Think of a small school in Milan. It started in 1946. Today it is the Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal. Let’s explore its history.
The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal began modestly. The French Chamber of Commerce in Italy wanted a school for expat children. So they created one in their headquarters. Six students attended that first year.
In 1951 Madame Meyer became the first principal. The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal moved to a small apartment on Via Rugabella. Now 45 students could attend.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1959. French President de Gaulle met Italian President Gronchi in Milan. They celebrated the centenary of the Battle of Magenta. The city council then officialized the French school. They offered land to build a campus. Construction finished by 1961. Student numbers rose to 162.
By 1963 the Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal saw more growth. A nearby French Catholic school closed. The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal then reached 500 pupils.
1977 marked a significant change. The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal hosted its first baccalaur\u00e9at. Students no longer traveled to Rome for exams. This showed the school’s growing independence. It was no longer in the shadow of the Roman institute.
The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal expanded its campus. A kindergarten building came in 1970. A new gym followed in 1979. A second floor for primary students was added in 1983.
Madame Meyer retired in 1982. She had been headmaster for 31 years. The French consul awarded her the Ordre national du M\u00e9rite. She transformed a small school into an educational institute. The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal honored French author Stendhal in 1990. He considered Milan one of the most beautiful places.
In 2000 the city council doubled the school’s surface area. A new campus opened in 2006. It accommodated more students. The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal celebrated its 70th anniversary on May 19 2018.
The current campus dates back to 2000. A French architectural bureau designed it. The previous buildings were a chaotic mix. They could not accommodate over 800 students. The gym served as classrooms during construction. The glass structure symbolizes French culture’s openness to Milan.
Student numbers at the Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal grew. This growth links to Milan’s economic expansion. Almost eight thousand French citizens live in the area. Parents value the school’s international environment. They also appreciate its humanist values and discipline.
The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal is a French international school. French is the primary language. Italian is compulsory from elementary to high school. Students can pursue the EsaBac program. This grants a dual French and Italian diploma. English is also compulsory. German and Spanish are options from year 8. Latin is optional from year 7.
The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal has a diverse student body. Over 37 nationalities are represented.
L’Association des Anciens \u00e9l\u00e8ves du Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal de Milan connects alumni. It organizes galas and tournaments. Dominique de Villepin studied at the Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal.
Tuition varies based on age merit and nationality. It ranges from about four thousand to seven thousand euros per year. The Agency for French Education Abroad supervises the school.
The Lyc\u00e9e Stendhal stands as a testament to Franco Italian collaboration. Its rich history and dedication to education make it a unique institution.