About Us: Our Facilities
Two Campuses, One School Community
In 1997, the French International School of Philadelphia purchased its first permanent home, moving from Bryn Mawr to North Highland Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. Originally built as an elementary school, this welcoming campus is now home to our Lower School.
In 2006, the School expanded with the acquisition of a 12,000-square-foot property on City Avenue. Located just a few minutes from the Lower School, this campus serves our older students and is home to the Upper School.
Both campuses are conveniently located on Philadelphia’s Main Line, less than 20 minutes from Center City. Surrounded by an academically and culturally rich community, the School benefits from its proximity to Saint Joseph’s University and the Barnes Arboretum.
Lower School Campus
Our Lower School is located in a two-story building on a beautiful two-acre site. The property is shared with Lower Merion Township and the Bala Cynwyd Public Library, which our students can access directly from inside the school building.
Originally constructed as an elementary school in the 1970s, the building was designed with young learners in mind and provides an ideal setting for our educational program. Learn more about our plans to modernize the Lower School campus.
The ground floor includes six spacious classrooms and a large multipurpose room used for physical education, lunch, assemblies, performances, and other community events.
The second floor features nine bright and comfortable classrooms, along with dedicated spaces for music, science, and technology. It also includes a French resource center, a faculty room, and administrative offices.
Our French resource center gives students access to an extensive collection of French-language books and educational materials. Classroom technology also allows students to explore resources and make connections beyond the School.
Outside, students enjoy several secure play areas, including a fenced playground for younger children, climbing and play structures, a recently renovated junior play area, a playing field, and a paved recreation area. Ground-floor classrooms open directly onto the younger children’s playground through secure doors that remain locked during the school day.
The campus’s main entrance is electronically controlled and monitored to help maintain a safe and secure learning environment.
Upper School Campus
Our Upper School is located in a two-story building on City Avenue. Previously occupied by a radio station, the building is exceptionally well insulated, creating a quiet and focused environment for teaching and learning. It was fully renovated after its acquisition and can accommodate up to 150 students.
In 2022, the School completed a major expansion of the Upper School campus, adding three purpose-built spaces that reflect our educational mission: the Air Liquide Center for Science and Innovation, the Casey-Willig Arts Center, and an outdoor recreational green space.
Students also benefit from nearby community facilities and partnerships. Each week, they have access to a local gymnasium within walking distance of the campus and participate in swimming instruction through local partnerships.
Campus Rentals
We are pleased to share our beautiful and versatile campus spaces with the wider community. To learn more about availability and rental opportunities, please contact us at finance@frenchschoolphila.org.