The French International School of Hong Kong: A Success Story Told from Within

Last December, the results of the first ranking of the best French high schools abroad were published. The French International School of Hong Kong (HKFIS) tops the list with a 100% success rate for the bac (French baccalaureate) and an incredible 100% of distinctions, including 63% with "Très Bien" honors! A huge congratulations to the graduates of the class of 2023-2024! Thanks to your impressive results, you have allowed HKFIS to earn the title of Best French High School Abroad, making the entire school community and the French community in Hong Kong proud.

This result is undoubtedly a reflection of the remarkable work done by the students, but it is also a strong testament to the quality of teaching, the environment, and the values upheld by HKFIS, which share a common and constant goal: fostering open-mindedness, critical thinking, and student responsibility in the context of a constantly changing world.

In other words, by continuously encouraging its students from a very young age to understand the world (in class through lessons, within the school through an extremely rich and dynamic multicultural environment, or outside of school through competitions and formative trips), by motivating them to be curious about everything, and by training them to defend their point of view, HKFIS has managed to climb to the top of this ranking.

In line with the proverb that says, “It takes a whole village to raise a child,” at HKFIS, it is the entire community – through its members, organization, and values – that contributes to the success of its students.

In light of this observation and to mark the occasion, we reached out for testimonials from four individuals directly involved. All of them highlight the quality of education provided by the teaching team, praising their devoted commitment and kindness toward the students.

"Strong commitment and long-term teamwork" – Marion Coupat, Principal at HKFIS (secondary, French stream)

For Marion Coupat, principal at HKFIS, the school's success is primarily based on the exceptional quality and dedication of its teachers. "Our teachers are devoted to their profession and to their students," she explains. "They spend a great deal of time with them, not only to prepare them for the bac exams but also for what comes after, by helping them develop skills in terms of work readiness and resilience, as well as essential social and intellectual abilities."

Mrs. Coupat also emphasizes the importance of long-term collaboration within the teaching teams, from kindergarten through to the final year of high school (Terminale). She highlights the "co-education with parents," who share the school's common values of hard work and commitment, as well as the valuable support of the AEFE network. It is this combination of factors that helps create an environment conducive to the development of each child and the fulfillment of their full potential.

"Committed and caring teachers" – Sébastien Hesry, Father of Paloma and Corentin

Mr. Hesry, the father of two former students who are now graduates, cannot praise the teachers at HKFIS enough. "The commitment of the teachers is extraordinary," he shares. "They are there to encourage, guide, and support our children, while still maintaining high expectations." He also highlights the kindness of the teachers, who skillfully strike a balance between rigor and encouragement. "They strive not only to impart knowledge but also to instill fundamental values," he adds, emphasizing their dual mission of instruction and education.

Sébastien Hesry expresses "immense gratitude" toward the teachers and their involvement in extracurricular activities, which he describes as "extremely fulfilling" for his two children. He particularly emphasizes the opportunity Paloma had to participate in the International Sustainable Development Film Festival, both as a filmmaker and as an organizer. An experience that, according to him, left a lasting impact on her personal and academic journey.

"Valuable mentors both in and out of the classroom" – Aliénor, Former HKFIS student, Graduate and current Student at Sciences Po Paris

Aliénor, a graduate of the class of 2023-2024 with the highest honors and jury commendation, is now a student at Sciences Po Paris. She attributes much of her success to her teachers. "The teachers at HKFIS instilled in me an invaluable intellectual rigor," she explains. "Mr. Loggia, for example, helped me structure my thinking and develop my skills in eloquence, while Mrs. Desgouttes nurtured my passion for English literature."

She also highlights the importance of the various options and specialised subjects, as well as the numerous opportunities and support provided outside the classroom, which greatly contributed to her intellectual and personal growth.

"The French International Baccalaureate (BFI), American section, combined with the specialised subjects of Humanities, Literature, and Philosophy (HLP) and History-Geography, Geopolitics, and Political Science (HGGSP), all within a multicultural environment, played a key role in my journey. I was able to develop an international perspective as well as an analytical mindset that is both open-minded and rigorous."

With emotion, Aliénor shares: "Thanks to the support of my French teacher, I was able to create and lead a book club, which fueled my passion for literature. The librarians encouraged me to explore my interests in literature and social sciences, while the kindness of the nurses and supervising staff helped me navigate stressful periods with calm and serenity."

"A demand for hard work, within a supportive environment" – Henry, Senior Year Student (Terminale)

Henry, a brilliant student currently in Terminale, highlights the academic rigor of the teachers while appreciating the supportive atmosphere at HKFIS. "True motivation comes from within each of us, but the key element that helps bring it to fruition is the expectations set by the teachers. Their trust pushes us to become both capable and motivated. It also builds on the legacy left by former students, which inspires us to approach projects with passion and seriousness," he explains. Among students, he notes that "despite having similar aspirations, we all want to see each other succeed in our future paths."

After the baccalaureate, Henry aspires to continue his education at a prestigious university in the United States to study international relations, with the eventual goal of joining either the Canadian or U.S. diplomatic corps. According to him, the rigor of the teaching and the reputation of the LFI help him stand out in his university applications. Moreover, he adds, "My specialized subjects keep me informed about current affairs and make me comfortable with public speaking—both essential skills for a career in diplomacy."

The success of HKFIS is not only the result of exceptional academic achievements but also of a committed community, a unique multicultural and interdisciplinary environment, and an ambitious educational vision. As Marion Coupat so aptly puts it: "At the heart of our strategy is the genuine desire to help each individual reach their highest potential."

At the core of this success is a team of dedicated teachers who work together to provide a quality education, combining academic rigor, kindness, and open-mindedness. HKFIS is much more than just a school; it is a springboard toward a promising future for its students. Congratulations to all those who have contributed to this remarkable success!