Lycee Francais de Chicago

What Lycee Francais de Chicago does

Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC) is an independent, nonprofit pre-K through Grade 12 international school headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1995 by a small group of French and American families. The school delivers a bilingual French-English curriculum with additional instruction in German, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish, culminating in either the French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, including multiple bilingual diploma variants. As of 2026, LFC serves approximately 760 students drawn from 500+ families representing 40+ nationalities and 30+ home languages, supported by 161 faculty and staff on a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. The school is accredited by AEFE, the IB Organization, NAIS, ISACS, ISBE, and FISNA, and operates from a single 3.8-acre Wilson Campus (opened 2015) in the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood neighborhood.

LFC monetizes primarily through tiered annual tuition ($28,925 for Pre-K to K; $29,200 for Grades 1-8; $29,500 for Grades 9-12), supplemented by a portfolio of auxiliary revenue streams: before- and after-school childcare and camps through LFC*extra, private music lessons, athletics registration, school transportation, bus service, and Quest Foods lunch. Additional revenue is generated by facility rentals (e.g., soccer field at $180/hour), the LFC Center for the Arts, the international Host Program, World Camp summer programs, Mini-club early-childhood classes, and Oui Learn French adult education. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via campus tours, open houses, online inquiry forms, and a dedicated admissions team, with no third-party channel partners. The school awards more than $2.3 million in financial aid annually to 146 students (20% of enrollment) and supplements tuition with philanthropic contributions and fundraising events such as La Soirée.

LFC's broader product surface includes the Flames athletics program (15+ sports with 85% secondary participation), the Artist-in-Residence program, progressive school trips and international exchanges with partner schools in France, Spain, Germany, and China, and a dedicated college counseling function that supports placement at universities including Harvard, Yale, Northwestern, Sciences Po dual-degree partners (Columbia, UBC, UC Berkeley, Sorbonne), and McGill. Technology stack is operations-oriented rather than product-differentiating: Finalsite for the website, FACTS for tuition and financial aid management, SCOIR for university counseling, and Active.com for athletics registration. The school reports 100% university acceptance for graduates and $5M+ in scholarships offered to students annually.

Name

Lycee Francais de Chicago

Legal name

Lycee Francais de Chicago

Website

https://lyceechicago.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Lycée Français de Chicago is an independent, nonprofit pre-K through Grade 12 bilingual French-English international school in Chicago serving ~760 students from 500+ families across 40+ nationalities, offering French Baccalauréat and IB diploma pathways with tuition of approximately $29,000 per year.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nonsectarian Independent Day Schools (EDAJABAA), English Learner (EL/ESL/ELL) & Bilingual Education Programs (EDAJAGAB), Secondary School Exchange Programs (Academic Year/Semester) (EDAIAHAB)

Keywords

• Bilingual international education
• French Baccalaureate program
• IB diploma program
• Pre-K through grade 12
• Multicultural language immersion

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition: Annual tuition constitutes the primary revenue stream, charged per student per academic year with tiered rates by grade level (PreK–K, 1st–8th, 9th–12th). Multiple payment schedule options are available including one-time annual, two-installment, and twelve-installment plans through FACTS.
2. Auxiliary Programs: Revenue from before/after school childcare (La Garderie), school break camps, extended day programs, private music lessons, athletic programs, and school trip fees. These programs are managed through LFC*extra.
3. University Counseling Services: College counseling curriculum provided to high school students as part of the academic program, with dedicated counselors including a French University College Counselor.
4. Campus Rentals: The school rents its facilities (gym, soccer field, performance spaces, classrooms) to external groups when not in use by the LFC. Soccer field rental fee is $180/hour. Revenue supports the school's operational budget.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Lycée Français de Chicago operates a private, nonprofit pre-K through Grade 12 international school delivering bilingual French-English education. Its core offerings include the French Baccalauréat and International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programs, plus Welcoming Language Programs that admit students with no prior French. The school also operates the LFC*extra auxiliary programs, Flames athletics, the Center for the Arts, and a Host Program for international students.

