18 French-language schools — 8 free public programs and 10 private institutions.
California's 18 French-language schools are split across three geographically separate metro clusters that function as independent markets: Greater Los Angeles (8 schools), San Francisco Bay Area (7 schools), and San Diego (3 schools). There is no statewide French immersion initiative — each school operates independently.
In the LA basin, the flagship is Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles (K–12, full AEFE curriculum), while Benjamin Franklin Magnet (Glendale) and Altadena Arts Magnet (Pasadena, 90:10 immersion) provide free public options via magnet lottery. In the Bay Area, École Bilingue de Berkeley and Silicon Valley International School in Palo Alto (IB Diploma) anchor the private landscape; Francophone Charter School of Oakland is the region's only free option. San Diego has Le Lycée Français de San Diego, San Diego French American School (La Jolla), and The Language Academy (free, SDUSD magnet).
California has 18 French immersion and dual-language schools — 8 free public or charter programs and 10 private schools.
Private French school tuition in California runs from about $17,718 to $63,621 per year. Public and charter immersion programs are tuition-free.
Yes. California has 8 tuition-free French immersion programs in public or charter schools. Many use a lottery or an attendance zone for admission.
California has 10 schools accredited by the French Ministry of Education (AEFE/MLF), following the French national curriculum toward the French Baccalaureate.
Grade ranges vary by school — from preschool (maternelle / pre-K) through elementary, with several continuing into middle and high school. Use the filters above to compare each school’s grade levels.
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