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Sartoux School – Valbonne (France)

A continuous journey

First Cycle
Primary
2nd Cycle
College
3rd Cycle
High school

Presentation of the Sartoux School

International English-speaking section

At the heart of Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, L'’Sartoux Elementary School has been welcoming since 1988 classes of international English section. The school currently has 5 classes (CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2) with student numbers of 20 to 27 students per class. One German-speaking international section is also present.

A public school with an international focus

Sartoux is one of the few public elementary schools in France to offer instruction in international sections.
The program, overseen by the Academy of Nice and the Ministry, combines French curricula with enhanced English language instruction.,
taught by English-speaking teachers recruited via ASEICA.

A privileged school environment

Located in the Sophia Antipolis park, Sartoux benefits from a natural setting and a dynamic local educational environment.
Families benefit from an active student life and cultural events that bring the school's international community to life. 

Continuity in middle school

Primary SI students generally continue in international section at the college (according to academic procedures and the map of partner institutions). The procedures and tests are specified each year by ASEICA and the Academy of Nice.

Admissions to the international section

Access to the British international section from the Sartoux school is done on entrance tests
organized by the academic inspectorate of the Nice academy. The procedure is common to international section schools
from the Western sector (notably Sartoux in Valbonne and Trois Collines in Mougins).

In practice:

  • THE admission tests take place every year, mainly for entry into CP (first grade), with a limited number
    of new places.
  • Admissions to higher levels may be considered depending on available places and level.
    of the child's language.
  • Test dates and registration procedures are communicated by the Nice academy and relayed by
    the school and the municipalities concerned.

Students already enrolled in the international section at Trois Collines can then naturally continue in the ASEICA course in middle school, subject to a favorable opinion from the cycle council.

Learn more about admissions

To find out about upcoming test dates, registration requirements, and required documents,
see the page Admissions – Primary from ASEICA or the website of the Nice academy.

Consult the admission procedure

Establishment profile

  • Students in the international section : 124

  • Levels: Preschool and Elementary School

  • Schedules : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:20–11:30 and 13:30–16:40

  • Address : Sartoux Elementary School – 160 Promenade de la Bouillide, 06560 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis

  • Phone : 04 93 12 34 95

  • Email: contact@aseica.org

  • Director: Ms. Laurence Monti-Condesnit.

For practical information on access arrangements (transport, parking, extracurricular activities), families are invited to consult the website of the city of Mouans Sartoux or to contact the school directly.

City of Valbonne

logo vsa

 

The other establishments

Three Hills School (Mougins)
Sartoux School (Mouans-Sartoux)
César College (Roquefort-Les-Pins)
Niki St Phalle College (Valbonne)
Valbonne International College (CIV)
Collège de l'Eganaude (Biot)
Valbonne International High School

Contacts and Admissions

Admissions
Inquire

Choose the Three Hills school

A bilingual French-English curriculum

School time is divided between teaching in French (National Education) and teaching in English (ASEICA teachers).

 

In English: literacy (reading/writing/speaking), culture of English-speaking countries, interdisciplinary projects (science, history, arts).

 

In French: national curricula (French, math, science, physical education, arts). The objective: a coherent and continuous progression from CP to CM2 leading towards the international pathway in middle school.

Class organization and timetables
  • 5 classes dedicated to English-speaking SI: CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2 (20–27 students/class).
  • Schedules : 8:20–11:30 and 13:40–16:30 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday).
  • Co-planning FR/EN to ensure continuity of learning.

These benchmarks are updated by the school and ASEICA.

School life and international projects

The life of the international section in Trois Collines is punctuated by numerous cultural and linguistic projects.


Highlights include:

  • Anglo Day A full day dedicated to discovering English-speaking countries
    (United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, United States, South Africa, India, New Zealand, Australia…) through stands, workshops and activities conducted with the help of many parent volunteers.

 

  • Halloween, Christmas and other cultural holidays decorations, creative workshops, games and activities
    English-language resources allow students to experience the traditions of the English-speaking world while working on the language in a fun way.

These events help to make the school a place open to the world, where families and the educational team work together to offer students a truly international experience from primary school onwards.

FAQ.

We answer the most frequently asked questions.

FAQ.

We answer the most frequently asked questions.

Choose a category and the answers will appear right after.

What is ASEICA?

ASEICA is a association under the 1901 law which employs English-speaking teachers and supports international education within the French National Education system on the French Riviera. It is funded by tuition fees and family contributions.

To offer bilingual education French–English excellence, coordinated with partner public institutions (schools, colleges, high schools).

International openness, linguistic and cultural diversity, kindness and academic rigor.

The ASEICA teachers ensure English, National Education teachers ensure French; The school administration manages registrations and tests according to the academic framework.

He guarantees non-profit, the flexibility in recruiting English-speaking teachers and a governance close to families.

Programs aligned with French requirements with a strengthened English component, opening up international pathways in secondary school.

By aligning with French frameworks (academy / MEN), the recruitment of qualified teachers and international standards of good practice.

