Lycée général et technologique Saint-Exupéry

Established in 1959, Lycée Général et Technologique Saint-Exupéry stands as a prominent landmark in Marseille. It’s also known as Lycée Nord, serving as the main lycée for the northern districts. Lycée Général et Technologique Saint-Exupéry boasts the title of Marseille’s largest lycée, sprawling across ten hectares. The school’s history is intertwined with a controversial incident involving a teacher, Gabrielle Russier, in 1969. Her relationship with a 17-year-old student led to her imprisonment and subsequent suicide, sparking a national debate about societal norms and the legal system. Lycée Général et Technologique Saint-Exupéry underwent significant renovations in 2008. These included the refurbishment of administrative buildings and the addition of new spaces. A large amphitheater named after Varian Fry was built at the entrance. A new boarding house with 75 rooms and a belvedere were also added. In 2013, the school faced criticism and was referred to as a “ghetto lycée” due to the socioeconomic challenges faced by its student population. Wealthier families often avoided enrolling their children, leading to a concentration of students from lower-income backgrounds. Despite serving a designated school zone, the actual attendance rate was significantly lower than the assigned enrollment rate. Lycée Général et Technologique Saint-Exupéry offers a diverse range of academic programs. These include general and technological streams, preparatory classes for prestigious universities, and BTS programs in communication, graphic design, and business management. The school’s curriculum features English as the primary foreign language, along with options for Italian, Spanish, German, and Arabic. Specialized programs include a European section for Italian and English, a Judo France program, and preparation for the entrance exam to Institutes of Political Studies. The school also provides post-baccalaureate programs, including preparatory classes for business schools and a four-year applied arts degree in graphic design. Lycée Général et Technologique Saint-Exupéry has educated notable alumni. Among them are Cambodian royal politicians Norodom Chakrapong and Norodom Ranariddh. The school’s influence extends to the arts, with alumni including R&B artist Kenza Farah and rappers L’Algérino and Soprano. Even the culinary world boasts an alumnus in Michelin-starred chef Paul Pairet.