Le Lycee Francais de los Angeles in Burbank, California

“I have two children who attend Lycee. My youngest began French preschool at age 3 at Ecole Claire Fontaine and then Lycee kindergarten at age 5. My older child began Lycee in first grade at age 6, after a year of kindergarten in the Santa Monica Malibu school district. That was 6 years ago. Now my kids are in grades 6 and 3. While it was initially a difficult transition for my elder child coming from an English speaking household, both kids are consistently on the honor roll & are in the French section. When I pick them up in the afternoon and ask the the daily question 'how was school?' they always respond positively & enthusiastically. They often tell me how much they love school and couldnt wait for the term to begin in September. This tells me everything I need to know. We love it!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school ! Not only my children are bilingual, but they have access to a side of the world that would be nonexistent to them otherwise. That is without mentioning the fact that not only they excel in American subjects, but also in french. They actually get the benefit of both cultures...why deprive them from it when the tuition is actually less than most private schools in L.A ?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“If this is the page for the preschool and kindergarden campus of the Lycee, this is what I have to say. My daughter went to both campus ,moved to the elementery campus and is now attending an American school. Both principals of those two campus,Miss Hautete and Mr Zala are wonderful. My daughter not only speacks french but she is very polite and well behave in comparasion of the other kids of her present school. Those are very important qualities in life that she aquired not only at home but during her stay at those two campus.And it did absolutly not kill her artistic abilities.I am happy that she attended the lycee for the small grades”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The disparity in comments on this site regarding Le Lycee is interesting. As the former student comment accurately, it s not for everyone and I believe a child needs to match the environment and philosophy of the school. We are an American family and both of my kids have been at the Lycee since Preschool. They are both in the French Section and completely fluent. Their self expression has not been squelched and they both love their school and appreciate what it offers. It is strict and formal and for my kids, it works and provides structure that I believe will serve them later. We had our kids test 2x against the national average they exceed their peers in each subject. I have heard plenty of complaints and every school will have its issues but overall, I appreciate and like the school and would recommend it to anyone that asked.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have sent my kids to Le Lycee for now about three years and I have them tested outside of the School to see how they are doing and so far they have the level of any school at least even more as bilingual and bicultural. they are in small grades K2 and 3rd grade and i see basement for the future. Also I welcomed the initiative of the various forums the school has started to allow discussion between parents, teachers and students which has been a great experience. the lack of information and communication has been an issue for sure but it is really in progress as said by several students from various grades from 9 to 12. Thanks”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I don't understand people lwho have left negative reviews about the Lycee. Our son is attending this school and we are impressed by how much he's learning, how caring teachers are, how much supervision there is, and how approachable the administration is. I'm familiar with other private schools'curricula in the area, and I am glad we chose this school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a former teacher at the school. As an educator, I would not send my child to the school. I felt that the preschool curriculum did not properly prepare the children for elementary. Too much money for so little education.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I send my kids to the Lycee and we love it -- parents who complain about the school stifling children's creativity are the kind of parents who confuse creativity with lack of respect towards parents and teachers. As far as academics, the curriculum is very rigorous, so if your child is not intellectually gifted, this is not the school for him/her.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have read the negative reviews on here and I am sad for their expierences. My expierences have been wonderful. One thing you must understand if you are considering this school, is that this school follows a very strict eduction program which is based on the one in France. There is no 'curve' and kids do not get to slide or fall through the cracks. When your child gradutates he/she will be well advanced going into college.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an amazing school... I love it so much and the fact that you learn french and are fully immersed is great! People like Jessica Biel, an Jodie Foster are aulmni! Send you kids to the Lycee!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I was a student at the Lycee for 11 years in the French section. While the school is not perfect, the teachers were excellent. Going to college I realized how lucky we were to be exposured to different cultures and religion. Big schools force you into different cliques, that does not exist at the Lycee, the class sizes are too small to support that type of attitude. It made all of us more tolerant and accepting of others. Although I speak only with respect to the French section, our education was wonderful. I am now seeing finding out that many of the students that preceded me are sending their children there. This school is strict and won't fit everyone, it is also a more European mentality in that parents are not as involved as what you see American schools.”
This review was posted by a other.

“My son attended Le Lycee Francaise de Los Angeles for 2 years, 2003/2005. I describe the school as the following: 1- Unworthy arrogance. 2- Unsensitivity to parents emotional needs. 3- Under education.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has attended this school for 4 years. She speaks French Okay and probably will speak it very well soon but we are going to take her out of this school as she is miserable. The admin office is unresponsive to any of our complaints. The parents are nice but not very involved. The School had a good reputation in the past for academics but that has not been the case for the years we have been here so beware that the education has slipped.. I suggest not going to this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There is so much hypocricy, mediocrity, and downright autocracy. Academically you're better off home schooling for the amount (or rather lack of) information the child is provided with pertaining to the world, science, math, liberal arts and english. Any free thought or form of self expression is squelched the minute you walk through the door. What remains are children devoid of personality and character but filled with self doubt, angst, and anger.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has turned my boys into well educated gentlemen and my daughter into a 'little lady.' You definitely get your $'s worth here. Very small class sizes, quality education, music, arts and the french language. What I love most about the school is the diversity of cultures! It is not your typical private school. Children learn to not only tolerate other cultures, but to love their own.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter loves it. She is emerged in the french language and participating in a wide verity of extracurricular activities. Parental involvement is up to the parent and in our case it is strong.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Very good school, nice teachers and great clean facilities.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Great preschool. Good academic level and very happy preschoolers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am French and hate the whole attitude of this school. The teaching is not supportive of children that don't fit the general mold (even when talented!) Parents are not welcome (and the administration is always right!) and Summer programs are not interesting. Do not send your kids in this non-caring school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a very bad school. The education is very poor and the priciple doesnt do anything.”
This review was posted by a parent.