French International Baccalaureate (BFI)
What is the BFI?
The BFI (Baccalauréat Françiase Internationale) is the international track within the French Baccalaureate culminating in a bilingual, bicultural diploma accredited by the French Ministry of Education. It replaced the bicultural version of the French Baccalaureate, formerly called the International Option of the French Baccalaureate, or option internationale du baccalauréat (OIB) as of the 2022-2023 school year.
The BFI offers the same core curriculum and evaluation structure as the French Baccalaureate but is enhanced with additional courses taught in a foreign language(s). Students prepare for the BFI during 11th and 12th grades. At the end of 12th grade, students take the baccalaureate exam in their chosen concentration, as well as rigorous exams (written and oral) in both Literature, History/Geography, and an oral examination in World Knowledge/Contemporary Studies.
What is the American Section of the BFI?
There are 18 International Sections (IS) of the BFI. International Sections (IS) are approved by the French Ministry of Education in cooperation with partner countries. The French Ministry of Education has partnered with College Board to deliver the American Section.
The American Section of the BFI adds a focus on advanced literature in English, with a focus on American authors, as well as History-Geography courses taught in English focusing on North American issues. Further, schools in the American Section may add Advanced Placement (AP) courses to their BFI programs.
Why choose the BFI?
Reasons to choose the BFI include:
Earning the French baccalaureate, a portable world credential for universities
Possibility to add Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams, second portable world credential for university applications
Study other cultures, languages and civilizations with a focus on North America
Enhance linguistic skills, in English with the American Section
Engage in research with an international dimension
Prepare for higher education in France, the U.S., or around the world
Students with the BFI have demonstrated the ability to complete rigorous coursework in French and another language. For the American Section, the second language is English. Universities can rest assured of both the English and French proficiency of BFI candidates.
What is the BFI American Section with Advanced Placement?
Schools wishing to offer the BFI American Section with Advanced Placement (AP) can allow students to substitute two AP courses and exams for the History-Geography and Advanced English Literature in the equivalent of U.S. 11th grade. Choices include AP U.S. History, European History, World History, or Human Geography, and AP English Language and Composition or AP English Literature and Composition. Additionally, students may opt for AP Calculus BC or Statistics as a math elective. The AP exams substitute for the corresponding BFI written exams.
Which schools offer the BFI American Section?
To learn more about French international schools offering the BFI with an American Section, visit the American BFI World Schools Network - AAMIS.
Who is enrolled in an American Section?
Students may be enrolled from 1st grade (CP) to 12th grade (terminale). Students enrolled in the section are taught the core French syllabus, which enables them to follow advanced classes taught in the English.
From middle school (collège), students have the opportunity to take English language and literature and history-geography courses taught from an American perspective by certified American and French teachers.
English Language and Literature: Much more than a foreign language class, these courses incorporate teaching of literature and non-fiction works in English at a high proficiency level.
History-Geography: Also taught in English, the French syllabus is adapted to include a stronger emphasis on the history and geography of North America.
Who are the teachers in an American Section?
Teachers in the American International Section are usually native speakers of the language they teach and hold a teaching certificate from the partner country. Teachers who are French have experience teaching in the school system of the section's partner country. In all cases, teacher appointments must be approved by the French education ministry.
Our Partners
AAMIS - association for American Sections of the BFI worldwide, organizes conference, professional learning, and other supports for participating schools
Ministry of Education and Sport, France - oversees the baccalaureate and all international sections of the BFI
AEFE Agence pour l’enseignement français a l’étranger - manages the network of French schools outside France