You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in New Caledonia with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for the International Baccalaureate and other accreditation in New Caledonia. Schools usually follow the French curriculum, although some are based on the UK or US system with an English speaking program.

Education in New Caledonia

The education system in New Caledonia is based on the French system, although it continues to evolve. Many children start at the maternelle level at age 3 and continue to mandatory schooling at age 6. It is compulsory and free until age 16. At the end of lycée (high school), students must pass the baccalauréat or bac.

The schedule is generally 7 weeks of class, 2 weeks of holiday, followed by 7 weeks of class from February-December. Weeks are Mondays through Fridays with time off every Wednesday morning.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in New Caledonia. International schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam.

There is usually local population, as well as an international student body. Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation & Membership

• Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.

International School in Nouméa

James Cook International School (JCIS) / Ecole Internationale James Cook
Address: 95 Av. Général de Gaulle, Orphelinat. Nouméa 98800 - Nouvelle-Calédonie
Tel: (687) 28.47.12
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

A bilingual French / English establishment from preschool to high school. It complies with the French national syllabus for the French speakers section and the Australian syllabus for the English speakers section. It operates under contract with the French Education Department in Nouméa. The school offers a strong community with athletics, festivals, school camps and linguistic exchange.