Lycée Français de New York
Encyclopedia
The Lycée Français de New York (LFNY), literally The French High School of New York, is an exclusive French-medium school for K-12
students based in Manhattan
, New York
which follows the French curriculum of study and allows students to study for the French general Baccalauréat
, the international option of the French Baccalaureate
, and the American High School Diploma. It fosters over 1300 students from many different nationalities from pre-nursery through high school.
and Paul Windels, Sr., the attorney general of the City of New York. Others involved in the founding of the LFNY include Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler, the President of Columbia University, Mr. Jesse Straus
, the U.S. Ambassador to France, and Mr. Jean Marx, the Director of Cultural Affairs at the Quai d'Orsay
The LFNY granted its first baccalaureate degree in 1938. During the late 1930s and 1940s world events helped shape the School as it continued to expand to accommodate the many students who came here from Europe and elsewhere during WWII. Eight graduates of LFNY died in combat during the war. Since 1935 over 36,000 students have studied at the Lycée. More than 150 nationalities have been represented throughout the School's history."
Mr. Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle served as the school's first President from 1935 until his death in 1956. He was succeeded by two interim Presidents: Jean de Siéyès (president or former president of the French-American Banking Corporation) from de Fontnouvelle's death until the end of the school year; and Robert Lacour-Gayet (a writer and academic) for the next school year. Then, Mr. Maurice Galy (deceased 1993) became the school's President starting in 1957, a post he held until he retired in 1989.
."
In 2003, the school completed a modern, 158000 square feet (14,678.7 m²) state-of-the-art facility located at 505 East 75th Street. Taking up nearly a full city block, it houses the upper and lower schools and boasts such amenities as a 354-seat auditorium and two full size gymnasiums. Student to teacher ratio is approximately 7:1
:Category:Lycée Français de New York alumni
K-12
K–12 is a designation for the sum of primary and secondary education. It is used in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand where P–12 is also commonly used...
students based in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
which follows the French curriculum of study and allows students to study for the French general Baccalauréat
Baccalauréat
The baccalauréat , often known in France colloquially as le bac, is an academic qualification which French and international students take at the end of the lycée . It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies...
, the international option of the French Baccalaureate
Baccalauréat
The baccalauréat , often known in France colloquially as le bac, is an academic qualification which French and international students take at the end of the lycée . It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies...
, and the American High School Diploma. It fosters over 1300 students from many different nationalities from pre-nursery through high school.
History
In the mid 1930s the LFNY was the brainchild of the then French Consul General in New York, Count Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle. He enlisted the help of Forsythe Wicks, a lawyer and businessman who was the president of the Alliance FrançaiseAlliance française
The Alliance française , or AF, is an international organisation that aims to promote French language and culture around the world. created in Paris on 21 July 1883, its primary concern is teaching French as a second language and is headquartered in Paris -History:The Alliance was created in Paris...
and Paul Windels, Sr., the attorney general of the City of New York. Others involved in the founding of the LFNY include Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler, the President of Columbia University, Mr. Jesse Straus
Jesse I. Straus
Jesse Isidor Straus served as the American ambassador to France from 1933 to 1936. He was the eldest son of Isidor Straus , who died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic, co-owner with his brother Nathan Straus of the department store R.H. Macy & Co...
, the U.S. Ambassador to France, and Mr. Jean Marx, the Director of Cultural Affairs at the Quai d'Orsay
Quai d'Orsay
The Quai d'Orsay is a quai in the VIIe arrondissement of Paris, part of the left bank of the Seine, and the name of the street along it. The Quai becomes the Quai Anatole France east of the Palais Bourbon, and the Quai de Branly west of the Pont de l'Alma.The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is...
The LFNY granted its first baccalaureate degree in 1938. During the late 1930s and 1940s world events helped shape the School as it continued to expand to accommodate the many students who came here from Europe and elsewhere during WWII. Eight graduates of LFNY died in combat during the war. Since 1935 over 36,000 students have studied at the Lycée. More than 150 nationalities have been represented throughout the School's history."
Mr. Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle served as the school's first President from 1935 until his death in 1956. He was succeeded by two interim Presidents: Jean de Siéyès (president or former president of the French-American Banking Corporation) from de Fontnouvelle's death until the end of the school year; and Robert Lacour-Gayet (a writer and academic) for the next school year. Then, Mr. Maurice Galy (deceased 1993) became the school's President starting in 1957, a post he held until he retired in 1989.