Biliteracy, intercultural skills and preparation for studies in France or internationally.

Through transparency of procedures, a sliding scale internal to secondary education and associative actions.

More than 40 years old action alongside the National Education system.

How many hours of French and English are taught in primary school?

Distribution balanced approximately half in English (ASEICA teachers) and the other half in French (National Education), i.e. ~12 p.m. per language/week.

Language/literacy, interdisciplinary projects (science, history, arts), communication and critical thinking.

Yes. The international sections are part of the French timetables/programs with specific adjustments.

Best practices of’IB PYP (transdisciplinary learning, learning community) and of the CIS (quality of learning and well-being).

Research shows positive effects on reading/math and lasting learning for students in immersion.

Yes, the SIs frame the disciplines and the language towards French certifications/exams with an international dimension.


Team coordination to ensure continuity of progress and consistency of projects. (Requirement present in IB/CIS frameworks).


Yes, the level-based organization and co-intervention promote adaptation to diverse bilingual profiles.


Yes: French, math, science, PE, arts… taught according to national programs.


Language support systems exist for FLE/EL depending on the academies, within the framework of the SI.

Who organizes the entrance tests for primary school?


Nice Academic Inspectorate : joint procedure for Sartoux (Valbonne) and Trois Collines (Mougins).

THE tests and results They fall under the jurisdiction of the Academic Inspectorate/DSDEN; ASEICA does not organize the tests.

 

Conditions published annually (age, residence in the academy, non-reproduction of tests, etc.).

 

Interview/test of language intended to assess the ability to follow specific courses; documents to be provided (municipal registration certificate, etc.).

Only if places become available; otherwise, recruitment focuses on the 6the.

Continuity towards the international high school from the academy (e.g., LIV) according to the procedures in force.

A French baccalaureate integrating teaching/assessments in the language of the section (LLCE and DNL); aims for a high level of bilingual/bicultural competence.


Two tests: French And section language; oral in CP (≈30 min), written introduced progressively at higher levels.


No, No program or past papers Official figures are not published.


Good level in both languages, especially for entrances on upper levels (limited places).


Yes, verified during test registration.


Opening according to the capacities of schools/municipalities and the academy; updates via academic channels.


ASEICA provides the English teachers; the school administrations handle administration/registrations/tests.


High requirement in French/English; information published by ASEICA and partner institutions (e.g., CIV).


Each year via the academy (e.g. calendar and FAQ CP/elementary).


Managed by the DSDEN; allocations possible after withdrawals.

What is bilingualism like to experience on a daily basis?


Alternating French and English during the week, cross-curricular projects and international classroom life.


English-language cultural days (e.g., “Anglo Day”), seasonal festivals (Halloween/Christmas) and community projects. (Recurring elements on the ASEICA primary pages).


Yes, on 4 days (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) depending on the schools in the area.


Strong involvement from families (volunteering, events, donations), consistent with the associative spirit.


To fund English-speaking teachers and supplementary activities.


International standards (IB/CIS) emphasize well-being, inclusion and appropriate workload.


They consolidate academic vocabulary and oral/written skills in authentic contexts.


Yes, within the framework of French programs, some projects can be carried out in English.


Linguistic adjustments are possible depending on the local academic framework.


Depending on the year/establishment, the association may organize additional activities (subject to financial regulations).

Who is part of the ASEICA community?


Students, families, ASEICA teachers, public school teams, alumni, volunteers.


Volunteering at events, participation in community life and financial support (donations).


Themed days, cultural festivals, charity projects and community events.


Yes: students multicultural speaking several languages; this diversity is a pedagogical asset.


Through ASEICA/establishment channels (website, communications, secretariat).


Adherence to values, respect for academic procedures and reasonable participation in associative life.


The community brings together alumni and families; the association promotes inter-level connections through its activities.


Transparency, co-education and a clear timeline for admission and payment steps.


Via the forms/contacts provided by ASEICA for association activities and by the institution for school activities.


On the ASEICA pages Admissions and on the publications of the Academy of Nice.

Additional costs for all students (scholarship recipients and non-scholarship recipients)

Annual membership fee Fees for a first registration
150 € 500 €
Once a year per child The year in which the child, or the first child in a family, joins the English-speaking section for the first time, in order to confirm registration

Primary school fees (CE1 → CM2)

for one school year (from September N to June N+1)

RFR + / Tax units* Primary school Variation
0 to 7,500 € 2 846 € - 15 %
€7,501 to €15,000 3 013 € - 10 %
€15,001 to €22,500 3 181 € - 5 %
€22,501 to €30,000 3 348 € Standard
€30,001 and above 3 683 € + 10 %

* Reference indicator: Membership in a tariff bracket is determined based on:

(Household reference tax income + family allowances + state scholarship (middle/high school)) ÷ Number of tax shares in the household

School fees at middle school (grades 6-9)

for one school year (from September N to June N+1)

