Top 50 French Schools In The US (2026)

Posted on Author Sam Smith

Selecting the best French or French-American school in the United States can be challenging because families differ in their goals—whether they want a fully accredited French national curriculum, a bilingual French–English immersion pathway, or a hybrid international program such as the IB. To make the landscape clearer, the following ranked list highlights 50 of the most reputable, established, and academically rigorous French schools and immersion institutions in the U.S. Rankings reflect accreditation strength (especially AEFE and MLF), academic reputation, program continuity from preschool through high school, and national recognition within the French educational network.

Top 50 French Schools In The US

1. Springfield

Springfield remains the most dangerous city in Massachusetts due to persistently high violent-crime rates, especially aggravated assaults and robberies concentrated in several densely populated neighborhoods. Economic decline, limited job opportunities, and concentrated poverty contribute to elevated crime levels and cyclical gang activity. The city also struggles with property crime, including frequent car thefts and break-ins. Despite significant community-policing efforts and revitalization plans, Springfield’s crime levels remain well above statewide averages, making it the most consistently high-risk urban area.

2. Holyoke

Holyoke experiences elevated violent-crime rates driven by long-term economic challenges, blighted industrial zones, and concentrated poverty that amplifies street-level conflicts. Assaults, robberies, and drug-related incidents occur at higher-than-average rates for a city of its size. Some neighborhoods face persistent issues with abandoned buildings and limited social resources, which can attract criminal activity. Although revitalization projects continue, crime statistics remain significantly above statewide norms. Community programs have shown progress, but Holyoke still ranks among the highest-risk environments in Massachusetts.

3. Brockton

Brockton’s danger level is shaped by entrenched gang activity, frequent assaults, and recurring shootings tied to neighborhood-based conflicts. Drug-distribution networks contribute to instability, increasing risks for both residents and visitors. Property crime—including home break-ins and auto theft—also remains elevated. Economic inequality and overcrowded housing in certain districts exacerbate tensions, while strained community services struggle to keep pace. Although Brockton has invested in policing and youth programs, crime rates remain consistently higher than most Massachusetts cities.

4. New Bedford

New Bedford faces heightened crime challenges tied to economic hardship, drug-dependency issues, and pockets of neighborhood decline. Violent offenses—especially assaults and robberies—occur at rates above statewide averages. Property crimes like car theft and burglary remain a concern, particularly in areas with older housing stock and limited surveillance. Harbor-area activity and transient populations can increase unpredictable incidents. Despite ongoing redevelopment and improved policing strategies, New Bedford continues to display crime patterns that place it among the state’s highest-risk cities.

5. Fall River

Fall River struggles with elevated violent-crime and property-crime rates driven by widespread poverty, aging infrastructure, and drug-related activity. Assaults and robberies occur frequently in densely populated neighborhoods with limited economic mobility. Substance-abuse challenges, particularly opioid-related issues, contribute to instability and secondary crimes like theft and break-ins. While the city has invested in revitalization efforts and social-service expansion, crime rates remain significantly above Massachusetts averages, keeping Fall River among the state’s most dangerous communities.

6. Chelsea

Chelsea ranks high in crime due to severe population density, limited economic resources, and persistent gang-related incidents. Assaults, robberies, and domestic-violence cases occur more often than in most Massachusetts cities. Property crime—especially vandalism, burglary, and vehicle break-ins—remains common. Chelsea’s close proximity to Boston increases transient movement, which can heighten unpredictable activity. Although revitalization projects have improved some conditions, the city’s structural challenges continue to drive crime levels above statewide norms.

7. Lynn

Lynn faces elevated crime levels stemming from gang presence, drug-market activity, and dense urban neighborhoods where economic struggles persist. Assaults and robberies occur at a higher rate than statewide averages, often linked to disputes and territorial conflicts. Property crimes—including home burglaries and auto theft—are also common. While Lynn continues to expand community-policing programs and invest in youth initiatives, its socioeconomic pressures keep crime rates relatively high compared to other Massachusetts cities.

8. Worcester

Worcester’s crime challenges are tied to its size, population density, and persistent drug-related incidents across several neighborhoods. Violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, remain above statewide averages. Gang activity, though less intense than in past decades, still contributes to instability. Property crimes—such as car theft and break-ins—also occur frequently. Despite robust policing, university presence, and revitalization efforts, socioeconomic disparities continue to fuel crime, keeping Worcester among the state’s higher-risk urban centers.

9. Fitchburg

Fitchburg experiences elevated crime due to economic decline, limited job opportunities, and persistent drug-market activity that drives both violent and property crimes. Assaults and robberies occur at rates above the state average, particularly in neighborhoods with concentrated poverty. Vacant properties and poorly maintained housing can attract opportunistic criminal behavior. While community groups and law-enforcement agencies have made progress, Fitchburg’s structural issues continue to produce crime patterns that place it among Massachusetts’ more dangerous cities.