The Building
The modern LFNY building was designed by the New York based architecture firm Polshek Partnership Architects in 2003. It consists of two buildings linked together by a patio, serving as a walkway, but also a lawn where students congregate and play. The North building (76th street) houses the pre-school and elementary schools while the middle school and high school students are taught in the South building (75th street). All students share the cafeteria and the gymnasiums. The facade of the building is made of stainless glass, and the lobby wall is dedicated to great French and American people who define the Lycee curriculum.Facilities
The school originally occupied a residential building on East 95th Street near Fifth Avenue and Mr. Galy arranged for the acquisition of three more landmark mansions, two on East 72d Street and one on East 93d StreetMrs. Graham Fair Vanderbilt House
The Mrs. Graham Fair Vanderbilt House, also known as the Lycée français de New York, is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City...
."
In 2003, the school completed a modern, 158000 square feet (14,678.7 m²) state-of-the-art facility located at 505 East 75th Street. Taking up nearly a full city block, it houses the upper and lower schools and boasts such amenities as a 354-seat auditorium and two full size gymnasiums. Student to teacher ratio is approximately 7:1
Tuition
The Lycée Français de New York has a tuition of $22 360. Financial Aid (Bourse) is given to students based on need. The LFNY holds a yearly Gala to raise money for the Bourse, and receives some funding from the French government.Notable alumni
- Authors Danielle SteelDanielle SteelDanielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel , better known as Danielle Steel, is an American romantic novelist and author of mainstream dramas....
, Dalia SoferDalia SoferDalia Sofer is an Iranian-born American writer.Born in Tehran, Iran was raised in a Jewish family during revolutionary Iran, she eventually moved to New York City when she was 11. She attended the Lycée Français de New York, and went on to study French Literature at NYU with a minor in creative...
, Ted Morgan, Amélie NothombAmélie NothombAmélie Nothomb is a Belgian writer who writes in French.- Biography :Amélie Nothomb was born in Kobe, Japan to Belgian diplomats. She lived there until she was five years old, and then subsequently lived in China, New York, Bangladesh, Burma, Coventry and Laos...
, Jonathan LittellJonathan LittellJonathan Littell is a bilingual writer living in Barcelona. He grew up in France and United States and is a dual citizen of both countries. After acquiring his bachelor degree he worked for a humanitarian organisation for nine years, leaving his job in 2001 in order to concentrate on writing...
, Joanna Rogers Macy, writer and translator Christopher Atamian, and playwright Michel VinaverMichel Vinaver-Works:* Les Coréens * Iphigénie Hotel * A la renverse * 11 septembre 2001 / 11 September 2001 -References:... - Other alumni who are published authors
- Literary critic George SteinerGeorge SteinerFrancis George Steiner, FBA , is an influential European-born American literary critic, essayist, philosopher, novelist, translator, and educator. He has written extensively about the relationship between language, literature and society, and the impact of the Holocaust...
(1929-) - Actresses Delphine SeyrigDelphine SeyrigDelphine Claire Beltiane Seyrig was a stage and film actress and a film director.-Early life:...
(1932-1990) and Olga Georges-PicotOlga Georges-PicotOlga Georges-Picot was a French actress.Born in Shanghai, China, she was the daughter of Guillaume Georges-Picot, the French Ambassador to China, and a Russian mother. Olga studied acting at the Actor’s Studio in Paris. Her acting career covered many diverse French and English films and...
(1944-1997), and actor Xavier Gélin (deceased 1999, son of French actress Danièle DelormeDanièle DelormeDanièle Delorme is an French actress and film producer....
and actor Daniel GélinDaniel GélinDaniel Yves Alfred Gélin was a French actor, occasional director and screenwriter.-Early life:Gélin was born in Angers, Maine-et-Loire. When he was 10 his family moved to Saint-Malo where Daniel went to college until he was expelled for 'uncouthness'. His father then found him a job in a shop that...
) - Artist, writer, editor and educator Mira SchorMira SchorMira Schor is an American artist, writer, editor, and educator, known for her contributions to the critical discourse on the status of painting in contemporary art and culture as well as to feminist art history and criticism.-Early life and education:Mira Schor's parents Ilya and Resia Schor were...
- Scholar of French literatureFrench literatureFrench literature is, generally speaking, literature written in the French language, particularly by citizens of France; it may also refer to literature written by people living in France who speak traditional languages of France other than French. Literature written in French language, by citizens...
, feminist theoryFeminist theoryFeminist theory is the extension of feminism into theoretical, or philosophical discourse, it aims to understand the nature of gender inequality...
and literary criticism Naomi SchorNaomi SchorNaomi Schor was a noted literary critic and theorist. A pioneer of feminist theory for her generation, she is regarded as one of the foremost scholars of French literature and critical theory of her time...
(1943-2001) - Ballerina Tanaquil LeClerqTanaquil LeClerqTanaquil Le Clercq was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, but her dancing career was ended when she was stricken with polio and paralyzed from the waist down....
