The French-Cypriot School (Ecole Franco-Chypriote – EFC) in its present form, with over 10 years of successful educational service, constitutes a development of the French School which was housed in the centre of Nicosia as from 1987, based on an agreement with the Agency for French Education Abroad (Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’etranger – AEFE) and in 2012, based on a bilateral agreement between the Cypriot and the French governments the private non-profit making “French-Cypriot School” (‘Ecole Franco-Chypriote – EFC) is founded, remaining as a member of AEFE which today numbers 600 schools, in 140 countries with around 400.000 students, and more than 600 000 alumnis.
Now also established in Limassol, The French-Cypriot School (EFC) is recognized by the Ministries of Education of France and Cyprus and is fully harmonized with the Private Schools Law of 2019 and 2020. It is managed by the Headmaster/mistress and the assistant Headmaster/mistress in cooperation with the Management Committee which is elected at the General Assembly of the «Parents’ and Guardians’ Association of the Students of the French-Cypriot School. The ordinary members of the school comprise of all the parents or legal guardians of the students who attend the School each time.
The activities of the School concern the operation of classes from kindergarten (Μaternelle) up to the last class of the Lyceum. For the current school year, the school hosts around 450 students of 50 different nationalities in Limassol and Nicosia.
The French-Cypriot School follows the French educational course of studies, which provides students with the foundation to obtain the French Baccalauréat, a gateway to the world’s top universities and schools.. Entry to the school is at the age of 2 and continues up to graduation (baccalaureat, 17/18 years old). The main teaching language is French and the students may choose between French and bilingual academic courses. In the bilingual course students are taught both in French and in Greek, following the course of the Ministry of Education of Cyprus (Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth – ΥΠΑΝ). All students are taught English as from 3 years of age and at the age of 12 they have the possibility of being taught German or Spanish. Moreover, one of the main educational goals school is multilingualism which undoubtedly constitutes a huge advantage, key to the success both in studies as well as in finding employment.
Our Assets
The value and strength of the French curriculum
The EFC is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and by the Cypriot Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Education. Pupils follow the French curriculum from Nursery School through High School. They are prepared to take the French standard exams (Diplôme National du Brevet) in Year 10 (3ème) and the Baccalauréat diploma in Year 12 and 13 (première et terminale).
Further studies in France and internationally
Attending a French school provides a privileged pathway for further studies both in France and internationally. The French Baccalauréat is recognized in many countries and is considered one of the most prestigious diplomas around the world. It enables our pupils to pursue their studies not only in France but also in many European countries (such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain…) or internationally (United States, Canada…).
The ‘AEFE’, the strength of the network
The ‘AEFE’ is the French public agency overseeing and coordinating the network of French educational institutions abroad. The ‘AEFE’ constitutes the world’s largest educational network within which its accredited schools offer educational continuity from Nursery School to the Baccalauréat. Being part of this dynamic, attractive, and open-minded global network allows our schools to provide a particularly enriching education. The stated ambition across the network is educational excellence thus supporting the success of all students. Most graduates from the network subsequently gain admission to prestigious French ‘Grandes Ecoles’ (business and engineering top schools) and leading international universities.
Multilingualism at the core of the educational project
From Nursery School onward, students are immersed in a multicultural and bilingual environment, benefiting from instruction in French and Greek. In primary school, they start learning English as well. Through this curriculum, our pupils are fluent in three languages (French, Greek, and English) by the end of Key Stage 2 (‘Cycle 3’). They reach the Baccalauréat with an excellent linguistic background, a significant asset for their higher education applications and future careers.
AEFE network :
- The largest educational network in the world:
600 schools / 140 countries / 400,000 students / 20,000 graduates per year. - Seamless transitions: Enables students to continue their studies almost anywhere in the world without interruption.
- Access to top universities and schools worldwide: Thanks to the strength of the French Baccalaureate and the excellence of the education provided, our students gain admission to the best higher education institutions: top business schools, Sciences Po, the Sorbonne in France, and institutions in the UK, USA, Canada, Italy, and more.
- A rich alumni network: Over 600,000 members worldwide.
