Bilingual French International School

Founded in 2013, Bilingual French International School (BFIS), formerly known as the International Concept for Education (ICE), is a co-educational bilingual school in Dubai offering education from Pre-Kindergarten (Petite Section) to Grade 12 (Terminale) for students aged 3 to 18.

BFIS follows the French National Curriculum, accredited by the French Ministry of Education through AEFE, and is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate (IB). The school currently offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the upper grades, promoting academic excellence and global awareness.

As a bilingual school, BFIS provides equal instruction in French and English, with subjects shared between native-speaking teachers. The IB curriculum is taught in English, while the French programme runs from early years through to the French Baccalaureate. Arabic is also taught, especially for native speakers.

The school emphasises academic achievement, personal growth, and social responsibility. Most students are French, with English-speaking students and staff from the UK, US, and Ireland, and French-speaking teachers mainly from France. BFIS combines the strengths of the French and IB systems, offering students a strong foundation for success in both local and international universities.

• Location: Meydan City
• School fee: AED 46,350 - AED 72,363
• Curriculum: French National Curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education
• KHDA rating: Very Good
• Years offered: Pre-KG to Grade 12

Bilingual French International School (BFIS) is located next to the Meydan Hotel. Family-friendly residential areas near the school include:

• Nad Al Sheba
• Al Quoz

Nad Al Sheba Dubai is known because of the Meydan Racecourse, the venue for the Dubai World Cup. The neighbourhood features a mix of villas and apartments. Al Quoz is a mix of commercial and residential areas and is further divided into four sub-communities.

Those looking to live near the Bilingual French International School (BFIS) can consider the following options:

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The school campus is carefully designed to help students take part in numerous extra-curricular activities that help with their personal development. The single-level building is surrounded by greenery.

The school is located in Nad Al Sheba 1 where many expats are settled. Not to mention, the area is vastly dominated by UK curriculum schools. As stated earlier, Bilingual French International School is ideal for families living around Meydan, Nad Al Sheba and Al Barari.

Bilingual French International School received an ‘Acceptable’ rating from the KHDA in the academic year 2015 -16. It achieved a Good rating for the 2016 -17 and the 2017 – 18 academic sessions. During the latest inspection, the KHDA rated BFIS as ‘Very Good.’

Students have a good grasp on French, English, Mathematics and Science subjects. The school strives to provide guidance and support to students. BFIS follows two curricula that are interlinked. 

Arabic is also taught as part of the curriculum. The school allows students to explore active learning while working on their values. ICE has a constructive and child-centred approach. The most important aspect of the French education system is its culture générale approach, particularly in the pre-school and lower primary school levels. During the early primary level, the focus is on concept building.

The staff at BFIS is trained by Finishing School in Switzerland through a partnership with Pierrefeu. Believing in the importance of physical health, sports such as swimming, fencing, chess and golf are part of the curriculum. The school helps develop creative skills in children and encourages them to be daring. The school appreciates students who ask questions and come out of their comfort zones.

The educational philosophy of BFIS has four core components – Etiquette, Talent Identification, Wellness and The Arts. Special attention is paid to good manners and courtesy. The school wants students to become more than individuals who are self-disciplined and have a thirst for knowledge. Basic lessons include how to behave in social circles and how to eat properly at the table.

Bilingual French International School also has a STEP -Student Talent Enhancement Programme. Each student is observed by the teacher and the school team for the first few weeks in the classroom. The school faculty works closely with the psychologist to identify the talents and potential of the students.

Bilingual French International School offers classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Kindergarten level includes bilingual classes, as elementary school students are quick in learning different languages. Kindergarten consists of a Petite Section, which is Pre-KG, Moyenne Section or KG1 and Grande Section or KG2. The bilingual kindergarten programme strengthens the linguistic and cognitive development of preschoolers. The Kindergarten section is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. The syllabus is taught in French as well as in English. The class schedules incorporate teaching in both languages.

Teachers deliver lessons in French for one week and in English for the next week. Both languages are taught by native speakers. All areas of activity and learning are shared by both teachers.

The primary school includes 1st Grade (CP) and 2nd Grade (CE1). The five classes in France are placed under Ecole Primaire and are known as CP, CE1, CE2, CM1 and CM2. The objective is to enable students to read, write and speak French. At the end of CE1 (Grade 2), students are supposed to have a basic mastery of French and mathematics (including addition and subtraction techniques).

Grade 3 (CE2), Grade 4 (CM1) and Grade 5 (CM2) are where students have advanced-level command of French and mathematics. Additional subjects taught to Grade 3 to Grade 5 students are literature, geography, history, experimental sciences and technology. IT tools are also included as part of the teaching process for students. Primary School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education.

Primary Year Programme (PYP) is a transdisciplinary programme developed for students aged 3 to 12 years. PYP encourages students to become lifelong learners. This programme has five essential elements: concepts, knowledge, skills, action and attitude. Academically, the programme works on subjects such as Mathematics, Languages, Music, Robotics, Emblematic Activities and chess. An important aspect of PYP is the Programme of Inquiry.