Product overview

Lycée Français de Chicago operates as a unified pre-K to Grade 12 international school offering a comprehensive bilingual (French-English) educational platform. The core educational product consists of the French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programs, supplemented by specialized language support through Welcoming Language Programs. The institution's portfolio includes enrichment modules such as the LFC Center for the Arts, Artist-in-Residence Program, Flames Athletics (15+ sports), Flames Basketball Academy, LFC*extra before/after school programming, Mini-club early childhood language classes, World Camp summer programs, Oui Learn French adult education, School Trips and Exchange Programs, University Preparation services, Transportation Services, and a Host Program for international students. The school serves approximately 760 students across 40+ nationalities with a focus on multilingual, multicultural global citizenship education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LFC*extra: Before and after school programming, break camps, and summer camps for LFC families.
• World Camp
• Mini Club
• Oui Learn French
• LFC Center for the Arts (CFTA)
• Flames
• LFC*daycare

Products and services

• Lycée Français de Chicago Core Educational Programs A pre-K to Grade 12 bilingual (French-English) international school offering the French Baccalauréat and IB diploma programs with instruction across French, English, German, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish.
• French Baccalaureate Program A rigorous French-language diploma program for Grades 9-12 preparing students for French university admission, including the standard Baccalauréat Français and the Baccalauréat Français International with English components.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Program A rigorous inquiry-based English-language diploma program for Grades 9-12 offering IB Diploma, IB German Bilingual, IB Spanish Bilingual, IB French Bilingual, and IB French Advanced Bilingual options.
• Host Program for International Students A residential program for international high school students in Grades 10-12 offering full enrollment in IB or French Baccalauréat programs with housing, academic support, and cultural immersion through curated host family placements.
• Flames Athletics Program A secondary school sports program offering 15+ sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, golf, rowing, sailing, and track and field, with 85% of secondary students participating.
• LFC*extra Before and after school programming including La Garderie (childcare), Ateliers (extracurriculars), Homework Help, Mini-Flames athletic classes, private music lessons, and school break camps for pre-K through Grade 12.
• LFC Center for the Arts A dedicated arts facility featuring two visual arts studios, a music classroom, a 3D art studio with ceramics lab and professional kiln, and a flexible performance and exhibition hall for student creative expression.
• World Camp International summer camps for pre-K through Grade 12 offering immersive French language and cultural experiences in Chicago.
• School Trips and Exchange Program Progressive international travel program including overnight camps (Grades 2-5), cultural exchanges to France, Germany, Spain, and China (Grades 9-12), and semester-long exchange partnerships with international schools.
• University Preparation and College Counseling Comprehensive college counseling curriculum spanning Grades 9-12, including one-on-one meetings, mock interview panels, application workshops, and partnerships with universities worldwide for student placement.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% university acceptance rate for graduates
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and flagship.

