The French Section at CNDL stands as a model of academic excellence and cultural openness, proudly accredited by the Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger (AEFE). This prestigious accreditation affirms the institution’s alignment with the international benchmarks of French-language education, reinforcing CNDL’s commitment to offering a globally recognized and pedagogically robust curriculum.
A Pathway to Global Citizenship Through French Education
Rooted in the values of the French educational system and enriched by CNDL’s holistic and Maronite-inspired vision, the French Section provides a bilingual, bicultural, and internationally oriented learning experience. This unique environment empowers learners to acquire deep academic knowledge, master multiple languages, and develop the cultural fluency required to excel in today’s interconnected world.
Structure of the French Section Curriculum
CNDL delivers a differentiated and age-appropriate French curriculum across all school levels, with programs specifically adapted to the developmental needs of each cycle:
- Kindergarten (Cycle 1):
A nurturing environment focused on early childhood development through an adapted French preschool program. Learners are introduced to foundational cognitive, motor, social, and language skills, fostering curiosity and creativity through play-based learning in French.
- Elementary School (Cycle 2):
This stage offers a strong foundational program in core academic disciplines. Instruction emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and basic sciences, complemented by civic education, artistic expression, and digital learning—all taught within the framework of the French educational model.
- Junior High (Cycle 3):
Building on foundational skills, the curriculum deepens learners’ analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Programs remain aligned with AEFE academic standards, focusing on subject mastery, learner autonomy, and interdisciplinary learning.
- High School (Secondary Cycle):
At the Grade 9 level, all learners in the French Section are required to sit for the Lebanese Brevet Diploma, ensuring proficiency in both national and international benchmarks. Following this, learners are presented with a pivotal academic choice:
- Lebanese Baccalaureate Track: Learners continue under the Lebanese national curriculum, preparing for the official Lebanese Baccalaureate, with instruction and assessments aligned with the national education system.
- French Baccalaureate Track: Learners shift to the French Baccalaureate Program, with evaluations and standards aligned with the AEFE and the French Ministry of Education, ensuring global recognition and eligibility for higher education in France and other Francophone countries.
This dual-pathway system empowers learners with the flexibility to pursue their academic goals in either the Lebanese or French higher education systems, while maintaining rigorous academic standards and cultural fluency.
Benefits of the AEFE-Accredited French Section at CNDL
- Globally Recognized Accreditation by AEFE
- Bilingual Mastery in French, Arabic, and English as second language
- Multicultural Learning Environment that promotes international-mindedness
- Rigorous Academic Preparation for both Lebanese and French university systems
- Seamless Transitions between national and international curricula
- Learner-Centered Pedagogy fostering independence, creativity, and global competencies
