An international, alternative, middle school for growing differently
Our middle school is a living, caring, and academically rigorous learning environment, where every young person can find their purpose, progress at their own pace, and learns more about themselves thus improving their educational journey.
A bilingual and innovative school from 6th to 9th grade
Our alternative middle school welcomes students in a close-knit, forward-looking setting, preparing them for the Diplôme National du Brevet (French national certificate).
Because international openness lies at the heart of our mission, we offer two programs:
French Program, open to all students, which with regular English classes.
International Program, with 4 additional hours of English literature and Cultural studies, and 4 hours of History and Geography taught in English.
This program is accessible after a placement test and enables students to later apply for European or International sections in most French high schools. Transfers between the two programs can take place midyear, depending on the student’s motivation and language level.
In addition, students have the opportunity to prepare for and take the Cambridge English exams, with an additional fee covering registration and preparation costs.All students follow the French National Curriculum, while benefiting from an active, student-centered, pedagogical approach. Like all accredited middle schools, students can also earn the ASSR (Road Safety certificate).
Pedagogies that respect each student’s pace
Our teachers draw on engaging, cooperative, and alternative teaching methods that respond to students’ natural curiosity and need for meaning, while providing a safe environment for developing independence.
In this stimulating and respectful atmosphere every student is encouraged to take an active role in their own learning.
A focus on the human experience
Because success at school also means feeling good, our weekly schedule includes dedicated time for personal development:
- Learning methodologies: attention, focus, organization, and learning strategies
- Social-emotional skills: self-esteem, emotional regulation, stress management, communication, and cooperation
These sessions are an integral part of each student’s journey and are led by trained professionals.
Civic awareness at the heart of our mission
Our educational approach is deeply rooted in:
- Non-violent Communication (NVC)
- Self-awareness and empathy
- Cooperation rather than competition
- Trust – allowing each student to express themselves, learn from mistakes, and thrive.
An eco-friendly school linked to nature
We believe that school should nurture our bond with nature, with life, and with the world.
Our curriculum includes life sciences, ecological and civic awareness, and regular time outdoors thanks to walking access to the Ventabren plateau, a protected natural area.
We guide our students to become conscious citizens — capable of caring for themselves, others, and the planet.
Joining our international, alternative, middle-school means…
✔ Choosing a high-level academic curriculum and rigorous teaching that respects each individual’s pace
✔ Evolving in an international, multicultural, and open-minded environment
✔ Developing lasting academic, social, and emotional skills
✔ Experiencing civic awareness, in service of a fairer and more conscious world
Curriculum
At CAIPA, students follow the official curriculum of the French National Education system, enhanced by a forward-thinking and human-centered approach.
Each week, two hours are dedicated to developing psychosocial skills: learning how to manage stress, build self-esteem, collaborate with others, and master effective learning strategies, in short, learning how to learn.
Within the international section, students broaden their horizons through English literature classes and history-geography taught in English.
This balanced and ambitious program fully prepares students for the French National Middle School Diploma, while nurturing confident, engaged, and open-minded learners.
French National Middle School Diploma
As a fully recognized educational institution, CAIPA provides thorough and structured preparation for the French National Middle School Diploma. Students are guided with high academic standards, clear expectations, and effective learning strategies to approach the exams with confidence and calm.
The school works in close cooperation with the rectorat throughout the entire process, from official authorization to the organization and completion of the examinations. This rigorous and collaborative framework ensures a reliable, compliant, and reassuring path toward success.
Academic Pathways After CAIPA
After completing their studies at CAIPA, students benefit from a wide range of academic pathways. They may enroll in a public local high school, a general or vocational high school, as well as a private school, whether state-contracted or independent.
The French National Middle School Diploma earned at CAIPA holds the exact same value, legitimacy, and official recognition as the diploma obtained in any other state-contracted school.
It is fully recognized by the educational authorities and grants access to the same opportunities and orientations.