The School Council of the Lycée Français International de Tokyo met on June 4, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Head of School (Proviseure). After verification of the quorum, members unanimously approved the agenda, the minutes of the previous School Board meeting, and the minutes of the extraordinary School Board meeting held on March 18, 2026.

1. Enrollment Projections for the 2026–2027 School Year

The school anticipates a total enrollment of 1,626 students distributed across 64 classes, representing an increase compared to the current school year.

• Primary School: 782 students in 32 classes (average of 24.4 students per class)
• Secondary School: 844 students in 32 classes (average of 26.3 students per class)

Several structural adjustments are planned:

• Closure of one kindergarten class;
• Opening of one Grade 8 class (5e);
• Closure of one Grade 9 class (4e);
• Closure of one Grade 11 class (Première);
• Closure of one Grade 12 class (Terminale).

These changes will have consequences for human resources:

• Cancellation of the recruitment of one primary school teacher;
• Elimination of one full-time ASEM (early childhood classroom assistant) position;
• Reduction of overtime hours in the secondary school.

Parent and student representatives expressed concern about the high enrollment numbers in certain high school classes, particularly in the final years. The administration indicated that class sizes remain below the recommendations of the French Ministry of Education (30 students in lower secondary and 36 in upper secondary) and are in line with AEFE recommendations (25 students in lower secondary and 30 in upper secondary). Additional support measures are planned, including small-group French instruction in Grade 11.

Discussions also addressed the advantages and disadvantages of small class sizes, particularly in relation to Parcoursup (the French higher education admissions platform), where smaller classes are not necessarily considered an advantage. It was emphasized that these class closures will not result in the elimination of teaching positions.

2. School Trips and Educational Projects for 2026–2027

The Board unanimously approved several educational projects and school trips:

• Discovery trip to Myoko Mura for CM1 students;
• Latin studies project on Honshu Island for Première and Terminale Latin students;
• Film exchange program in Hong Kong;
• Educational trips to Gotemba for CM2 and 4e students;
• Participation in the Prozap Basketball Tournament in Shanghai;
• Participation in the Model United Nations (MUN) conference in Phnom Penh;
• Participation in the Prozap Chess Tournament in Hanoi.

The administration highlighted the significant commitment of teachers in organizing these projects, and parent representatives echoed their appreciation.

It was also noted that the solidarity fund was heavily used this year. Thanks to numerous donations, no student had to withdraw from a project for financial reasons.

3. Amendments to the School Rules and Regulations

Adjustments to the school rules for both primary and secondary levels were presented in order to ensure compliance with AEFE requirements.

The main changes include:

• Clarification of regulations concerning all forms of tobacco products, whose use is prohibited regardless of form;
• Revision of the bell schedule to ensure:
  • 55-minute lessons in accordance with accreditation requirements;
  • Separate accounting of passing periods between classes;
  • No classes scheduled before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.

These amendments had already received favorable opinions from the School Council, the Secondary School Life Representative Council (CVCL), and the Secondary School Council (CSD). They were unanimously adopted by the School Board.

4. AEFE Staffing Plan

The administration presented the projected staffing plan for AEFE seconded positions for 2026–2027.

Locally hired staff positions were not discussed, as they do not fall under AEFE authority. It was nevertheless noted that no locally hired teaching positions are being eliminated.

For the 2025–2026 school year, the school had 30 seconded positions allocated as follows:

• 14 primary school teachers;
• 4 mathematics teachers;
• 3 English teachers;
• 3 French language and literature teachers;
• 2 history-geography teachers;
• 2 life and earth sciences (SVT) teachers;
• 1 physics-chemistry teacher;
• 1 philosophy teacher.

However, four of these positions were not being used. As part of AEFE staffing adjustments, the following reductions have been proposed:

• One primary school teaching position;
• Two mathematics teaching positions;
• One English teaching position.

The various consultative bodies expressed reservations, particularly regarding teaching positions. During the advisory vote of the School Board, several abstentions and votes against were recorded, especially concerning the mathematics positions, reflecting concerns about the resources allocated to the school.

Representatives of French citizens abroad stated that these reductions were regrettable, as they represent a withdrawal of state support for its public service obligations.

5. Questions from Parent Representatives

Student Population Composition

The administration presented enrollment and nationality trends between 2022 and 2025.

Enrollment increased from 1,516 students in 2022–2023 to 1,571 students in 2025–2026.

The distribution of students by nationality remains stable, with approximately:

• 60% dual French-Japanese nationals;
• 20% French nationals without Japanese nationality;
• 10% Japanese nationals without French nationality;
• 10% students of other nationalities.

Review of the DAIS Program

The DAIS program (Inclusive Support and Assistance Program) supported 10 students this year, requiring only one AESH (student support assistant) and one coordinating teacher. Additional individual AESH support remains the responsibility of families.