• FACTS (Tuition Management)coreTechnology or IntegrationFACTS is a tuition management company used by over 7,000 schools, including many French international schools in the U.S., to process financial aid applications and manage tuition payment plans. LFC uses FACTS for payment processing (one-time, two-installment, and twelve-installment plans) and needs-based financial aid assessments. FACTS charges fees per transaction ($25 for one-time, $25 for two-installment, $55 for twelve-installment) plus a $45 financial aid application fee.
• Quest FoodssupportingOthersLFC partners with Quest Foods to provide healthy, from-scratch meals for the school community. LFC is a peanut and nut-free school, which Quest Foods accommodates.
• FEPEF (Fédération des Établissements Français Congruent avec la用法)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFEPEF is the federation uniting 150 partner French international schools worldwide. Eric Veteau (Head of School) serves as President of FEPEF, providing LFC with a leadership role in the global network of French international schools and facilitating exchange programs, competitions, and collaborative initiatives.
• AFSA (Association of French Schools in North America)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFSA is the Association of French Schools in North America. Eric Veteau serves as Vice President of AFSA, connecting LFC with the broader North American network of French schools and providing strategic influence in the region.
• Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF)supportingOthersDMSF is a Chicago-based organization providing high school scholarship assistance and educational support to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. LFC is a proud partner, with the scholarship open to current 8th graders applying for high school. The application deadline is October each year.
• Consulate General of France in ChicagocoreOthersThe French Consulate in Chicago administers the 'Bourses Scolaires' (French Government Scholarships) for French citizen students living in the Chicago area with at least one parent. LFC assists families in applying through the Consulate's process, which includes applications submitted directly to the Consulate with deadlines managed through the school calendar.
• Sciences Po (Multiple Dual Degree Programs)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLFC maintains established dual/triple degree pathways with Sciences Po, including: Sciences Po-Columbia University, Sciences Po-University of British Columbia, Sciences Po-UC Berkeley, Sciences Po-Sorbonne, and others. These allow LFC graduates to pursue prestigious joint degree programs combining French and international university systems. Additionally, McGill University-CentraleSupélec Dual Degree and McGill-EDHEC pathways are available.
• SCOIR (University Counseling Platform)supportingTechnology or IntegrationLFC uses SCOIR (formerly Maia Learning) as its university counseling platform, where college and university representatives schedule visits with LFC students. Students and families use the platform for college research and visit scheduling.
• Academic Approach (Test Prep)supportingOthersLFC offers optional ACT/SAT test preparation through Academic Approach beginning in Grade 9, integrated into the college counseling curriculum. This partnership supports students' university preparation with standardized test support.
• AEFE Network of 550+ French International SchoolsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLFC is part of the AEFE network connecting 550+ French international schools globally. This network organizes diverse opportunities for students including sporting and academic competitions (MATh.en.JEANS, Jeux internationaux de la jeunesse, UNSS-AEFE sports league), cultural events, and exchange programs. LFC also participates in AEFE North American leagues and competitions.
• IB World Schools Network (5,800+ Schools)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLFC is an IB World School, part of a network of 5,800+ IB schools worldwide. This accreditation enables exchange programs with IB schools internationally, including 10th-grade exchange partnerships where LFC students are paired with students from partner IB schools abroad for six-week exchanges.
• Partner Schools in France, Spain, Germany, and ChinacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLFC maintains exchange partnerships with Lycées and international schools in France, Spain, Germany, and China (in development). These partnerships enable 9th-grade cultural trips, 10th-grade six-week student exchanges, and ongoing student mobility programs. Destinations include Munich (Germany), Shanghai (China), Argentina, France, and Spain.
• Camp EdwardssupportingOthersLFC partners with Camp Edwards in Wisconsin for overnight school trips. 2nd graders (spring) and 4th graders (fall) embark on three-day, two-night nature adventures, approximately two hours from Chicago, building independence and responsibility through workshops, sports, and social activities.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lycée Français de New York: Premier French international school in New York City, offering the same bilingual French-English curriculum from pre-K through Grade 12 with both IB and French Baccalaureate diploma pathways for French, American, and international families. Closest direct peer in scale, mission, and AEFE affiliation.
• Lycée Français de San Francisco: AEFE-affiliated French international school in the San Francisco Bay Area serving the same French-American and internationally-oriented family demographic with bilingual curriculum, IB, and French Baccalaureate programs.
• Lycée Français de Los Angeles: French international school in Los Angeles offering K-12 bilingual education with IB and French Baccalaureate options, AEFE-affiliated, and serving a comparable multicultural family base.
• Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans: AEFE-affiliated French international school in New Orleans providing bilingual K-12 education with French curriculum and IB programs, serving French expatriates and internationally-minded American families.
• Lycée Français de Boston: French international school in the Boston area offering bilingual education with French Baccalaureate and IB tracks. Operates with similar AEFE affiliation and a comparable tuition/premium positioning model.
• French International School of Portland: AEFE-affiliated French international school in Portland, Oregon offering bilingual K-12 education with IB and French Baccalaureate programs, serving a similar mission-aligned family demographic on the US West Coast.
• Lycée Français International de Washington: French international school in the Washington DC metro area offering K-12 bilingual education with both IB and French Baccalaureate programs; closely aligned mission and curriculum model.
• British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park: Premium international school in Chicago serving a similar globally-oriented, affluent family base with a different curriculum nationality (British/international) and IB offerings. Direct Chicago geographic peer competing for the same international-education families.
• French American International School (San Francisco): Independent French-American international school in San Francisco offering K-12 bilingual education with IB and French Baccalaureate programs, serving a comparable mission-aligned family demographic on the US West Coast.

Broad incumbents

• University of Chicago Laboratory Schools: Prestigious Chicago private preK-12 school serving a similar affluent, college-prep-oriented family demographic in the same geographic market, though without the French-immersion/IB-Bac dual-diploma specialization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lyceechicago
• YouTubevimeo.com/lyceechicago
• Facebookfacebook.com/lyceefrancaisdechicago
• Instagraminstagram.com/lyceechicago
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lycee-francais-de-chicago

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Lycee Francais de Chicago