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.