Teachers highlighted several benefits:

• Improved well-being of students with special educational needs;
• More individualized instruction;
• Improved classroom climate;
• Better coordination among teachers, AESH staff, and families.

For 2026–2027, 16 students are expected to benefit from the program.

Parent representatives welcomed these highly positive results and the fact that all identified needs were met. They expressed a desire for greater recognition of the initiative throughout the AEFE network.

EVARS Program

Regarding education in emotional, relational, and sexual life (EVARS), the administration recalled that:

• Progression plans have been defined at the primary level;
• Secondary school teams are working to integrate the program into different subject areas.

Parent representatives stressed the importance of providing better information to families and ensuring compliance with the requirement of three annual sessions established by official guidelines.

French Language Proficiency

In response to questions about the use of tools such as Projet Voltaire, the administration noted that the choice of teaching methods falls within teachers’ pedagogical autonomy and that no specific recommendation from the Ministry exists regarding this tool.

Mock Examinations

The administration indicated that no formal assessment of the new mock examination schedule has yet been conducted, but that its organization is reviewed annually with teaching teams.

Integration of New Students

Regarding the integration of newly enrolled students:

• No specific needs have been identified so far in primary school;
• In secondary school, student life services and homeroom teachers provide support to newcomers.

Additional discussions may be held with the CVCL to further improve welcoming procedures.

6. End of the Head of School’s Term

At the end of the meeting, parent representatives and representatives of French citizens abroad thanked the Head of School for her work, dedication, and the quality of dialogue maintained throughout her five-year term.

The Head of School gave a positive assessment of her tenure and expressed confidence that her successor would continue the school’s ongoing projects.

The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Key Takeaways

• Enrollment is projected to reach 1,626 students in 2026–2027.
• Several class reorganizations are planned, affecting class sizes.
• School trips and the updated school regulations were unanimously approved.
• Concerns were raised regarding reductions in certain teaching positions.
• The DAIS program received a highly positive evaluation.
• Parents requested stronger communication regarding the EVARS program.
• The international composition of the student body remains stable.
• The Head of School’s term concluded with unanimous expressions of appreciation.

At the end of each term, we prepare a short newsletter to keep you informed about the highlights of the past weeks and upcoming events. 

We hope you enjoy reading it, and as always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments. 

We wish you an enjoyable summer break!

Summary of the 3rd Assembly of Councillors (AC) of 9 June 2026 and of the 3rd Board of Directors (CA) meeting of June 12, 2026

Agenda

Administrative affairs

1. 
   

   Projected structure for the start of the 2026 academic year

 Projected enrolment: 1626 students divided into 64 divisions (classes)

 Kindergarten: 164 (7 divisions (-1))

Elementary: 618 (25 divisions)

Secondary: 844 (32 divisions(-2))

 Student numbers continue to rise (+7.2% over 5 years), primarily at the secondary level due to cohort increases. There are fewer enrollments in preschool (-12% over 5 years), leading to the closure of one class.

This is linked to the decline in the birth rate (a global trend), but also to delayed entry of families choosing Japanese or international (Anglo-Saxon) schools for their proximity and the free nature of the Japanese system in the face of the increase in tuition fees at the LFI Tokyo (+28% over 5 years).

Parents’ representatives are calling for a discussion on possible levers, including financial ones, to encourage families to enroll their children in kindergarten.

2. 
   

   School trips

 Teachers are involved in numerous projects. The increase in the spending cap for trips abroad, implemented by the FLT, has allowed for greater flexibility in organization.

3. 
   

   Works

The cohort increases require works during the summer: creation of a new science lab room, allocation of 2 rooms from primary to secondary, independent access to the gymnasium.

An office for the school psychologist will be created.

 Other works are planned: protective netting in front of the gymnasium, redevelopment and creation of additional changing rooms, sports equipment

 The priority for next year remains air conditioning and heating for the gymnasium.

 The purchase of new filters and changes to procedures have improved the availability of the pool, so no work is needed at this time.

Financial Affairs

1. 
   

   Financial statements 2025-26

 Over the period 1 Apr 2025 – 31 Mar 2026, the net accounting result: +425m Yen (budget +167m Yen), compared to +233m Yen in 2024-25.

 All services are profitable, with the exception of school transport, which is structurally loss-making due to rising service provider costs.

 The school’s improved financial situation is confirmed, thanks to a slight increase in student numbers, cost control, and the suspension of the creation of provisions for the demolition of the annex building, which is now considered sufficient (previously 50 million yen per year). This suspension of the accumulation of provisions accounts for 90% of the year’s reduction in expenses.

 This positive result has allowed us to continue repaying loans (118m Yen), to carry out work (108m Yen), including the primary school playground, and to continue to rebuild working capital, which now stands at 157 days of operation and is approaching the prudential target of 180 days.

