All about IS33

L'International School 33 (IS33) is a bilingual private international school located in Gradignan, in the Bordeaux region. This is the the only school in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region to offer the three International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes.

The school welcomes pupils from 2 to 18 years (from nursery to high school) in a multicultural environment with more than 15 nationalities represented.

Address: 47 avenue de la Poterie, 33170 Gradignan - France

The school has two modern buildings 500 metres apart:

Special facilities :

• Spacious, bright classrooms
• Room dedicated to the arts (musical instruments, easels)
• Dojo for judo and dance
• Fully equipped science laboratory
• Nursery play area with vegetable gardens
• Two playgrounds with garden areas
• Projectors and screens in all rooms
• Access to a professional rugby stadium

Yes, IS33 is part of the Ermitage Education group, a network of international schools of excellence welcoming almost 2,000 students aged 3 to 18 and representing more than 80 nationalities.

The group, which has a presence in France and Belgium, offers a variety of international academic courses (IB, Cambridge IGCSE, French programmes) with an approach focused on the success and well-being of each student.

The pupils of the Ermitage Group achieve excellent results every year, with a International Baccalaureate pass rate close to 100%.

Staff numbers have been deliberately reduced to ensure personalised follow-up of each student :

• Nursery : Around 20 students with a teacher and at least one assistant
• Elementary : Classes adapted to each level (CP to CM2)
• Secondary school : Approximately 15-20 pupils per class

This approach enables our teachers to offer a individualised support, This will ensure that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full academic potential.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a world-renowned educational programme delivered in more than 5,000 schools throughout the world. It offers more comprehensive programmes than other education systems.

IB programmes develop young people's :

• La intellectual curiosity and knowledge
• La sensitivity and determination to succeed
• The critical thinking skills
• The ability to solve complex problems
• A international perspective

IS33 is an IB World School for the four continuum programmes :

Students also follow the French National Education curriculum in parallel.

At IS33, we believe that'academic excellence and the'personal development go hand in hand. Our teaching approach is based on the conviction that young learners thrive in a demanding, structured and caring environment.

This philosophy translates into :

• Rigour Demanding programmes that develop intellectual curiosity
• Development A focus on personal development and self-confidence
• Opening Education that values cultural diversity and cultivates a global perspective

IS33 is the joy of going to school and the guarantee of excellent academic standards.

Yes, in nursery and elementary schools, we use the Montessori material, The material is practical and scientifically developed by Dr Maria Montessori.

Principles of our approach :

• Pupils use Montessori materials to introduce new concepts
• Natural progression: before the age of 7, children need to be concrete; after that, they naturally move on to abstraction.
• By the end of grade 5, children are ready for middle school, able to work without special teaching materials

The IB Primary Years Programme is structured around 6 cross-disciplinary themes that transcend the boundaries of traditional disciplines:

1. Who we are - Exploring our nature, our beliefs, our values, our health
2. Where we are in space and time - Understanding our orientation, our personal history
3. How we express ourselves - Developing our means of expression and artistic creation
4. How the world works - Exploring the natural world and its laws
5. How we organise ourselves - Understanding the systems created by mankind
6. Sharing the planet - Developing our commitment to rights and responsibilities

Bilingual teaching French-English starts as soon as 2 years in nursery, with natural, gradual immersion in both languages.

From nursery school onwards, children two days a week in French class and two days in an English class, This is a totally immersive experience, with teachers speaking only their mother tongue.

They study all subjects in both languages: language, mathematics, human and natural sciences, arts, personal, social and physical education.

No, it's not compulsory. The school welcomes students of all language levels.

• In kindergarten, the'immersion enables natural learning
• Students who are not bilingual or who do not speak English will benefit from a dedicated section with support adapted to their level
• Courses in "French as a foreign language (FLE) or English language support are offered to facilitate integration

At middle school and high school, bilingual pupils join the international section, While non-bilingual pupils progress at their own pace in an adapted section.

In addition to the French-English bilingualism, each student has the opportunity to study during school time:

• 🇪🇸 Spanish
• 🇩🇪 German
• 🇨🇳 Mandarin Chinese
• 🇷🇺 Russian

Rates for language options (2025-2026) :

• 1 hour per week : 500 / year
• 2 hours per week : 850 € / year

All foreign language courses are taught by native speakers. native teachers, guaranteeing an authentic and immersive learning experience.

All students are prepared for Cambridge English Qualifications every year, with excellent results. These certifications are internationally recognised and are a major asset to your academic and professional career.

Other language exams available:

• HSK - Chinese examinations (Chinese Ministry of Education)
• Cervantes - Spanish exams
• Cambridge - English exams

Note: External examination fees are not included in tuition fees.

Our kindergarten welcomes children from 2 to 6 years (3 levels)

Key points:

• Classes of about 20 students with a teacher and at least one assistant
• Bilingual immersion 2 days in French, 2 days in English
• Inspired teaching Montessori
• Learning through play, manipulation and exploration
• An environment designed for organisation, movement and sensory development

Thanks to this immersive approach, many students are beginning to learning to read from the age of 3.

The elementary section welcomes pupils from Grade 1 to 5 (5 distinct levels).

Daily schedule (8.30am - 4pm) :

Students study 50% in French and 50% in English.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) covers the Grade 6 to 10 (11-16 year-olds).

Features :

• Small classes (around 15-20 students)
• French National Education curriculum + International Baccalaureate
• Developing critical thinking, creativity and links with the real world
• French Section or International Section depending on academic objectives

Diplomas prepared :

• French National Brevet Diploma (end of grade 9) for students with a good command of French
• MYP final exam (grade 10) - internationally recognised diploma

The Diploma Programme (DP) covers the Première and Terminale (aged 16-18).

