Students enrolled in French, American, and international schools have access to a variety of diplomas and language certifications that can support university admissions and future career opportunities.
Academic Diplomas:
French National Brevet (Diplôme National du Brevet):
- The French National Brevet is awarded at the end of middle school (collège) and assesses the knowledge and skills students have acquired throughout their lower secondary education. The diploma is based on a combination of continuous assessment, an oral examination, and three written examinations taken in the final year of middle school.
Regents Diploma (New York State):
- The Regents Diploma is the standard high school diploma awarded in New York State and is recognized by colleges and universities throughout the United States. To earn the diploma, students must complete required coursework and pass five Regents Exams in:
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
One additional approved subject
Students may also pursue the Advanced Regents Diploma, which requires additional coursework and examinations, particularly in mathematics, science, and/or world languages.
French Baccalaureate:
- The French Baccalaureate (Baccalauréat) is the national secondary school diploma required for admission to higher education institutions in France. Issued by the French Ministry of National Education, it is also widely recognized by universities across the United States and around the world.
French International Baccalaureate (BFI):
- The French International Baccalaureate (Baccalauréat Français International - BFI) expands the international and multilingual components of the traditional French Baccalaureate. It is designed to strengthen students’ global outlook, intercultural understanding, and language proficiency while increasing the international visibility and recognition of the French educational system.
International Baccalaureate (IB):
- The International Baccalaureate (IB), originally developed in Geneva, Switzerland, is a globally recognized secondary school diploma offered by many American and international schools. Accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, including more than 1,500 institutions in the United States, the IB is also recognized in France and can provide access to French higher education through the standard admissions process.
FrancEducation Label:
- Created in 2012 by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the FrancEducation Label recognizes schools outside France that provide high-quality bilingual education and promote the French language and culture.
To receive this distinction, schools must:
- Offer significant instruction in French (at least 20% of total instructional time)
- Teach at least one non-language subject in French
- Employ qualified French-speaking teachers
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to bilingual education
The label highlights schools that provide rigorous bilingual programs and strong connections to French language and culture. In the New York region, nine public bilingual programs currently hold the FrancEducation label.
Language Certifications:
Language certifications are internationally recognized assessments that evaluate students’ proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. These certifications provide an objective measure of language skills based on internationally accepted standards, including the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Language certifications help students:
- Demonstrate language proficiency to universities and employers
- Support academic and professional mobility
- Strengthen college and scholarship applications
- Gain internationally recognized credentials
DELF and DALF:
The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are official French-language proficiency certifications administered by France Éducation International.
These certifications assess French language skills at different proficiency levels and are recognized worldwide by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies. Unlike many standardized tests, DELF and DALF diplomas are valid for life.
Seal of Biliteracy:
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award granted to graduating high school students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. First established in California in 2008, the program has expanded across most U.S. states, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Students earn the Seal by successfully completing language proficiency assessments in both English and another language. The award is noted on the student’s academic record and serves as formal recognition of bilingual or multilingual achievement.
Benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy include:
- Recognition of advanced language skills
- Enhanced college and university applications
- Increased visibility for future employers
- Promotion of multilingualism and cultural diversity
- For students pursuing bilingual or international education, the Seal of Biliteracy provides valuable recognition of their linguistic and intercultural competencies.
