The American International Section (SIA) at Saint-Vincent – Providence School offers a rigorous academic program that enables students to learn English at a high level while benefiting from a culturally rich environment that stimulates their curiosity and broadens their global awareness. Our native English-speaking teachers provide instruction based on the best American and British educational methods, aiming to prepare students to meet the required standards for entry into the 6th grade, both in written and spoken English, as well as in American history and geography.
The SIA program at our school is designed for two groups of students:
-English-speaking students – Group 1:
SIA instruction begins in Moyenne Section (preschool, age 4-5), with class sizes varying with bilingual families enrolled.
– Non-bilingual students – Group 2:
SIA instruction starts in CM1 (4th grade, age 9-10) for approximately 40 students divided into two groups in an accelerated English learning program.
To join Group 2, a student must have excellent academic results, be independent and motivated, and possess basic knowledge of English (pre-A1 level on the CEFR scale).
If your child is curious, motivated, academically strong, and wishes to thrive in a program that combines rigor and enjoyment with dedicated English-speaking teachers, they can apply to join our SIA program and take the entrance exams.
*NB:Wednesday morning classes for CM1 & CM2 students:
Group 1: 8.30am-11.45am
Group 2: Hours change depending on group, either 8.30am-10.15am/ 10.30am-12.15pm
St Vincent has been awarded the « Label Ouverture Internationale, » an accreditation from the Catholic Education Department recognizing schools with projects that have an international outlook.
Building Global Connections and Supporting Language Immersion
Integrating the American International Section also reflects a desire to connect with the world through culture, reading, and travel outside of school, as a family.
For non-French-speaking children entering the school, it is essential for families to support immersion efforts by fostering exposure to the French language beyond what the school provides.
Projects :
SIA teachers organize many enriching activities over the school year. We have many collaborations established to help community engagement as well as exploring American culture and holidays linked in the language arts, history and geography curriculum. Here is a list of annual activities organized:
- Annual welcome picnic hosted in collaboration with SIA Family Network
- Regular visits, cultural events and borrowing books from Institut Franco Américain, Rennes
- Regular visits to, and borrowing books from, local Rennes libraries
- Penpals from overseas for students in CM1/ 4th grade & CM2 / 5th grade
- Regular events to celebrate cultural and religious holidays in collaboration with SIA Family Network
- Introductory baseball sessions for students in CM1/ 4th grade & CM2 / 5th grade
organized in collaboration with http://cd35baseball.com/
- Annual park morning event organized with students and parents from cycle 1 & 2 (4-9 year old students) in Oberthur Park
- Annual St. Vincent end of year school fair, featuring a themed performance in June with all students from MS/Pre-K to CM2/5th grade participating.
- Reading projects supported by Usborne, Scholastic, and Bayard publisher book clubs or subscriptions.
- Students borrow books from our classroom library to encourage and enhance their reading, supported by projects such as monthly reading logs and class novel studies.
For further questions and inquiries about the Saint Vincent American Section (école, collège, et lycée), please contact the coordinator, Mrs. MacAulay, at international@saintvincent-rennes.net.
Admission Procedure for the SIA
The school organizes tests, with dates announced from mid to late January for those applying for registration.
- Admission to G1 (Bilingual Group): Available each year, regardless of the grade level requested.
- Admission to G2 (Accelerated Group): Only available for entry into CM1 (Grade 4).
Candidates are assessed based on their test results, academic records, and personality.
Interested in enrolling your child in the international section? Complete the pre-registration form below.