Choosing an international school in Lyon has become a genuine strategic decision for expat families in 2026. France's second economic hub attracts pharmaceutical, biotech and industrial employers, and its international school scene, while smaller than Paris, is strong and varied. This guide walks you through the curricula on offer, the schools worth shortlisting, realistic fees and the admissions calendar, so your family arrives in Lyon with a plan rather than a scramble.
Understand the Lyon landscape first
Lyon's international education offer splits into three families. First, the public-private hybrid of the international sections at the Cite Scolaire Internationale, where children study the French curriculum enriched with native-language sections. Second, fully international private schools teaching in English towards the International Baccalaureate. Third, bilingual private schools that balance French and English day to day. Each route implies a different level of French immersion, a different qualification at eighteen, and a different budget. Deciding how French you want your child's schooling to be is the single most clarifying question you can answer before visiting anywhere.
Schools to shortlist in Lyon
International School of Lyon
Based in Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon on the western hills, the International School of Lyon teaches in English through the IB continuum, from early years to the IB Diploma. It is the natural landing point for families on shorter assignments or those who want seamless continuity with international schools elsewhere. French is taught daily, and the community is genuinely global.
Cite Scolaire Internationale de Lyon
A Lyon institution on the Gerland peninsula, the Cite Scolaire Internationale combines the French national curriculum with international sections in multiple languages, including a strong anglophone section. Entry is selective and demand is high, but for families planning a long stay it offers an unbeatable combination: deep French integration, international recognition and modest fees compared with private alternatives.
Ombrosa, Lycee Multilingue de Lyon
Ombrosa is Lyon's best-known multilingual private school, with campuses on the banks of the Saone. It teaches a bilingual French-English programme with additional languages, preparing students for both French qualifications and international options. It suits families who want children fluent and literate in both languages without leaving the French system entirely.
Ecole Greenfield
A smaller bilingual school in the Lyon area, Greenfield focuses on the early and primary years with a nurturing, family-scale environment and daily English alongside the French programme. Families often use it as a bilingual foundation before moving into the larger secondary options.
What it costs
Budgets differ sharply by route. International sections at the Cite Scolaire involve modest public-sector contributions. Bilingual private schools typically charge between EUR 6,000 and EUR 12,000 per year. Fully international English-medium education runs higher, generally EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000 per year depending on age. Add enrolment fees, lunches, transport and activities. By international standards Lyon is good value: comparable schooling in Geneva, an hour and a half away, costs two to three times more.
Location, commutes and neighbourhoods
Most expat families cluster west and centre: Sainte-Foy, Ecully and the fifth arrondissement feed the International School of Lyon naturally, while Gerland and the sixth arrondissement suit the Cite Scolaire. Ombrosa's campuses draw from the northern riverside communes. Lyon's metro and tram network is excellent, but school-run traffic across the Rhone and Saone bridges at peak hours is real; test your intended commute at 8am before signing a lease.
Admissions timeline for 2026
Private international and bilingual schools accept applications on a rolling basis but fill popular year groups by spring for a September start; apply between November and March. The Cite Scolaire's international sections run a formal application window early in the calendar year with language assessments; prepare school reports, a writing sample in the section language and patience. Mid-year entry is feasible at the private schools when places exist.
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Frequently asked questions
Does my child need French to attend school in Lyon?
Not necessarily. The International School of Lyon teaches in English with daily French. Bilingual schools and the Cite Scolaire expect or build stronger French, especially at secondary level.
How much do international schools in Lyon cost in 2026?
Bilingual private schools charge roughly EUR 6,000 to EUR 12,000 per year, while English-medium international education costs about EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000, plus enrolment fees and extras.
Which qualification should we aim for in Lyon?
Families likely to move again internationally usually choose the IB route; families settling in France long term often prefer the French Baccalaureat with an international section, or a bilingual pathway that keeps both doors open.