Learning at Lab School
Lab School Paris combines structured, bilingual education with a caring, inclusive and research-informed approach. Up to and including 3e, the school supports students in developing the knowledge, skills and cultural foundations defined by the French National Curriculum (Socle commun de connaissances, de compétences et de culture). In 2nde, students consolidate their learning and gradually prepare for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), which they then follow in Première and Terminale.
Particular attention is given to developing students’ social and emotional skills, including creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, empathy and the ability to build positive relationships. Our aim is to help students become confident, independent learners.
Bilingualism at Lab School
In Middle School (6e to 4e), half of the curriculum is taught in English and half in French.
In 3e, the majority of classes are taught in French to consolidate the knowledge and skills expected by the end of Middle School and prepare students for the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB).
In 2nde, the majority of classes are taught in English, gradually preparing students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), which is offered in Première and Terminale and taught in English.
All our Secondary School teachers are bilingual and support students in developing their language skills in both French and English. Key vocabulary, essential concepts and instructions are explained in both languages, and additional language support is provided according to individual students’ needs.
This approach builds on the bilingual pathway established in Primary School. It enables students to strengthen their proficiency in both languages while developing the confidence they need to learn, think and communicate in a challenging, supportive bilingual environment.
More information about the language model for each grade level is available on our dedicated Middle School and High School pages.
A research-informed approach to learning and teaching
In Middle and High School, the educational approach at Lab School Paris draws on research-informed practices, such as explicit instruction developed by Steve Bissonnette, as well as the Approaches to Teaching developed by the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Our team also actively contributes to this research-informed approach. At least seven times a year, our teachers take part in seminars where they engage with experts in education, neuroscience and educational research, while also sharing the findings of action research conducted at the school through our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). This work translates directly into classroom practice: from 3e onwards, for example, it has led to the development of a dedicated course focused on “learning how to learn.”
In Middle School (6e to 4e), students have dedicated project time during which they explore, individually or in groups, big questions connected to their interests. The emphasis is not only on the answers they develop, but above all on how they learn: researching, collaborating, organising their work, reflecting on their progress and managing a long-term project. Inspired by the IB’s Approaches to Learning (ATL), project time enables students to progressively develop their independence, critical-thinking skills and the competencies they need to succeed in Middle School, High School, the IB Diploma Programme and beyond.
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A caring, respectful and inclusive learning environment
At Lab School Paris, care, respect and inclusion are part of everyday school life. With a maximum of 20 students per class, we are able to ensure that every student is known, heard, guided and supported, whether at specific moments or on an ongoing basis, according to their individual needs.
Students play an active role in school life: they participate in the democratic student council, where they propose initiatives to improve their school community.
Multi-age projects, including theme days, project time in Middle School and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) in High School, along with civic initiatives and opportunities to engage with other students, researchers and external partners, encourage students to collaborate with people of different ages, cultures and backgrounds.
This consideration for others is part of a broader commitment to international-mindedness and openness to the world, fostered through the values of the International Baccalaureate, our Erasmus projects and opportunities to engage with our partner institutions. It is also central to our identity as a Lab School: our collaborations with universities and researchers create meaningful connections between education, research and society.
Every year, 100% of Lab School Paris students who have taken the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB), série générale, have passed with honours. Congratulations to all our graduating classes on their outstanding achievements!
Lab School Paris is proud to maintain these excellent results, with 100% of successful candidates receiving honours, while supporting a diverse student body that includes many students for whom French is not their first language. These results reflect the individualised support we provide to help every student progress and reach their full potential.
Organisation of the school year
The Lab School follows the Paris academic calendar.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are full days, and Wednesdays are mornings only.
Middle school students have lunch from 13:00 to 14:30.
High school students have lunch between 13:00 and 14:00.
Classes start and end times
For 6th, 7th and 8th grades:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 to 16:30.
Wednesdays from 9:00 to 13:00.
For 9th grade:
Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 to 15:30
Tuesdays from 9:00 to 16:00
Wednesdays from 9:00 to 13:00
Thursdays from 9:00 to 16:00.
For 10th grade:
Mondays from 9:00 to 16:30
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 16:00
Wednesdays from 9:00 to 13:00
Fridays from 9:00 to 16:45.
For 11th and 12th IB graders :
from 8:45 at the earliest to 17:00 at the latest, M, T, Th, F
from 8:45 at the earliest to 13:00 at the latest, W
(Individualised timetables and breaks according to selected subjects. Please check your child's personalised timetable).
