Click on a question to show the answer.
Our approach
Why is Ellipse an alternative middle school?
We follow the French national curriculum and prepare pupils for the brevet (DNB), while drawing on active methods, in particular the Montessori and Freinet approaches. Pupils work on skills and receive individual follow-up.
Do you follow the French national curriculum?
Yes. All middle school subjects are taught: French, mathematics, history and geography, physics, chemistry and technology, life and earth sciences, physical education and visual arts. Pupils are prepared for the diplôme national du brevet: 100% passes with honours since the first session in 2023.
How do pupils work?
They alternate between small-group lessons, individual work and projects. Projects link several subjects; they start from pupils’ interests and are also connected to their micro-business. Each young person receives personalised follow-up, without a competitive spirit.
How do you monitor my child’s progress?
Pupils are assessed throughout the year: with colours from 6e to 4e (Grades 6 to 8), then with marks in 3e (Grade 9) to prepare for the brevet and high school applications. Families receive 3 school reports a year and meet the teachers, together with their child, at 2 meetings a year. The EcoleDirecte platform also lets families follow their child’s work day to day.
Who teaches the pupils?
A certified French-speaking teacher, a native English-speaking teacher, a mathematics teacher and specialist instructors. The middle school is led by a head of education, supported by an academic coordinator.
My child comes from a traditional school: will they be able to adapt?
Yes. Individual follow-up helps each pupil get used to this new way of working, and the immersion days included in the admissions process make the transition easier.
Languages and qualifications
How does bilingual teaching work in middle school?
Several subjects are taught in French and in English from 6e to 3e (Grades 6 to 9), with a native English-speaking teacher: in particular history and geography and sport, as well as mathematics in 3e (Grade 9).
What other languages can pupils learn?
From 6e (Year 7), pupils can learn Spanish as a third language, after French and English.
Which English qualifications do pupils take?
Pupils are prepared for Cambridge English qualifications, which they take in 3e (Grade 9), at levels from B2 to C2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) depending on their goals and skills. IGCSE preparation can begin in 3e and continue in seconde (Grade 10).
Middle school life
What are the school hours?
Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:40 to 17:00, Tuesday from 8:40 to 16:00 and Wednesday from 8:40 to 12:00.
What do pupils learn beyond the curriculum?
Computing (linked to setting up a micro-business), permaculture, public speaking and cooking, built into the timetable without overloading it. Workshops with experts and an introduction to economics complete this teaching.
How many pupils are there in the middle school?
A community of 20 to 30 pupils, in a single class. Depending on the subjects and topics covered, they are grouped by age or in two-year-group classes.
How is group life organised?
A council allows pupils to organise themselves and take on responsibilities. Times for reflection and discussion encourage cooperation and living together. In some subjects, mixed-age classes also encourage sharing and mutual support.
What about screens and mobile phones?
Each young person has their own computer, set up to work on platforms, tools and software (Projet Voltaire, Canva, Word, Excel…). Interactive screens in some classrooms make presentations easier. Since the middle school opened, phones and connected devices have been left at the school entrance for the day.
What about meals?
Hot meals are delivered by an organic caterer who ensures they are balanced and suited to adolescents’ needs. Lunch is part of our teaching and of community life: pupils take on responsibilities during this time.
Admissions and next steps
How does admission to the middle school work?
First contact with our team, a questionnaire, an educational meeting with the parents and a school visit, followed by at least 2 immersion days.
Can pupils join in 5e, 4e or 3e, or during the school year?
Yes, depending on available places.
What happens after 3e?
Pupils can continue at our international high school: IGCSE in seconde (Grade 10), then the IB Diploma. We also support families who wish to join another high school: guidance coaching from 3e, choice of school, recommendation letters and a complete application file. All our former pupils have entered state high schools (often in international sections) or state-contracted private high schools, where they are doing well.
How do I enrol my child and what are the fees?
All the information is on the Fees and Admissions page. You can also contact us to arrange a visit.
To find out more, discover the key principles of our middle school and our middle school programme in detail.
Any other questions? Contact us or find out about admissions.