Specialist teachers work in close collaboration with classroom teachers to promote constructive and inquiry-based learning. Teachers know exactly what students understand about the subject. Furthermore, they know how to motivate students to increase their knowledge.

The school follows the IB as well as the French curriculum. Both these education systems are adjusted to meet the academic needs of students and comply with rules laid down by the Ministry of Education, UAE. The design of the curriculum ensures a smooth transition between different educational phases and promotes the systematic building of knowledge and skills. Kindergarten classes are conducted in both languages and the schedule involves teaching in French for one week and teaching in English for the upcoming week.

The Primary School curriculum is designed to enable students to get familiar with French, English and Mathematics and at the same time understand the basics of literature, history, geography and practical science. Students are encouraged to use IT tools during various school activities. The school believes it increases students’ reflection, autonomy, creative imagination, learning proficiency and observational skills.

The IB system in the school is a challenging and knowledgeable educational programme. This curriculum helps develop active and compassionate young individuals. The IB approach makes the use of basic teaching methodologies to enhance reading, writing and arithmetic skills in students while preserving the ‘culture générale’ aspect of the French Education System.

From Grade 6 onwards, students transition into the Middle School (Collège) phase, which includes Sixième (6e), Cinquième (5e), Quatrième (4e), and Troisième (3e), corresponding to Grades 6 to 9. During this phase, students build on their foundational knowledge and are introduced to advanced concepts in mathematics, literature, sciences, and humanities. Additional focus is placed on foreign languages, civic education, arts, and technology. Students engage in interdisciplinary and project-based learning, using digital tools and research methods to support academic development.

In High School (Lycée), which includes Seconde (Grade 10), Première (Grade 11), and Terminale (Grade 12), students follow either the French Baccalauréat pathway or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). Both tracks emphasise analytical thinking, creativity, global awareness, and personal responsibility. The French Baccalauréat track involves specialisation in key subjects such as Mathematics, Sciences, Economics, or Literature. Meanwhile, the IB DP encourages students to select subjects across multiple disciplines and complete core components like the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These final school years are designed to prepare students for university studies, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research, communication, and leadership skills.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) works with the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) and inspects private schools operating in Dubai. The rating is based on students’ achievements, learning environment of the school, the capacity for improvement and students’ progress in Arabic, English, Mathematics and Science. The rating ranges from Weak to Outstanding.

Bilingual French International School KHDA rating for the year 2023-2024 is ‘Very Good’.

The term starts on 29st August. Students go for a mid-term break from 17th October to 21st October. The term resumes on 24th October. Winter break lasts from 12th December to 30th December.

Students return for classes on 2nd January. The second mid-term break is from 13 to 17th February. The second semester start on 21st February while the Spring Break lasts from 27th March to 7th April.

After the spring break, classes resume on 10th April and the second semester ends on 5th July. Students then go on a 2-month summer vacation.

School’s academic calendar is available on the official website.

Parents can be part of the guided school tours. During the tour, families are not only given details about the campus, but they are also provided with an insight into the curriculum and BFIS’s approach and culture. Open days are also planned by the school, where families are allowed to visit the school without an appointment. They can meet the teachers, other parents and the administration team members. Please note that school tours require a prior appointment.

There are two different admission procedures – one for students living in the UAE and one for students based overseas.

The requirements to be fulfilled by the applicants living abroad are almost the same as for applicants from the UAE. The first step is to fill the online form and email the required documents to admission@icedubai.org.

Required documents include:

• Passport copy of student and his sponsor
• Residency visa of student and his sponsor
• Emirates ID of student and his sponsor (Front and back side)
• Student’s birth certificate copy in English or in Arabic
• Passport size photograph
• Immunization record copy
• Current and last two years school reports in English or in French
• File processing fees of AED 1,000 per child payable once and non-refundable or transferable
• School Transfer certificate
• KHDA Transfer certificate (Only if the child was attending a school in Dubai)

The registration form for admission is available on the official website of the school.

In the next step, students must appear for the placement test. The admission department then decides and informs the parents regarding the selection of students. The applicant should acknowledge the email sent from the school regarding the admission within 15 days. School also offers a discount for the first 400 applicants. Please note that the BFIS fee structure is different for new applicants and existing students.

Placement tests do not apply to students looking for admissions in PS (Pre-KG). However, students looking for admission in KG1 and KG2 have to go through a casual oral placement test with an admission officer. Students coming from a French approved school are accepted provided they have completed a grade level. Students with special education needs or disabilities (SEND) are assessed by the head of the SEND department.

The school follows this age-criteria for admission:

This is based on the age of the students on 31st March (for schools beginning in April) and 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: KHDA

* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)

The fee structure for new students is stated below:

The above-mentioned fee structure includes the fee for all emblematic activities. Fee for each grade is to be paid 30% in advance, 30% at the start of the 1st Term, 20% at the start of the 2nd Term and 20% at the start of the 3rd Term.