-Balanchine (1929-2000) - Soprano Stephanie Friede, mezzo soprano Anna SteigerAnna SteigerAnna Steiger is a British opera singer. She is the daughter of Claire Bloom, a British film and stage actress and Rod Steiger, an American Academy Award-winning actor best known for his intense performances in such films as In the Heat of the Night, On the Waterfront and Doctor...
(daughter of actor Rod SteigerRod SteigerRodney Stephen "Rod" Steiger was an Academy Award-winning American actor known for his performances in such films as On the Waterfront, The Big Knife, Oklahoma!, The Harder They Fall, Across the Bridge, The Pawnbroker, Doctor Zhivago, In the Heat of the Night, and Waterloo as well as the...
and of actress Claire BloomClaire BloomClaire Bloom is an English film and stage actress.-Early life:Bloom was born in the North London suburb of Finchley, the daughter of Elizabeth and Edward Max Blume, who worked in sales...
), and mezzo soprano Alexandra Montano (deceased 2007) - Investment banker Michel David-WeillMichel David-WeillMichel David-Weill is a French investment banker and former Chairman of New York City based Lazard Frères.He is the son of Berthe Haardt and Lazard Frères chairman Pierre David-Weill...
, Viacom CEO Philippe DaumanPhilippe DaumanPhilippe Dauman is the President and CEO of Viacom. He has served at this post since September 2006. Dauman is a longtime associate of the company's chairman Sumner Redstone...
, and Colt's Manufacturing CompanyColt's Manufacturing CompanyColt's Manufacturing Company is a United States firearms manufacturer, whose first predecessor corporation was founded in 1836 by Sam Colt. Colt is best known for the engineering, production, and marketing of firearms over the later half of the 19th and the 20th century...
owner Donald Zilkha - Bassist Nikolai FraitureNikolai FraitureNikolai Philippe Fraiture is the bass player for the American indie rock band, The Strokes. Fraiture grew up in New York City with his Russian mother and French father and speaks fluent French. Nikolai has an older brother named Pierre and a younger sister named Elizabeth...
and solo artist/lead vocalist/songwriter Julian CasablancasJulian CasablancasJulian Fernando Casablancas is an American singer-songwriter and musician of The Strokes. Casablancas pursued a solo career during The Strokes' hiatus, releasing the album Phrazes for the Young on November 3, 2009....
of The StrokesThe StrokesThe Strokes are an American indie rock band formed in 1999 in New York City. Consisting of Julian Casablancas , Nick Valensi , Albert Hammond, Jr. , Nikolai Fraiture and Fabrizio Moretti ....
; - Nada SurfNada SurfNada Surf is an American alternative rock band. Formed in 1992, the New York band consists of Matthew Caws , Ira Elliot and Daniel Lorca .-Early years:...
members Matthew CawsMatthew CawsMatthew Caws is the lead singer of the band Nada Surf. His parents are Peter Caws and Mary Ann Caws.- Biography :...
and Daniel Lorca; French musician Nicolas PeyracNicolas PeyracNicolas Peyrac is a French musician, writer and photographer.-Youth:Jean-Jacques spent his youth in the small town of Saint-Brice-en-Coglès, $2, together with his brothers and parents, both of whom were physicians. As a youngster, not partial to the advance of rock 'n' roll, he had a passion for... - Punk music producer and songwriter Martin BisiMartin bisiMartin Bisi is an American producer and songwriter.He is known for recording important records by Sonic Youth, Swans, John Zorn, Material, Bill Laswell, Helmet, Unsane, Cop Shoot Cop, White Zombie, Boredoms, Angels of Light and Herbie Hancock's Grammy-winning song Rockit,In 1979, Martin Bisi...
, and punk music film director Paul RachmanPaul RachmanPaul Rachman is an American film director who directed the highly praised 2006 documentary on punk music American Hardcore which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released by Sony Pictures Classics. He is also one of the founders of the Slamdance Film Festival... - Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Maria Teresa Mestre
- Winner of the 1980 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Baruj BenacerrafBaruj BenacerrafBaruj Benacerraf was a Venezuelan-born American immunologist, who shared the 1980 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the "discovery of the major histocompatibility complex genes which encode cell surface protein molecules important for the immune system's distinction between self and...
(1920-) - Former Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Philippe de MontebelloPhilippe de MontebelloPhilippe de Montebello served from 1977 to 2008 as the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. On his retirement, he was both the longest-serving director in the institution's history, and the longest-serving director of any major art museum in the world...
(1936-) - Former French Prime Minister Dominique de VillepinDominique de VillepinDominique Marie François René Galouzeau de Villepin is a French politician who served as the Prime Minister of France from 31 May 2005 to 17 May 2007....
