Frequently Asked Questions

How many students are currently enrolled in school?

With nearly 500 students enrolled currently, our school has continued to grow year by year. With a student body from the age of 1 to 18 years old, representing 40 nationalities and 21 mother tongues, we offer extraordinary cultural diversity at our institution.

Is Arc-en-Ciel International School bilingual, French or English?

From kindergarten to high school, the school offers the same programs through two parallel language courses; one
French and one English (The Green School Program). Although not bilingual, Arc-en-Ciel International School prides itself on strong language development and offers support to students enrolled in a programme which is not their mother tongue. Furthermore there is a strong emphasis on Language B development starting from Early Years.

From the 3rd to 5th year MYP and for the duration of DP, Spanish classes are also offered as part of the school curricula. Other language classes are also organised as extra curricular clubs upon request, in particular as a way to promote mother tongues learning.

What is the process and the recommendations for admissions?

Sign up at the earliest opportunity with the completed application form and return to the relevant campus secretary in the month of April. Mid-year applications will be considered if space is available. The school year starts in the first week of September and runs until the end of June.

In general, places are available after the departures announced, usually in the month of April. All individual requests take into account the following criteria:

• Level of language proficiency
• Level of maturity and age
• Level of academic performance and social ability of the student
• Recommendations from previous school 

Is there an entrance exam?

The school administers an entrance exam for all new registrations. Two dates are available. The first just before the summer school holidays and the second a week before the new school year. Parents can choose the date that best suits them and should contact the secretariat of the primary and secondary sections for more information.

What is the average class size?

The average class size is 25 students. The classrooms are air-conditioned with one table for two students.

Is there is a boarding school?

ARC-EN-CIEL International School offers boarding equipped with airy bedrooms, living room, bathrooms, where students are well cared for and supported in their school work.

Can my child transfer from the international system to the French or American system?

Yes, particularly for the Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes. Although the PYP and MYP have unique features, students maintain a high level of language and mathematical skill as well as specific subject knowledge which would equip them to transfer to an equivalent grade in the French or American system if desired. The IB Diploma programme (equivalent to Grade 11 and 12) has its own characteristics and during this time a student may only transfer to another IB World School (over 4, 000 schools in the world form the network of IB World Schools).

What are the benefits for my child if I choose the International Programme of Arc-en-ciel over other schools in Lomé?

The advantages of Arc-en-Ciel International School are embedded in its mission statement. The mission of our school is to educate individuals capable of improving the world. To achieve this goal, we offer a rigorous intellectual and moral education. By offering an international programme, Arc-en-Ciel International School has the advantage of tailoring the programme to take account of our global society. Evidence of our success is demonstrated by the fact that each year, graduating students gain access to prestigious academic institutions and universities.

Furthermore you have the confidence that the school is subject to rigorous external assessment in order for us to maintain our IB World School status. See www.ibo.org for more information.

Will my child get university funding with the International Baccalaureate Diploma?

Arc-en-Ciel International School has a support system and university preparation for each student but cannot guarantee that the holder of the International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates will obtain a scholarship for their academic study. That said, international statistics and our experience has shown that students who have an IB exam score high enough have access to a variety of scholarships ranging from 10% to 100% of fees. Each university has specific requirements and scholarships, parents are invited to visit the IBO's website to see the opportunities different universities offer and to plan financially for your child. The web address is: https://www.ibo.org/fr/informationfor/parents/.

Is the International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognized in France, the US, Canada?

Yes, the International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognized by governments of most countries in the world. This list of Agreements between the International Baccalaureate Organization and these countries are presented on the official IB website at www.ibo.org/fr/informationfor/parents/. It is important to note that the United States, Canada and France have some of the strongest agreements with IBO.