Payments can be made via cheque, wire transfer, credit card and cash. Cheques should be submitted to the accounts department. Fee details for BFIC can be viewed on the official website.

A spacious canteen is part of the school where only organic food is served. The school pays particular attention to students’ health and diet. BFIS has a healthy menu prepared by the school’s dietician. The school restaurant is managed by leading food provider ‘Ansamble.’ A meal at BFIS includes an entrée, a side dish and a dessert. The menu can be viewed in detail on the official school website.

The school aims to facilitate students by providing a pick and drop service. The transportation service is managed by an RTA Dubai (Road and Transportation Authority) approved service provider. If you want to use the transport service, fill the form and submit it to the school along with the fee. To see the list of areas covered by the bus, parents can send an email to bus@icedubai.org or call +971-4-337-7818 (extension 204).

Students using the transportation service provided by the school must follow these rules:

• The driver of the bus shall not wait for the child for more than 3 minutes.
• At the drop off point, an authorised person shall receive the child. If the person doesn’t show up at the stop, the child will be taken back to the school. Parents/guardians would then have to pick up the child from the school.
• During the ride, the driver is not allowed to use the phone.
• A bus nanny accompanies kids during the ride.
• It is forbidden to give money to the driver or bus nanny.
• Children should always wear a seat belt during the ride.
• Drinking or eating on the bus is not allowed.
• The bus should be parked in the designated area. Buses are not allowed to move when children are walking in the designated area.
• For any changes, the bus coordinator should be contacted.
• After the journey, the driver should check and put the sign “CHECK.”

Bilingual French International School also offers a comprehensive sports programme. Students can take part in swimming, fencing, chess, golf and tennis starting from Grade 1.

Sometimes, sports activities are combined with a range of extra-curricular activities such as ballet and Zumba to ensure that the children have the widest range of opportunities.

Extracurricular activities are important for students of BFIS. It helps in developing social skills in students. As stated earlier, BFIS has a Talent Identification Programme called STEP. STEP is part of the curriculum and involves working on each student’s talent and aptitude. Extracurricular activities are a combination of the following:

Extracurricular activities aim to identify students who are gifted and talented.

BFIS students are taken to international and national trips. Students from Kindergarten and early Primary section visited a zoo to know more about the species of the animal kingdom.

BFIS offers several after-school activities. Some activities are managed by the school while some are offered by external providers. Each term a set of activities are planned. For preschoolers, activities are scheduled between 02:25 PM to 03:25 PM. Primary and secondary school students are given the 03:40 pm to 04:40 pm i.e. a ‘one-hour’ slot for after-school activities. During the holy month of Ramadan, all after-school activities are suspended.

Kindergarteners can enjoy basketball, African drums, ballet, hip-hop, soccer, swimming, tennis, chess, nutty scientist, Zumba kids, martial arts and gymnastics. Activities designed for primary and secondary school students are almost the same, but also include visual arts, climbing club and ballet academy for beginner level. There is a special ‘Leader For Tomorrow’ programme for secondary school students.

To register or know what activities are being offered during the term, parents can email at marina.torralba@icedubai.org.

As per the Dubai Health Authority’s requirement, Bilingual French International School has an on-site clinic with a full-time nurse and a part-time doctor. The doctor at the school carries out an annual medical examination of all new students. Parents are also encouraged to ensure basic hygiene while sending their kids to school. Parents are also required to fill a form regarding medical information and provide a photocopy of vaccination proof in a sealed envelope. Parents are welcomed to meet the nurse and doctor to establish an individualised care plan (ICP).

School nurses are also allowed to administer medication in case of emergency. Emergency Protocol is followed and parents or legal guardians are contacted in case of emergency. Children may not bring any medication to school and will be sent home if they are sick. First-aid services are provided by the school nurse who works with the school’s doctor.

If any student suffers from chickenpox, rubella, measles, mumps, conjunctivitis and tuberculosis or any other contagious illnesses, parents should notify the school administration.

Parents can join the WhatsApp group made by the school for each class. This way they will be notified about the latest school events and announcements.

Parents-teacher meetings are also arranged periodically to inform parents regarding their child’s progress.

• Telephone: + 971-4-337-7818
• General Enquiries: ice@icedubai.org
• Admission Enquiries: admission@icedubai.org
• Website

What curriculum does Bilingual French International School follow?

BFIS offers a bilingual program combining the French National Curriculum and the IB system.

Where is the school located?

BFIS is located in Nad Al Sheba 1, near Meydan City, Dubai.

What are the annual tuition fees at BFIS?

Fees range from AED 46,350 to AED 79,310 depending on the grade level.

What languages are taught at BFIS?

Instruction is in both French and English, with Arabic also part of the curriculum.

When does the academic year start and end?

The school year starts in late August and ends in early July.

Note that the cover image belongs to Bilingual French International School