, and Jean-Christophe MitterrandJean-Christophe MitterrandJean-Christophe Mitterrand is the son of former French president François Mitterrand. He was an advisor to his father on African affairs from 1986 to 1992, and earned the nickname Papamadit in Africa.- Life and career :Mitterrand was born in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine...
(son of former French President François MitterrandFrançois MitterrandFrançois Maurice Adrien Marie Mitterrand was the 21st President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra, serving from 1981 until 1995. He is the longest-serving President of France and, as leader of the Socialist Party, the only figure from the left so far elected President...
) - Journalists Nina Bernstein (NY Times, and winner of 2009 Hillman Prize for Newspaper Journalism), Donatella Lorch (Newsweek), Emmanuel de Brantes (Point de vue, Radio Nova), Fred Kapner (the Financial Times' Europe news editor, deceased 2005), and Margot RooseveltMargot RooseveltMargot Roosevelt is an American journalist. She worked for 13 years at The Washington Post, for 20 years at TIME, and was at the Los Angeles Times from 2007 to 2011. Her fields have included foreign affairs, US Congress, and the environment, including climate change and air pollution...
(Los Angeles Times) - Political analysts Bill Kristol and David RieffDavid RieffDavid Rieff is an American polemicist and pundit. His books have focused on issues of immigration, international conflict, and humanitarianism...
(son of author Susan SontagSusan SontagSusan Sontag was an American author, literary theorist, feminist and political activist whose works include On Photography and Against Interpretation.-Life:...
) - French composer Betsy JolasBetsy JolasBetsy Jolas is a French composer.Betsy Jolas was born in Paris. Resident in the United States from 1940 until 1946, she studied composition with Paul Boepple and piano with Helen Schnabel. On her return to France she continued her studies with Simone Plé-Caussade, Darius Milhaud and Olivier...
- Animator Jacques Rouxel (1931-2004)
- Painter and photographer Gilles LarrainGilles LarrainBorn in Da Lat, Vietnam in 1938, Gilles Larrain was first a painter, who went through the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and one of the pioneers in kinetic art in the 1960s, using air, smoke, light, water and neon tubes...
- University of Chicago, Professor of Law and Criminology Bernard HarcourtBernard HarcourtBernard E. Harcourt is a leading critical theorist with a specialization in the area of punishment and political economy. He is the chair of the Political Science Department, professor of political science and the Julius Kreeger Professor of Law at the University of Chicago and the author most...
- Amherst College Professor of Philosophy Alexander GeorgeAlexander George (philosopher)Alexander George is a professor of philosophy at Amherst College. He received his B.A. in 1979 from Columbia College and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1981 and 1986, respectively. He was also a junior research fellow at New College and Wolfson College, Oxford University. In 2001 he...
- Fashion muse and designer Loulou de la FalaiseLoulou de la FalaiseLoulou de La Falaise was a fashion muse and designer of fashion, accessories, and jewelry associated with Yves Saint-Laurent. Author Judith Thurman, writing in The New Yorker magazine, called La Falaise "the quintessential Rive Gauche haute bohémienne"....
- Surgical oncologist, Valerie Rusch, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Former professors include noted French historian André Kaspi, former French Ministre de l'Économie Thierry BretonThierry BretonThierry Breton is a French businessman and politician who is currently the CEO of the IT firm Atos. He was the French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry in the governments of Prime Ministers Jean-Pierre Raffarin and Dominique de Villepin, Jacques Chirac being the President de la...
, and French author Pierrette Fleutiaux. - Some children of notable parents include Louis Sarkozy, son of French president Nicolas SarkozyNicolas SarkozyNicolas Sarkozy is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating the Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier....
, Lourdes Leon, daughter of singer MadonnaMadonna (entertainer)Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
, and Maddox, Pax, Zahara and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, children of Angelina JolieAngelina JolieAngelina Jolie is an American actress. She has received an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards, and was named Hollywood's highest-paid actress by Forbes in 2009 and 2011. Jolie is noted for promoting humanitarian causes as a Goodwill Ambassador for the...
and Brad PittBrad PittWilliam Bradley "Brad" Pitt is an American actor and film producer. Pitt has received two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one...
, Remi GaillardRémi GaillardRémi Gaillard is a French humourist.Gaillard gained attention in the French media after performing a well-documented series of pranks, including a famous appearance disguised as a Lorient football player in the 2002 Coupe de France final match, during which he took part in the winners'...
See also
- Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étrangerAgence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'EtrangerThe Agency for French Teaching Abroad, , is a national public agency under the administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France that assures the quality of schools teaching the French national curriculum outside of France...
- Education in FranceEducation in FranceThe French educational system is highly centralized, organized, and ramified. It is divided into three different stages:* the primary education ;* secondary education ;...
:Category:Lycée Français de New York alumni