Lycée Français International d'Al Khobar Review
The story so far...
The Lycée Français International d'Al Khobar (LFIK) opened in 1983, under the patronage of the French Embassy. In common with all schools in the network of French overseas schools, it follows the French National Curriculum as laid out by the French Ministry of National Education.
LFIK describes itself as an international school open to students of all nationalities, whether their mother tongue is French or not. In 2020-21, the school welcomed 581 students of 22 different nationalities from age 3 to 18 (including a Toute Petite Section). LFIK is overseen by the Mission Laïque Française (The French Secular Mission), a network of 119 schools attended by 54,000 students. These schools are an integral part of the close to 550 establishments that make up the French education network abroad.
Historically established in the Mediterranean countries, Mission Laïque Française (MLF) is now present in 41 countries. As a partner of the French Ministries of National Education and Foreign Affairs, its objective is “to disseminate the French language and culture throughout the world through quality education, respectful of freedom of conscience and cultural diversity”.
Further details can be found here.
The school is led by Principal Omar Habchi. Teachers are mixture of those recruited from France and those recruited locally who are required to have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree (bac+3) in their subject. A good command of the French language is expected.
The Lycée is made up of the Kindergarden section (from PS to GS) which accommodates 115 students in 5 classes, the Primary school (from CP to CM2) which has approximately 250 students in 10 classes, the Collège (from 6th to 3rd grades) which educates around 150 students (in 7 classes) and the Lycée (from 2nd to Terminale) which has a cohort of approximately 80 students (in 4 classes). According to LFIK, the school benefits from quality infrastructures that allow everyone, students and teachers, to work in good conditions.
What about the curriculum?
The courses offered in the establishments of the mlfmonde network are determined in line with the the programs defined by the French Ministry of National Education and Youth.
Like schools, collèges and lycées in France, the main language of instruction remains French and students are prepared for national exams: the National Diploma of Brevet at the end of the 3ième grade and the Baccalauréate at the end of Terminale. The latter is the gateway to access French universities and grandes écoles, but it is also recognized by all universities around the world.
The MLF through its motto "two cultures, three languages" affirms its own educational identity. This is translated into three “axes of mobilization” - key areas of focus - centered on the student which "aim to nourish and inspire the teaching teams in the design of inter-degree and interdisciplinary projects".
These areas of focus are: the capacity for expression, responsible citizenship, and the aptitude for critical thinking and autonomy.
The place of innovation and research in teaching practices is one of the strong characteristics of MLF. The schools within the mlfmonde network seek to enhance the individual paths of students while not forgetting to give meaning to learning, by combining local realities and openness to the international environment. They promote student involvement in both their multilingual and civic education.
In addition to the academic curriculum, LFIK offers a range of extracurricular activities.
What about academic achievement?
Somewhat disappointingly, the school does not appear to publish its examination results for the Brevet and Baccalauréate.
What about the facilities?
According to LFIK, the school benefits from quality infrastructures that allow everyone, students and teachers, to work in good conditions. This is supported by images of the school which show a modern multi-storey building with outdoor space including a swimming pool. It is located within the Nesma Village compound.
The Buzz
There is relatively little feedback about the school. We do know that it encourages parental involvement through its School Council and parents of students in Lycée are encouraged to sign up for a weekly newsletter.
If you are a parent, teacher or student at the Lycée Français d'Al Khobar, please share your experience and opinions with other potential members of your community and complete our Survey.
What about the fees?
Fees covering all costs range from 31,354.75 SAR for TPS, rising to 41,319.50 SAR from Petite Section to CM2, 43,420.55 SAR for 6ème to 3ème , 47,189.10 SAR for 2nde, 48,380.50 SAR for 1ère, and 51,189.95 SAR in Terminale. These are inclusive of VAT.
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