Programme structure :

Common core :

• Theory of Knowledge (ToK) - Reflections on the nature of knowledge
• The extended essay - Personal research (4,000 words)
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - Community involvement

6 subject groups :

1. Studies in language and literature
2. Language acquisition
3. Individuals and societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. Arts

Students take the international baccalaureate (IBDP).

The admissions are open all year round, Subject to availability.

Registration for the school year 2025-2026 are already open.

We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible to guarantee your child a place.

The admissions process involves 5 simple steps :

1. File on line - Fill in the application form
2. Family interviews - Meeting with management to discuss the educational project
3. Visit the campus - Getting to know the school and its teaching team
4. Decision - Response within 10 days
5. Finalisation - Administrative registration

No, there is no academic entrance test.

Admission is based on application and interview only. We assess the student's compatibility with our educational project and their desire to learn in an international environment.

During the first year of registration, you need to plan :

These costs are non-refundable. Withdrawal period of 7 days.

From the 2nd year onwards: administration fees only + tuition fees + ancillary fees.

IS33 applies a price scale progressive based on Taxable Reference Income of the home, divided into 6 categories to ensure greater fairness.

For categories 1 to 5, a photocopy of the tax assessment must be provided.

Annual tuition fees (2025-2026) :

In addition to these fees, there is an annual administration fee (from €155 to €569 depending on level and category).

Yes ! Discounts are available on tuition fees:

• -10% on the schooling of 2nd child registered
• -15% on schooling from 3rd child

Tuition fees are payable as follows must be paid by direct debit in 10 monthly instalments.

Important information:

• All invoices must be paid by the due date at the latest.
• Any payment incident will incur a surcharge of 10%
• Any delay of more than 30 days will result in the pupil being excluded.

Additional costs not included :

• The uniform
• Meals (lunchbox or catered)
• Language options (€500 or €850 / year)
• Extra-curricular activities
• After-school care (prices detailed below)
• School supplies
• French Language B (€2,200 / year) - compulsory for students with no knowledge of French
• External examination fees (HSK, Cambridge, Cervantes, IB)
• Study and cultural trips
• Membership of the judo federation

Class timetable : 8.30am - 4pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

After-school care :

• Mornings from 8h00
• Childcare available until 18h30

Timetables are organised by level (kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school) to respect the needs and rhythms of each age group.

For lunch, two options are available:

• Lunchboxes prepared by families
• Delivered meals daily by a caterer

When the weather is fine, students can enjoy lunch in the school's large courtyard, in a pleasant and friendly setting.

Note: Meal costs are not included in the tuition fees.

Yes, a homework help can be offered after class depending on the level.

It enables students to :

• Review concepts covered in class
• Ask their questions in a more individualised setting
• Acquire good working and organisational methods

International School 33 follows the official national education calendar for Zone A.

The holiday periods (All Saints, Christmas, Winter, Spring, Summer) are communicated to families at the beginning of the school year.

In the event of a student leaving during the school year, a 2 months' written notice must be sent to the secretariat with acknowledgement of receipt.

Every Wednesday, IS33 opens its doors to children from 3 to 11 years for immersive workshops in English.

The English Club is :

• 100% immersion in English
• Fun activities for all ages
• Captivating themes (pirates, Halloween, autumn, peace...)
• Natural learning through play and creativity

Prices :

Judo is an integral part of IS33's educational project. Students can practice from age 4 and a half.

Values developed :

• Respect for rules, for others and for yourself
• Self-confidence and positive affirmation
• Managing emotions and channelling energy
• A taste for effort and perseverance
• A spirit of sharing and mutual support

All judokas are members of the French Judo Federation and pass their grades at the end of the year.

The section has developed with the support of Catherine Arnaud, double world champion and Olympic medallist (7th DAN).

The Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational programme that allows students to simulate the workings of the United Nations.

The students :

• Represent a country on a UN committee
• Research the diplomatic position of this country
• Defend their interests in formal debates in English
• Negotiate and draft resolutions

Skills developed :

• Communication Public speaking, eloquence, English
• Reflection Geopolitical analysis and critical thinking
• Collaboration Negotiation, multicultural teamwork

In June 2025, students took part in the MUNCONNECT (Erasmus+), bringing together young people from 5 countries.

IS33 offers numerous extra-curricular activities after classes :

• Arts : Theatre, musical comedy, plastic arts
• Music by : Piano, guitar, violin, vocals
• Dance : Hip-hop and other styles
• Sport : Tennis, judo
• Technology : Programming

Optional courses are also offered on Wednesday morning for more in-depth study of certain subjects.

School trips :

• Cultural trips in France and Europe
• University visits (England, Canada)
• Snow classes and ski holidays
• Humanitarian travel

International holidays :

• Halloween 🎃
• Holi 🌈
• St Patrick's Day ☘️
• Christmas 🎄
• And other celebrations around the world

Shows and artistic projects :

• Annual singing show
• Dance show
• Eloquence presentations

Family time :

• End-of-year fair
• Dance evenings
• Welcome potluck

The International Baccalaureate diploma is highly valued by the world's most prestigious universities (France and abroad).

Advantages for IB students :

• Developing time management skills and personal motivation
• Deep interest in civic engagement
• Outstanding academic skills
• Strong research and written communication skills
• Developed critical thinking
• International perspective

Research confirms that IB students have more likely to graduate from university and pursue higher education.