Did you know Lyc\u00e9e Racine has two sites? The main site is on Rue du Rocher. The other is on Rue de Naples. We are standing in front of the main site now.
Lyc\u00e9e Racine is a public school in Paris’s 8th arrondissement. It is in the quartier de l’Europe. This school has a rich history. It also has a strong academic reputation.
Let’s step back in time to 1886. This is when Lyc\u00e9e Racine first opened its doors. Architect Paul Gout designed it. It was only the second girls’ school in Paris at that time. Lyc\u00e9e F\u00e9nelon was the first.
The school is named after Jean Racine. He was a famous French playwright. He also served as historiographer to the King in the 17th century. His legacy of literary excellence inspires students here.
The school expanded over time. It acquired a second site on Rue de Naples. This allowed Lyc\u00e9e Racine to increase its capacity. It also started offering bilingual and trilingual BTS classes. BTS courses cover assistant manager and bank staff roles.
Today, Lyc\u00e9e Racine maintains two distinct sites. Each site has its own school life. Each has its own canteen and library. Most science classes take place at Rocher. Part-time courses also take place there. This includes double courses in music and dance. Rocher is more practical for these subjects.
Lyc\u00e9e Racine offers unique opportunities. It has part-time classes for students in the arts. Students involved in conservatories can attend. The school has its own orchestra and choir. Talented students get time to practice their art. They can also pursue baccalaureates in literature and science.
Lyc\u00e9e Racine consistently achieves high rankings. In 2016, it was 68th in teaching quality at the departmental level. Nationally, it ranked 652nd. The ranking considers bac results. It also considers how long students studied at the school. The ranking factors in students’ social origin too.
The school has produced many notable alumni. Actresses like Jeanne Balibar and Ad\u00e8le Exarchopoulos attended Lyc\u00e9e Racine. Dancer Patrick Dupond and psychoanalyst \u00c9lisabeth Roudinesco were also students here. The school has shaped many influential figures.
Violette Leduc, the novelist, was also a student here. She described the school in her book “La B\u00e2tarde”. She recalled the noise of the city even reaching the classrooms.
Lyc\u00e9e Racine continues to thrive. It provides a rich learning environment for its students. The school nurtures talent. It encourages academic excellence. It prepares students for future success. The dedication of the staff is amazing. Around 120 teachers work here. They support around 1,200 students. Lyc\u00e9e Racine is more than just a school. It is a place where students can grow. It’s a place where they can achieve their dreams.