now in place from CM1/Y4 to Tle/Y12.