Cousteau L'Ecole Francaise Interna'le

About

Cousteau School is located at 3657 Fromme Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7K 2E6. The school describes itself as a unique bilingual school in Vancouver, teaching both the French National and British Columbia curricula to offer “the best of both school systems.” Cousteau emphasizes academic excellence, multiculturalism, and global citizenship, and aims to help students thrive academically and personally. The school highlights core values of respect, courage, integrity, and empathy, with a focus on community and inclusion.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (North Vancouver)

Education language: Cousteau School offers bilingual instruction from Pre-K through Grade 9, with French as the first language of learning (about 75% to 90% of instruction depending on grade level) and English introduced from Pre-K (about 10% to 25% of instruction) and used across different subjects. The school describes a structured “language integration program,” including assessing each student’s level upon entry and providing intensive exposure in an individual, structured setting to support language learning.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-9

Phone: 604 924-2457

Email: head@cousteauschool.org

Principal: Cecile Dione

Education Languages

Cousteau School offers bilingual instruction from Pre-K through Grade 9, with French as the first language of learning (about 75% to 90% of instruction depending on grade level) and English introduced from Pre-K (about 10% to 25% of instruction) and used across different subjects. The school describes a structured “language integration program,” including assessing each student’s level upon entry and providing intensive exposure in an individual, structured setting to support language learning.

Programs and Services

After-school activities Cousteau highlights after-school activities, with examples including Petits Chefs, Zumba, and Karate. Summer camps The school promotes a Cousteau Summer Camps program. Student support / language integration Cousteau describes a language integration program designed to support students’ bilingual development. The school assesses each student’s level upon entry and provides structured, intensive exposure to the target language to help students integrate comfortably. Educational approach / dual curriculum Cousteau teaches a dual curriculum that combines the educational programs of France and British Columbia, with bilingual instruction from an early age. The school also notes programs in science, arts, and sports as part of its citizenship-focused approach.

School Culture and Expectations

Cousteau highlights the values of respect, courage, integrity, and empathy, and describes a learning environment centered on community and inclusion. The school frames its approach around nurturing global citizens and promoting respect, commitment, and global awareness. It also notes an expectation of strong parental involvement, describing the bilingual program as a demanding curriculum that requires family commitment.

Enrollment

Cousteau invites families to visit through an Open House or by scheduling a private tour, and to submit an inquiry to express interest. Families then complete an online application and provide an application fee, the child’s latest report cards, and (if applicable) an Individual Education Plan. Placement assessments are required for applicants entering Kindergarten, Elementary, or Middle School (with stated exemptions for some applicants), followed by a family interview and an admissions decision based on factors including alignment with the school’s values and space availability. The school also provides tuition and fee information and notes that families may be eligible for external financial assistance (e.g., BC Affordable Child Care Benefit for licensed Pre-K programs, and French government bursaries for eligible French citizens).