The French and Romanian education systems
Growing up between two cultures, from French to English and Romanian
The French public system in Bucharest
Our school follows the French national curriculum, which is open and inclusive and enables all pupils to develop their abilities and fulfil their potential. French is the language of instruction, while English serves as an international language of communication and Romanian is the language of the host country and of many pupils at our school.
We place particular emphasis on key values such as independence in learning, civic responsibility, secularism, critical thinking and openness to others and the wider world. Our teachers are trained in the French education system and are well versed in its teaching methods and practices. Beyond the acquisition of knowledge, they encourage innovative approaches, debate, group work and the development of oral communication skills in the classroom.
The educational pathway
From nursery school to the French Baccalaureate
An overview of the French school levels and their Romanian equivalents, from Toute Petite Section (TPS, ages 2-3) to Terminale (ages 17-18).
French system
Nursery
Toute Petite Section (ages 2-3), Petite Section (ages 3-4), Moyenne Section (ages 4-5), Grande Section (ages 5-6)
Romanian system
Kindergarten
Primary
CP (ages 6-7), CE1 (ages 7-8), CE2 (ages 8-9), CM1 (ages 9-10), CM2 (ages 10-11)
Primary cycle
Middle school
6ème (ages 11-12), 5ème (ages 12-13), 4ème (ages 13-14), 3ème (ages 14-15)
Brevet des collèges (DNB) at the end of 3ème (ages 14-15)
High school
High school
Seconde (ages 15-16), Première (ages 16-17), Terminale (ages 17-18)
Baccalauréat and Baccalauréat Français International
Liceu
Recognition by ARACIP enables Romanian pupils who wish to do so to transfer to the Romanian education system at any stage of their schooling.
A dual cultural experience from nursery onwards
These values are fostered from an early age through the French education system. Particular emphasis is placed on language development, social skills and independence, as well as preparation for reading and writing
Multilingualism is a key part of our educational project. From nursery onwards, pupils develop their language skills in an environment where French, English and Romanian are used naturally.
Romanian pupils maintain a strong connection with their language and culture. French and other international pupils develop an early understanding of the host country's culture while benefiting from the strengths of the French education system. All pupils develop a multifaceted identity and valuable intercultural skills. Our school also offers a varied programme of extracurricular activities that complements the curriculum.
Preparing for French qualifications
The French education system includes two major national examinations. At the end of lower secondary school, pupils take the French National Brevet Diploma (Diplôme national du brevet, DNB), which assesses the knowledge and skills acquired during compulsory education. The DNB marks the end of lower secondary school and precedes entry into upper secondary education. At the Lycée Français Anna de Noailles, pupils can then continue their studies in the general pathway.
At the end of the three years of upper secondary school, pupils take the French Baccalauréat. In the international section, pupils prepare for the French Baccalauréat International (BFI). These national qualifications mark the end of upper secondary education and provide access to higher education in France and around the world. We place particular emphasis on educational and career guidance, encouraging pupils to explore their interests and gradually develop their plans for the future.
The French education system has its own structure, but recognition by ARACIP enables Romanian pupils who wish to do so to transfer to the Romanian education system at any stage of their schooling. Similarly, pupils who move abroad during their education can continue their studies at another school within the AEFE network.
Certifications
Language certifications
This multilingual pathway supports pupils throughout their education. It values French as the language of instruction, English as an international language of communication, and Romanian as the language of the host country and of many pupils at the school. This linguistic diversity supports academic achievement, openness to the world and the development of strong multilingual and intercultural skills.
To recognise pupils’ language skills and help them meet international standards, the Lycée Français Anna de Noailles offers preparation courses and examinations for Cambridge English qualifications and the DELF, in partnership with the British Council and the Institut Français de Roumanie. These certifications provide formal recognition of language proficiency and are a valuable asset for further study in France and internationally.