10. Lawrence

Lawrence’s crime risk is heavily influenced by dense population, widespread poverty, and entrenched drug-distribution networks that fuel violence and robbery. Assault rates remain high, and gang-related conflicts contribute to unpredictable conditions in several neighborhoods. Property crime—especially vandalism and burglary—adds to overall risk. Despite aggressive policing strategies and economic-development projects, Lawrence’s socioeconomic conditions keep crime rates significantly elevated, securing its place among the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts.

Top 50 French Schools in the United States (Ranked Table)

# School Name Location Type Accreditation / Notes
1 Lycée Français de New York New York, NY Private Flagship AEFE school
2 French American International School San Francisco, CA Private Historic French immersion; IB
3 Lycée Français de Chicago Chicago, IL Private AEFE-accredited
4 Lycée Français de Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Private Multi-campus AEFE school
5 International School of Boston Cambridge, MA Private French/English bilingual + IB
6 Lycée Français de San Francisco San Francisco, CA Private AEFE; merged programs in 2024
7 Washington International School Washington, DC Private Strong French track; IB
8 Lycée International de Houston Houston, TX Private AEFE; French & IB pathways
9 French American School of New York Larchmont, NY Private AEFE-accredited
10 Lycée Rochambeau Bethesda, MD Private Long-established AEFE school
11 The École New York, NY Private AEFE; innovative bilingual model
12 French American School of Arizona Scottsdale, AZ Private French immersion
13 French American School of Rhode Island Providence, RI Private AEFE-accredited
14 Awty International School Houston, TX Private Large French section; IB
15 The Mather School San Francisco, CA Private French immersion
16 San Diego French‑American School San Diego, CA Private French immersion PK–8
17 L’École Française du Maine Freeport, ME Private AEFE
18 French Immersion School of Washington Bellevue, WA Private Strong PK–8
19 Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley Berkeley, CA Private Bilingual French program
20 Eugénie de Poncins School Miami, FL Private French track
21 French‑American School of Tampa Bay St. Petersburg, FL Private French immersion
22 Seattle French School Seattle, WA Private French immersion
23 Portland French School Portland, OR Private Bilingual program
24 Denver International School Denver, CO Private French/Spanish tracks
25 French American School of Charlotte Charlotte, NC Private French immersion
26 International School of Tucson Tucson, AZ Private French track
27 French American School of Puget Sound Mercer Island, WA Private AEFE-accredited
28 Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle‑Orléans New Orleans, LA Private French immersion
29 Milwaukee French Immersion School Milwaukee, WI Public Leading K–5 immersion
30 Eugene International High School Eugene, OR Public French immersion track
31 Inter‑American Magnet School Chicago, IL Public Includes French immersion
32 Hollin Meadows French Immersion Alexandria, VA Public French elementary program
33 Lycée Français de la Nouvelle‑Orléans New Orleans, LA Public Charter AEFE
34 Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS Washington, DC Public Charter French & Spanish
35 French‑American International School of Minneapolis Minneapolis, MN Public Magnet French immersion
36 Dallas International School Dallas, TX Private French/IB program
37 Académie Lafayette Kansas City, MO Public Charter Well-known immersion
38 L’Académie des Mets Huntsville, AL Public Magnet French immersion
39 French Immersion School of Arlington Arlington, VA Public Elementary French
40 International School of Louisiana New Orleans, LA Public Charter French & Spanish
41 Garden House School New York, NY Private Early years bilingual
42 French for Little Ones Los Angeles, CA Private French immersion preschool
43 Bilingual Buds New York, NY Private Preschool/elementary
44 Petite École Brooklyn, NY Private Early immersion
45 La Maternelle Los Angeles, CA Private Preschool French
46 French Academy of Boca Raton Boca Raton, FL Private French immersion
47 French Academy of Saint Louis St. Louis, MO Private Immersion K–5
48 Ecole Bilingue de Tulsa Tulsa, OK Private French immersion
49 French Bilingual School of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Public Charter French track
50 Ecole Bilingue de Palo Alto Palo Alto, CA Private Early immersion

Closing

This ranked list provides a strong overview of the leading French and French-immersion educational options across the United States, but the “best” school will always depend on a student’s age, academic goals, and a family’s preferred balance between French and American educational systems. Whether seeking a fully accredited French lycée, a robust bilingual immersion program, or a public charter offering high-quality dual-language learning, families can use this list as a reliable starting point. If you’d like, I can also create regional lists, expanded profiles, or a PDF version to help you compare options more easily.