Applying to an international school in Lyon is straightforward once you understand the local rhythm. Lyon's English-track and bilingual schools run on the French academic calendar, with most main intakes in September. This 2026 step-by-step guide explains the documents you will need, the language-assessment process, fee timing and how to plan a relocation that lands your child in the right classroom on day one.
Lyon's international school landscape in 2026
Lyon is a smaller market than Paris but the choice is high quality. Families typically choose between:
- Fully international: International School of Lyon (Ombrosa group) and Cité Scolaire Internationale Lyon, which run sections in English and several other languages.
- Bilingual French-English: Ecole Greenfield and L'Ecole Montessori de Lyon offer immersive bilingual programmes.
- State-school international sections: free public schools with selective entry to British, American, German, Italian, Spanish or Japanese sections.
Top schools and what they look for in 2026
International School of Lyon
An English-medium school covering Early Years through Grade 12, with a Cambridge International curriculum and IGCSEs / A Levels. Strong fit for families moving from the UK or Commonwealth countries. School profile on ISA.
Cité Scolaire Internationale Lyon
A public school with selective international sections (British, American, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese). Admissions are highly competitive and based on language proficiency. Tuition is free; only contributions to extra activities apply. School profile on ISA.
International School Ombrosa
A bilingual French-English school in the heart of Lyon. Children follow the French national curriculum with reinforced English from Maternelle through Lycée, leading to the French Bac or the OIB. School profile on ISA.
Ecole Greenfield
A bilingual French-English primary school using a project-based approach. Good landing pad for non-French-speaking children aged 2-11 who need a gradual French-language ramp. School profile on ISA.
L'Ecole Montessori de Lyon
An AMI-accredited Montessori school running bilingual programmes from toddler to elementary. Independent admissions, with priority given to families committed to the Montessori method. School profile on ISA.
Admissions timeline for September 2026 entry
Plan backwards from the start of the French school year:
- November 2025 – January 2026: register interest, complete online applications, submit the document pack.
- January – March 2026: language assessments (English and French), parent interviews, taster days for younger children.
- March – April 2026: offers issued and deposit due, usually within 15-30 days.
- May – August 2026: place confirmation, uniform orders, school-supplies list and bus-route registration.
- Late August 2026: orientation week (rentrée).
Cité Scolaire Internationale runs an earlier, sharper deadline (typically December). British, American and German sections each have their own language test.
Documents you will need
Most international schools in Lyon will ask for:
- Copy of the child's passport and a recent passport-style photo.
- Birth certificate (translated to French if not in English).
- Last two school reports (bulletins) translated to French.
- Vaccination record (DTP and MMR are mandatory for school entry in France).
- Parents' passports and proof of address in Lyon (utility bill, lease).
- Application fee receipt (non-refundable, EUR 100 – EUR 500 depending on the school).
Public international sections will additionally require a CV of the child's academic background and proof that at least one parent speaks the target language at home.
Language assessments
English-track schools assess in English (reading, writing, oral) and may add a French diagnostic to plan FLE (Français Langue Etrangère) support. Public international sections test the section's main language with native-level expectations from grade 4 upwards. Younger children (Maternelle) are usually assessed informally through a play-based meeting rather than a formal test.
Fees, deposits and how French schools bill
Private and bilingual schools in Lyon typically charge:
- Annual tuition: EUR 6,000 – EUR 22,000 depending on year group and school.
- Registration fee: EUR 200 – EUR 500 (non-refundable).
- Acceptance deposit: 10-20 percent of annual tuition, due at offer.
- Extras: lunch (EUR 6-8 / day), bus, after-school activities, trips.
Cité Scolaire Internationale charges no tuition; only a small contribution for activities and trips. Most private schools bill in three trimesters.
Ready to apply?
Compare curricula, fees and parent reviews on the ranking of the best international schools in France on International School Advisor before you finalise your shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
Do international schools in Lyon teach in English?
Yes for the fully international schools (ISL, Ombrosa English section). Bilingual schools mix French and English daily, while public international sections teach a few hours per week in the section's language and the rest in French.
Can my child join mid-year?
Most private and bilingual schools accept mid-year arrivals subject to space and language assessment. Public international sections rarely admit mid-year; plan for the next September intake instead.
Do I need to speak French to apply?
Not for English-medium private schools. For bilingual and public international sections, at least one parent is usually expected to support French homework at primary level, and intermediate French is helpful for paperwork.