Institut Saint Lô French High School
Institut Saint Lô
Welcome to Institut Saint Lô, a high school with more than four hundred years of history. Founded in 1598 and located in the heart of Saint-Lô, the school has continuously renewed its facilities and curriculum in step with local social development, enabling students to grow in an environment that blends tradition and innovation.
Our teaching staff work closely with boarding and student-life teams to provide each student with tailored academic planning and emotional support. From primary through high school and into higher education preparatory programmes, the campus offers modern laboratories, digital classrooms, boarding and dining facilities to ensure that students study and live at a safe and steady pace.
Over the years, the school has developed international partnerships, language exchanges and internships with companies to help students build a global outlook and practical skills. We encourage close cooperation between school and families to unlock each child’s potential and support their development in academics, character and future career exploration.
We look forward to working with you at Institut Saint Lô to design a clear growth pathway for your child and to see them move confidently towards the future.
Historical Development of Institut Saint Lô
Institut Saint Lô (Institut Saint Lô) has been committed to providing quality education for local families since its founding in 1598. In step with urban development in the Normandy region, the school has expanded its campus and upgraded facilities, forming today’s learning environment that combines historical character with modern technology.
- 1609: The school moved into a historic building complex in the city centre, offering students larger classrooms and boarding spaces.
- 1772: A boarding system was established to provide full boarding for students from nearby towns, ensuring a stable study and life rhythm.
- 1846–1850: Modern teaching buildings were constructed between Leverrier Street and Rossignol Street, greatly increasing classroom capacity.
- 1909–1911: The current campus was built on the Varroc hillside, with open views and parallel development of sports and science facilities.
- 1944–1948: The campus was quickly rebuilt after the Battle of Normandy, demonstrating the cohesion and resilience of the school and local community.
- 1967: Co-education for boys and girls was fully implemented, creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
- 1996: A new dining hall and boarding building were completed, providing students with high-quality daily-life services.
- 2001: A sports complex meeting modern standards was added to support a wide range of physical education activities.
- 2003: BTS vocational and higher-education programmes moved into an independent teaching building, supporting smooth progression into higher education.
In the 21st century, Institut Saint Lô has continued to invest in digital learning, international programmes and university guidance, helping students build competitiveness in a global context. The campus is located in a convenient urban area with comprehensive medical, cultural and sports facilities nearby, making it an attractive option for families considering French high school education for their children.
Educational Approach (Le projet éducatif)
A School of Welcome and Inclusion
Pour une école de l’hospitalité
- Welcome every student, regardless of background, beliefs or political views.
- Respect differences and encourage mutual understanding to build a harmonious learning and living environment.
- Guide students towards autonomy and responsibility, nurturing strong and independent personalities.
- Encourage students to treat others with tolerance, kindness and respect.
Teaching Grounded in Openness
Un enseignement fondé sur un esprit d’ouverture
- Encourage creativity and an international outlook, recognising diverse forms of success.
- Stimulate and develop critical thinking, judgement, curiosity and individual talents.
- Provide personalised support based on each student’s abilities and strengths, valuing effort and perseverance.
- Diversify teaching methods and integrate new technologies to help more students achieve academic success.
- Support each student in planning further study and career orientation, helping them develop their potential.
- Believe in every student and pay close attention to their growth with a hopeful and encouraging attitude.
Curriculum Structure
Grade 10 (Seconde)
Grade 10 helps students consolidate a common core of knowledge while exploring future pathways through a variety of projects and elective courses. With guidance from a tutor team, students gradually adapt to the pace of high school and may choose international classes, intensive language options or arts and technology courses to build a personalised learning path.
Grade 10 Core Compulsory Subjects
- French (4 hours per week)
- History & Geography (3 hours per week)
- First and Second Foreign Languages (5 hours 30 minutes per week)
- Mathematics (4 hours per week)
- Physics & Chemistry (3 hours per week)
- Life & Earth Sciences (1 hour 30 minutes per week)
- Digital & Technology Sciences (1 hour 30 minutes per week)
- Economic & Social Sciences (1 hour 30 minutes per week)
- Physical Education (2 hours per week)
- Moral & Civic Education (18 hours per year)
Grade 11 (Première) and Grade 12 (Terminale)
From Grade 11 onwards, students refine their higher education plans with the support of tutors. The school offers strong academic support and university guidance to help students build strengths in scientific, humanities or language-focused tracks.
Grade 11/12 Common Compulsory Subjects (ENSEIGNEMENTS COMMUNS)
| Subject (Matière) | Grade 11 (Première) | Grade 12 (Terminale) |
|---|---|---|
| French (Français) | 4 hours per week | 0 |
| Philosophy (Philosophie) | 0 | 4 hours per week |
| History & Geography (Histoire – Géographie) | 3 hours per week | 3 hours per week |
| First and Second Foreign Languages (Langues vivantes A et B) | 4 hours 30 minutes per week | 4 hours per week |
| Scientific Education (Enseignement scientifique) | 2 hours per week | 2 hours per week |
| Mathematics (Mathématiques) | 1 hour 30 minutes per week | 0 |
| Moral & Civic Education (Enseignement moral et civique) | 18 hours per year | 18 hours per year |
| Physical Education (Éducation physique et sportive) | 2 hours per week | 2 hours per week |
Specialised Subjects (ENSEIGNEMENTS DE SPÉCIALITÉ)
Selection rules: Students choose 3 specialisation subjects in Grade 11 and keep 2 of them in Grade 12.
| Specialisation (Spécialité) | Grade 11 (Première) | Grade 12 (Terminale) |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities, Literature and Philosophy (Humanités, littérature et philosophie) | 4 hours per week | 6 hours per week |
| Economic & Social Sciences (Sciences économiques et sociales) | 4 hours per week | 6 hours per week |
| History–Geography, Geopolitics and Political Science (Histoire-géographie, géopolitique et sciences politiques) | 4 hours per week | 6 hours per week |
| Foreign Languages, Literature and Cultures (Langues, littératures et cultures étrangères) | 4 hours per week | 6 hours per week |
| Mathematics (Mathématiques) | 4 hours per week | 6 hours per week |
| Physics–Chemistry (Physique-Chimie) | 4 hours per week | 6 hours per week |
| Life & Earth Sciences (Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre) | 4 hours per week | 6 hours per week |
Language advantage for international students: The school offers multiple language tracks. Students may choose Chinese as a third foreign language (LV3), continue studying it and present it in the French Baccalauréat, making the most of their language strengths and demonstrating cross-cultural competence when applying to universities in France and beyond.
Campus Life
Explore the beautiful campus and modern facilities of Institut Saint Lô.