 It should be noted that the increase in the contribution to the AEFE linked to the civil pensions of seconded staff will only take effect from July 2026, and has not had an impact on these results.

 Parent representatives note that this improvement in the financial situation is faster than management anticipated in the projections presented at the first Board meeting and in public presentations, and stems primarily from the increase in tuition fees and, this year, the suspension of the planned increase in reserves. While securing the school’s future is essential, it is equally important to ensure that current paying families benefit, as well as improved accessibility for French students not yet enrolled, and to maintain a balance between controlling fee increases and preparing for the future.

 The 2025-26 financial statement is adopted unanimously.

2. 
   

   School transportation services

 In order to reduce the service deficit, the high school will replace one of its service contracts with a long-term lease of buses internally with external drivers from the start of the 2027 school year. We will start with 2 lines before deciding whether this can be generalized.

3. 
   

   Fundraising

 4.7 million yen raised in the first year, at a cost of 2.7 million. The system needs to be made sustainable.

4. 
   

   Schooling allowance for staff on local law contracts

 In response to staff demands, management is proposing a bonus for 2026-27 for locally hired staff to help them send their children to high school:

–   Salary above 500,000 yen per month: 12,500 yen per month per child

–   Salary between 350,000 and 500,000 yen per month: 18,750 yen per month per child

–   Salary below 350,000 yen per month: 25,000 yen per month per child

 This represents a budget of 13 million yen for the high school.

 The proposal was adopted unanimously.

5. 
   

   Availability of the Annex to Kita-ku

 For information, the courtyard of the annex will be made available to the Kita-ku town hall after 3:30 p.m. between July and December.

No financial or organizational impact.

Review of the 2025–2026 School Year

• A wide variety of educational projects were carried out during the year, including: Ambassadeurs en herbe, nuit de la lecture, « A la maternelle, je joue, j’apprends », online chess tournaments and the organization of the Asia Cup at LFI Tokyo, philosophy snack-time discussions (CM2),  students, intervention by the Ecology Club in annex classrooms, participation in the Kyotographie photography festival (3 classes), robotics workshops in kindergarten, creation of a video game by the CE2A class, hosting 19 FLAM students for a one-day visit
• 18 classes participated in school trips, and 7 kindergarten classes (GS) took part in the “Une nuit à l’école” program. School trips for 3 CM1 classes and 2 CM2 classes have already been scheduled for October/November 2026.
• National Assessments: In French language assessments, LFI Tokyo’s results—similar to those of other schools in the Asia-Pacific zone—are below the French national average in CP. However, the trend reverses from CE1 onward, with results significantly above the national average from CE2 through CM2. In mathematics, LFI Tokyo’s results are comparable to the national average in CP and then substantially higher from CE1 through CM2. Students who have attended the Lycée since kindergarten achieve better results than those who joined in CP, suggesting the importance of enrolling children in LFI Tokyo as early as possible. LFI Tokyo further observes that, as in France nationally, a gender gap in mathematics emerges and widens throughout primary school. This highlights the need for continued work and awareness-raising on these issues.
• Staff Departures: Ms. Beaudet, Bérard, Dohen, Bartagnon, Kobayashi, Nonnier (appointed to the secondary school), Messrs. Dali, Mr. Martin-Horie, Mr. Sancy

Preparation for the 2026–2027 School Year

• Language Pathways: 86% of families received their preferred language pathway choice.

• 1 kindergarten class will be closed due to declining enrollment.

Comments from Parent Representatives and Responses from LFI Tokyo

• Semester-Based Reporting: Parents have raised questions regarding the transition to semester-based reporting, which reduces the number of individual progress reports from 3 to 2 per year.

• Early Closure of the Library (BCD): The early closure of the BCD library is related to the annual physical inventory as well as the inventory of the collection recorded in BCDI, which is mandatory every five years.

• DAIS (School Inclusion Support Program): 10 students benefited from the DAIS program during the 2025–2026 school year (1 CP, 1 CE1, 3 CM1, 3 6eme, 1 5eme, 1 4eme). Teachers consider the program essential and highly beneficial, as it supports both the individual well-being of students and the overall balance of the classroom. Parents share the same positive assessment. 16 students have already been identified as candidates to benefit from the DAIS program in the 2026–2027 school year.

Dear parents,

You are warmly invited to come and see your children’s canteen on June 11th 2026.
The visit, co-organized by FLT-FAPEE and LFI Tokyo, will start at 11:30am and will be followed by a lunch until 1:00pm.

Four parents will be able to attend this event.
The cost of the meal remains the responsibility of the participants at the price of 1,000 yen for FLT members and 1200 yen for non-members.

If you are interested in this initiative, please register via this Google Form.

For security reasons, only registered parents will be allowed to enter the school.
We look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely yours,
FLT-Fapée Team