international language streams

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MULTILINGUISM AT OUR SCHOOL

Shanghai French School is not a bilingual or French school; we are a trilingual institution that actively encourages our students to embrace multilingualism, even beyond French, English, and Chinese.
Additional Languages from Grade 7 (Middle School)
Languages available in extra-curricular activities at the school

OUR 4 MAIN LANGUAGE STREAMS

To provide students with a stimulating multicultural environment, we offer 4 unique streams, adapted to each student’s needs.
Our language streams provide a comprehensive educational experience that goes beyond language acquisition. Students not only learn the language but also explore the culture, history, and values associated with it.
Please note: Children who don’t speak French will start in the General Stream, with the possibility to move into another language section later on as they progress. Learn more on the intensive French-learning program here!
From K1
The General
Stream
From K1
The International
Chinese Stream
From G1
The European
English Stream
From K3
The International
American Stream
Whether your child is just starting out in French, English or Chinese, or has less than two years of learning in one of these languages, this stream is the perfect entry point.
From day one, students build solid oral, written and grammatical skills across all three languages. As they progress, they can choose to transfer to another language stream if they wish.
Classes in Chinese and English are organized by ability level, ensuring every child learns at their own pace, with the flexibility to move between groups during the year. And for students arriving with little or no French, our dedicated Intensive French Learning Program (FLSco) offers tailored support to help them thrive.
Check out the hourly distribution from kindergarten to high school within this stream, showing how teaching hours are divided between French, English, and Chinese.
The International Chinese Stream at Shanghai French School provides a unique linguistic, cultural, and academic experience. Students study Chinese language, literature, and culture, while also learning mathematics in Chinese.
By the end of high school, they achieve an exceptional level of language proficiency and cultural understanding, well-preparing them for higher education and future international opportunities. All Chinese classes are taught by native-speaking teachers.
The International Chinese Stream is aimed at students and families who have a long-term project with China. Just like our other international streams, the SIC requires a full investment from the students and their families in order to succeed in the best way. The SIC allows students to prepare the BFI (Baccalauréat Français International), which is a specialisation within the French Baccalaureate. Passing the BFI certifies an excellent level in language and international culture.
Click to learn more about the French Baccalaureate
Check out the hourly distribution from kindergarten to high school within this stream, showing how teaching hours are divided between French, English, and Chinese.
Check out our video on our International Chinese Stream (SIC)

This stream is designed for children who already have a good command of English. Students continue to deepen their language skills while gaining a solid understanding of Anglo-Saxon culture. All English classes are taught by native-speaking teachers.
It also provides a direct pathway to our International American Stream in case children want to switch later. Please note: an English placement test is required for admission.
Check out the hourly distribution from kindergarten to high school within this stream, showing how teaching hours are divided between French, English, and Chinese.
The International American Stream offers a challenging and rewarding academic path. It allows students to develop advanced English skills and gradually reach a near-native level of proficiency.
In addition to the standard curriculum, students take dedicated English-language courses, designed to deepen their mastery of the language and their understanding of the American culture. All English classes are taught by native-speaking teachers.
The SIA allows students to prepare the BFI (Baccalauréat Français International), which is a specialisation within the French Baccalaureate. Passing the BFI certifies an excellent level in language and international culture.
Click to learn more about the French Baccalaureate
Check out the hourly distribution from kindergarten to high school within this stream, showing how teaching hours are divided between French, English, and Chinese.
Check out our video on our 2 English-Language Streams

The English-language streams of Shanghai French School

AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE STREAM AVAILABLE IN HIGH-SCHOOL ONLY

From G10
The Oriental Chinese Stream (SOC)
Available only in high school (from Seconde / Grade 10), this additional language stream is designed for students who already have a strong command of Chinese.
Within this stream, students deepen their understanding of the Chinese language and culture, develop the analytical tools to grasp contemporary China, and gain the confidence to engage with it meaningfully. It is a rigorous and enriching program that requires motivation and consistency. Admission is based on a Chinese language test.

LANGUAGE CERTIFICATIONS AT SHANGHAI FRENCH SCHOOL

At Shanghai French School, students have the opportunity to prepare for a wide range of internationally recognized language certifications. These exams validate their linguistic progress, strengthen their academic profiles, and open doors to top universities and global career paths. From French, English, Chinese, and Spanish to German, our certification programs reflect the school’s commitment to multilingual excellence and cultural diversity.
International English certifications
SAT
A key benchmark for college admissions in the United States, the SAT measures students’ readiness for higher education. Though not widely taken in China, our students benefit from this additional global credential, strengthening their international academic profiles.
And the results speak for themselves: in recent years, Shanghai French School students have achieved scores between 1,300 and 1,550 (out of 1,600). For reference, Ivy League universities like Princeton or Columbia typically seek scores around 1,480–1,500 — a level our students are well within reach of.
🎯Open to 11th and 12th grade students
Cambridge English Certifications
Developed by the University of Cambridge, these exams offer an internationally recognized pathway to mastering English. Rooted in global research and excellence, Cambridge certifications open doors to higher education and career opportunities around the world.
Recognized by 15,000+ universities, employers, and governments globally.
Read more about this certification here:https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/fr/
🎯Open to Grade 5, Grade 6 and Grade 8 Students enrolled in one of our English Streams.
IGCSE – International General Certificate of Secondary Education
A globally recognized qualification, the IGCSE assesses key academic subjects — English, literature, mathematics, and science — and provides an opportunity for students to benchmark their English skills at an international level.
🎯 Open to Grade 10 students enrolled in one of our English Streams.
International Chinese certifications
HSK – Chinese Proficiency Test
The HSK is China’s official standardized test for Mandarin proficiency, designed by the Chinese Ministry of Education. It includes written and oral sections, with multiple levels to suit learners at every stage.
Taking the HSK gives students a competitive edge in the job market and is required for Hanban scholarships or summer programs in China. Practice sessions are available for those who wish to prepare in advance.
Read more about this certification here:https://www.chinesetest.cn/
🎯Open to students (grades recommended by teachers based on progress), parents, and staff.
YCT – Youth Chinese Test
The YCT is the official Chinese language proficiency test for school-aged learners, also created by the Chinese Ministry of Education. It includes written and oral sections tailored to younger students.
Read more about this certification here:https://www.chinesetest.cn/
🎯 Open to 5th grade students.
International Other certifications
DELF – French Language Diploma
Issued by the French Ministry of Education, the DELF certifies proficiency in French for non-native speakers. It follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is divided into:
DELF Prim (A1–A2): for students aged 7–11 in primary school
DELF Scolaire (A2–B2): for students aged 12–18 in secondary school
🎯 Open to students whose first language is not French.
DELE – Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language
The DELE diplomas are official Spanish language qualifications issued by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports. They certify Spanish proficiency at six levels, from A1 to C2, based on the CEFR.
Read more about this certification here:https://www.dele.org/french/
🎯 Open to students who have chosen Spanish as a 4th language in Middle School.
Goethe-Institut Exams
Internationally recognized and respected, the Goethe-Institut exams assess German language proficiency from beginner to advanced levels (A1–C2), in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Their diplomas are valued by universities, employers, and institutions worldwide.
Read more about this certification here:https://goetheslz.com/shanghai/#
🎯 Open to students who have chosen German as a 4th language in Middle School.
Register
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