RFR + / Tax units* College Variation
0 to 7,500 € 1 900 € - 15 %
€7,501 to €15,000 2 012 € - 10 %
€15,001 to €22,500 2 124 € - 5 %
€22,501 to €30,000 2 236 € Standard
€30,001 and above 2 459 € + 10 %

* Reference indicator: Membership in a tariff bracket is determined based on:

(Household reference tax income + family allowances + state scholarship (middle/high school)) ÷ Number of tax shares in the household

The tuition fee schedule for state scholarship recipients at the College

Echelon Prices
level 1 1 722 €
level 2 626 €
level 3 0 €

High school tuition fees (grades 10-12) & BFI

for one school year (from September N to June N+1)

RFR + / Tax units* High school Variation
0 to 7,500 € 2 497 € - 15 %
€7,501 to €15,000 2 644 € - 10 %
€15,001 to €22,500 2 791 € - 5 %
€22,501 to €30,000 2 958 € Standard
€30,001 and above 3 231 € + 10 %

* Reference indicator: Membership in a tariff bracket is determined based on:

(Household reference tax income + family allowances + state scholarship (middle/high school)) ÷ Number of tax shares in the household

The tuition fee schedule for state scholarship recipients at the Lycée

Echelon Prices
level 1 1 557 €
level 2 1 233 €
level 3 940 €
level 4 617 €
level 5 323 €
level 6 0 €
Are there any sibling discounts?

Degressive scale indicated by level (e.g. –15%, –40% depending on child's rank).


Yes, they can change annually: refer to the official page and the “Financial Commitment” documents.”


Yes; the fees concern the English-speaking international section funded by the association.


An internal sliding scale is mentioned for secondary education (according to association news).


Details are provided annually by ASEICA (schedule, registration fees).

Does the international section open doors abroad?


Yes, through bilingual skills and international culture, consistent with IB/CIS pathways.


The SIs are authorized by the MEN, based on agreements and strict criteria (teachers, partnerships, schedules).


Bilingualism and international standards facilitate inbound/outbound family mobility.


Continuity of bilingual course in secondary SI, subject to admission procedures.


Improved average performance in literacy/math and lasting effects of immersion.


The SI courses lead to international options for the brevet/lycée or to the BFI depending on the streams, within the framework of MEN/AEFE.


The CIS standards place the global citizenship and well-being at the heart of the evaluation.


Yes, the SI system typically meets the needs of international/expatriate families.


Yes, they anchor the academic vocabulary of the disciplines in English from primary school onwards.

Reference frameworks IB/CIS provide quality benchmarks that are widely recognized worldwide.

Which partner institutions?


Nice Academy / DSDEN, public institutions (schools/colleges/high schools)


MEN/éduscol texts: organization and specific SI programs at school/college/high school.


Yes, historically integrated into local public operations for over 40 years.


By the donations (tax deductible under certain conditions), volunteering and participation in events.


To fund English-speaking teachers and the international part of the program, within the public system.


Standards CIS and approaches IB (curriculum, learning, well-being, global citizenship).


Yes, the association speaks out when reforms impact the local international section.


Via the ASEICA contact details published on the website.


Yes, each public institution retains its management and administrative responsibilities.


Yes, on competition/test and according to the school map/available places.

Do you need to be bilingual to teach at ASEICA?

For teaching positions in the English-speaking international section, a excellent level of language is essential:

  • For the English-speaking teachers, a level native or near-native fluency in English is expected, as well as good oral French skills for communication with teams, families and the institution.

  • For the French-speaking teachers, A very good level of English is recommended, in particular for working in pairs with English-speaking colleagues and supporting bilingual projects.

However, we are not only looking for a specific language level:
there pedagogy, The desire to work in an international context and the ability to collaborate in a team are equally important.

ASEICA's needs may include:

  • of the full-time positions,

  • of the part-time positions, depending on the levels, subjects and projects.

Some teachers work across several partner institutions to cover their required teaching hours.
When applying, don't hesitate to Please specify your availability. (full time, part time, preferred days): this helps us to consider the best possible arrangement with our needs.

Yes. Many members of the ASEICA team have already experienced a transition between educational systems (British, American, international…) towards the French system, and we are fully aware of this.

For newcomers, especially foreigners:

  • we explain the how the French school system works (programs, levels, exams, calendar); ;

  • the new teachers are accompanied by experienced colleagues, who share their resources, sequences and best practices; ;

  • we encourage the’course observation and co-teaching at the start, in order to facilitate getting a feel for things.

The idea is not to be “perfect” from day one, but to progress quickly in a supportive and structured environment.

Yes, it is entirely possible to apply from abroad.

We regularly receive applications from:

  • English-speaking or French-speaking professors currently working in other countries; ;

  • teachers from international systems (IB, international schools, etc.) wishing to settle on the French Riviera.

Some important points to keep in mind:

  • you must be in compliance to work in France (residence permit or work permit if necessary); ;

  • depending on the position, a good understanding of the French institutional context is a real plus, but it can also be acquired gradually; ;

  • the initial interviews can take place via videoconference ; However, on-site presence will be required for taking up the position.