Lycee Rochambeau French International School

One thing that's clear from reading these reviews, you either really love this school or really hate it. I really love it. I am American and my 3 kids have attended the school for 5 years. I have never seen or heard of anything resembling the negative experiences below.
--Submitted by a parent

I just discovered this website, and can't agree more with the disatisfied parents. Management, teachers, admin staff are the worst you can imagine. End of school year will be a relief for our children. And our decision is made : they will go to a local high school and they will pass their "bac" as "candidat libre". Good luck if you decide to enrol your child here, you will pay a fortune for an average education. Not worth.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been thrilled with the quality of education provided by this school. All of the teachers that my daughter has had have been outstanding. I have had no issues with the administration; they have been supportive in all cases. I think what I find most amazing is the level of rigor and student behavior at the middle and high school levels. Before making any decision, I'd highly recommend touring the school. The contrast between this school and an American one is dramatic. We are driving everyday for an hour to go to this school and it's worth it.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are good. School management is incompetent possibly due to the fact that they are politically appointed French civil servants sent to the US under 2-3 year contracts without any prior knowledge of or experience in the US. In the end, decisions are arbitrary, depend on who the children or the parents while management decision process is largely opaque. Also, as already pointed out by other parents, this school is much too conflictual to represent a good learning environment. I would not recommend this school. An unsatisfied parent.
--Submitted by a parent

The Lyc e Rochambeau is unfortunately not the best option in the area. Nope. And, as a parent it is so much difficult to engage with the management and the teachers. Forget the PTA. Curriculum is good indeed, but teachers here do not empower your children, do not help them to build up their self confidence which they will need in our competitive world. Still wondering if I did the right choice for my children.Day after day, doubt is bigger. Especially when I compare within my neighborhood in Chevy Chase.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school but the cirriculum is very demanding with significant homework in the higher grades that is the reason why it is not a school for everybody. The level of english is excellent and my children know English sometimes better than their friends in American school! Also the school started teaching Spanish to 3rd graders. But even more telling, most students get their high school degree with honor ( which is quite difficult in French schools) and get admitted to the most prestigious colleges in the Us and worldwide. Most of them can even start college directly in 2nd year because the level of education is so high. My children had none of the experiences described by certain parents, on the contrary, the teachers are great and it is well rounded education and they have not been bullied at school.
--Submitted by a parent

In this school, my child learned how to curse thanks to his Kindergarden teacher that was shouting the whole day. And this year, I'm trying to alert the management of the Rollingwood campus on a bullying case. But they do not react, respond, to the concerns of the family. I'm not paying 17 grant per year to get that kind of teaching. Looking forward to be at the end of the school year. I will register him in another school within the area (they are not more expensive than this low quality institution).
--Submitted by a parent

We are a blended family with one francophone and one american parent. We have two kids in the maternelle school and have been pleased so far. The teachers for both of our kids are very thoughtful and have dynamic lesson plans. The school is much more diverse than most area private schools and significantly less expensive. An added benefit is the IB track. It has been a very good choice for us thus far.
--Submitted by a parent

Why pay a private education for a service that is much below that provided by some public schools in the area? Although some teachers are good, management is problematic, unresponsive to parents' needs and internal conflicts abound. The number of school days is much below average while the classes are overcrowded. This school provides an average French public service at a cost of a private American education. You do not want your kids to be there. A dissatisfied parent.
--Submitted by a parent

The worst experience ever. I'm currently looking for another option in the middle of the year. My 3.5yo child has a crazy teacher. The management does not want to listen to me or find a solution, the parents association rep. is of any help... A nightmare. For such a fortune!
--Submitted by a parent