- AEFE graduates thrive in prestigious sectors such as politics, law, journalism, acting, senior management, public administration, and NGOs.
- AEFE graduates thrive in prestigious sectors such as politics, law, journalism, acting, senior management, public administration, and NGOs.
- Unique experiences and projects:
- AEFE schools offer exceptional life experiences, pedagogical innovations, and enriching educational and cultural activities.
- Examples include:
- International Youth Games: A global sports competition.
- ZESE Games: A regional sports competition.
- Orchestra and Choir of French High Schools Worldwide.
- Ambassadeurs en Herbe: An eloquence competition.
- ADN-AEFE Exchange Program: Enables Grade 10 students to participate in international exchanges during the school year.
- In 2024, six of our school’s 22 “seconde” students participated in international exchanges to Spain (2 students), Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Qatar.
The teaching staff
A very large number of academics comes from France, based on the agreement of the governments of Cyprus and France. Τhe headmaster/mistress and the assistant headmaster/mistress also come from France, by detachment, who are responsible for the pedagogical policy and educational matters as well as observing the educational standards, the legislation and regulations of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus. At the same time, teaching and other personnel from Cyprus and/or overseas is hired, which fulfills the criteria for appointment.
French kindergarten: a unique way of entering school life
The school implements the French National Education curriculum for preschool, a unique model, while also promoting the Cypriot language and culture.
- Key strengths:
- Encourages autonomy, expression, and creativity.
- A nurturing environment based on play, hands-on activities, discovery, and exploration.
- Introduces reading, writing, and counting.
- Child-friendly spaces and equipment designed for young learners.
- A balanced educational approach that respects children’s rhythms in a safe and secure environment.
- Progressive language learning from kindergarten: French as the primary language, complemented by Greek and English.
- All students are at least trilingual by the time they graduate from high school, often much earlier.
Outstanding academic results
Our students have an absolute 100% success in the Baccalauréat and have joined top universities all over the world, including universities in France, the United Kingdom, Holland, Europe, Canada and the world. 89% obtain their Baccalauréat with honors (“Très Bien” >16/20 or “Bien” >14/20), compared to 55% in French schools worldwide and 28% in France.
Questions which were answered by the President of the Management Committee, Mr. Petros Josephides.
Why should I choose the French-Cypriot School?
The French-Cypriot School is a modern educational organization, based on values of the French educational system: equality, humanity, tolerance, coexistence, critical thinking and cultural diversity. At the French-Cypriot School the student may join from the Kindergarten, up to the threshold of the University, in a joint educational organization which constitutes an extension of its family where from a very early age it learns to welcome in his company, in his school, students from all over the world. An educational environment, where he will receive with patience, love and harmony all the tools in order to be ready for studies in any country of the world he may wish.
There are several parents who while they do not have a direct or indirect relationship with France, they choose our school, and we see these children with great joy, speaking fluent French from an early age and our graduates joining distinguished universities all over the world.
Is assistance and support offered by the school?
One of the priorities of the French educational system is induction: Equal opportunities of access to the French educational system for everyone, regardless of mother language or learning difficulties. For this reason, access to special support programmes is offered to our students, according to the needs of each child. The teachers evaluate the needs of each student and recommend the most appropriate personalized programme.
How is the French-Cypriot school in Limassol growing?
The Limassol branch is growing fast and has tripled its number of students last year. It is fully accredited by the AEFE since 2023, granting access to all AEFE projects and supporting the steady and well-guided expansion of the school. With a strong dynamic and a highly committed teaching team, we are confident about the future and will continue to invest to provide the best possible conditions for our students.
HOW YOU MAY REGISTER
To enrol or for more information, please contact us by telephone: (+357) 22 66 53 18 for Nicosia and (+357) 25 35 59 00 for Limassol. The school also welcomes families by appointment for visits to the school and meetings with the management.
FIND US
WEBSITE
WWW.EFCHYPRE.COM
INSTAGRAM
@EFCN_CHYPRE
@EFCLIMASSOL
FACEBOOK
ECOLE FRANCO-CHYPRIOTE DE NICOSIE
ECOLE FRANCO-CHYPRIOTE DE LIMASSOL
