Lyon has quietly become one of France's most attractive cities for expat families thanks to a strong economy, a manageable cost of living compared with Paris, and a depth of bilingual schooling that punches above the city's size. If you are choosing a bilingual international school in Lyon for 2026, this guide explains how the French-English options work, who they suit, and what to expect on fees and admissions.
Why bilingual schools in Lyon are different
French education law gives bilingual programmes several legal forms, from the international sections inside selective public schools to fully private bilingual schools that follow the French national curriculum alongside English-medium content. In Lyon you will find immersive primary settings where children spend roughly half the day in each language, plus secondary schools leading to either the French Baccalauréat with international option (OIB or BFI) or the IB Diploma.
How French-English bilingual programmes are structured
Most Lyon bilingual schools start with a strong English immersion phase in maternelle and elementary, then transition into a balanced French-English curriculum from age eight or nine. By collège, students typically follow the French programmes nationaux taught in French, with humanities, science, or arts taught in English. At lycée level, the international option Bac (BFI) is the most common pathway, recognised by French and international universities alike. A few schools offer the IB Diploma instead, which fits better with families planning a move out of France.
Top bilingual international schools in Lyon
Cité Scolaire Internationale de Lyon
The CSI is Lyon's flagship public international school with English, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic sections. It serves children from CP through Terminale and prepares students for the Baccalauréat Français International. Admission is selective and free for residents of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. See Cité Scolaire Internationale Lyon profile on ISA.
International School of Lyon
The International School of Lyon is a private school running an English-medium curriculum from age 3 through 18, with strong French language integration and the IB Diploma at the upper years. The campus draws expat families from across Auvergne-RhĂ´ne-Alpes. See International School of Lyon profile on ISA.
Ombrosa Lyon
Ombrosa is a private bilingual school running from age 3 to Terminale with a strong French-English programme leading to the BFI Bac. It is popular with families wanting their children fluent in both languages without leaving the French academic system. See Ombrosa Lyon profile on ISA.
Ecole Greenfield
Greenfield is a small bilingual primary school inspired by Montessori principles, where children move between French and English instruction across the day. It suits families with younger children who want an immersive bilingual start. See Ecole Greenfield profile on ISA.
L'Ecole Montessori de Lyon
L'Ecole Montessori de Lyon offers French-English bilingual Montessori education for children from 2 to 12 years, with English specialists working alongside French Montessori guides throughout the day. See L'Ecole Montessori de Lyon profile on ISA.
What does a bilingual school in Lyon cost in 2026?
Public international sections like the CSI are free for resident families. Private bilingual schools in Lyon typically charge between €7,500 and €17,000 per year for primary, rising to €13,000 to €21,000 for upper secondary. Capital fees, lunches, and external IB or Cambridge exam fees can add 10 to 15 per cent. Always ask for a fees document covering the whole school year, not just the term.
Practical admissions tips
Apply early. The CSI runs a strict admissions calendar that closes in February for the following September. Private schools have rolling admissions but the most popular grade levels can fill by spring. Bring your child's last two reports, an English-language assessment if possible, and a short statement explaining the family's bilingual goals. See the full ranking of international schools in France on ISA for a wider comparison.
Choosing the right bilingual setting for your child
Decide first whether you want a French Baccalauréat outcome or a more transferable IB Diploma. Then weigh the practical aspects: location, the proportion of teaching in each language at each stage, and the proportion of true native speakers in the cohort. The best bilingual outcomes happen when both languages are used daily and the school's pedagogical approach matches your child's temperament.
FAQs
Are bilingual schools in Lyon mostly public or private?
Both. The Cité Scolaire Internationale is the leading public option and is free for residents, while several established private bilingual schools serve families looking for smaller cohorts or specific pedagogies.
Will my child sit the French Bac or the IB Diploma?
It depends on the school. Most Lyon bilingual schools lead to the French Baccalauréat with international option, while a smaller number offer the IB Diploma at upper secondary.
How much does bilingual school cost in Lyon in 2026?
Private bilingual schools in Lyon charge between €7,500 and €21,000 per year depending on level, with extras for lunches, trips, and external exam fees. Public international sections like the CSI are free for residents.