The Maison d’education of the Loges located in Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a boarding school for nearly 500 girls. This middle school, unlike any other, aims to educate girls to be at ease with their times and prepared for their future lives in keeping with the moral values of the Legion of Honor. Like the Maison d’éducation of Saint-Denis, its educational plan focuses on two priorities: the transmission of knowledge and the development of personality.

Learning

In a spirit of rigor and benevolence, the Maisons d'éducation's instructional approach encourages personal reflection and autonomy. Intellectual openness is fostered through various cultural outings and extracurricular activities, as well as travel abroad and student exchanges. 

Academics at the Loges includes acquiring the seven pillars of knowledge and competencies defined by the French Ministry of Education: 

  1. Expressing oneself fluently
  2. Knowledge of a modern foreign language
  3. The main elements of mathematics, and an opening to scientific and technological culture
  4. Mastery of the usual techniques of information and communication
  5. Humanistic culture
  6. Discovery of the civic, social and charitable dimensions of life
  7. Autonomy and initiative

Educational plan

In return for the quality of the teaching and the engagement of the educational staff, the Maisons d’education expect a high level of commitment from the students. Parents' adherence to this contract is also a prerequisite for successful schooling. 

Conditions of study 

Classes run from Monday to Friday, with supervised study time every evening. The school has 21 classes, with an average class size of no more than 22 to 25 students, to ensure quality learning. 

To harmonize boarding school life and students' schooling, each class is supervised by a professeur principal (homeroom teacher) and a chargée d’éducation (teaching assistant). They regularly and necessarily consult with each other for the daily monitoring of education and early identification of any difficulties.

500
boarders
21
classes
25
pupils max per class
48
teachers
5
6th grades
5
7th grades
5
8th grades
6
9th grades

Strong points 

In line with its purpose of educating girls who are self-fulfilled and at ease with their times, the Maison d’education of the Loges offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and talents in the best possible conditions.

A special chorus-oriented course of study (Maîtrise) enables students to pursue high-quality musical studies alongside their general schooling. 

This option, with an adaptable class schedule, introduces the pupils to an in-depth music culture based on learning choir singing, and provides them with a privileged artistic and educational experience.

Classical languages
Latin from 7th grade (age 12) and ancient Greek from 9th grade (age 14) help build interdisciplinary bridges between different subjects, particularly French, history and civic education. 

Art history 
These classes are taught with a multidisciplinary approach as part of the official curriculum. 

Language learning is a priority for the school. As of 7th grade, students can choose Spanish, German or Chinese as a second foreign language. 

There are bilingual English/German and English/Spanish sections starting in 6th grade, and a “European English” section starting in 8th grade. Student exchanges take place with Germany and the UK. 

The Maison d’education des Loges offers: 

  • two multimedia rooms,
  • two technology and computer rooms equipped with computers, interactive whiteboards and a 3D printer,
  • a language laboratory with computers and specialized software,
  • a video projector in each classroom.

Developing critical thinking and the art of public speaking are emphasized to prepare the middle-school girls for more abstract work in high school. 

In addition to oral presentations in 9th grade, frequent public performances at commemorative events boost the pupils’ confidence from a young age.

Students learn to search out information at the school’s Center for Documentation and Information, particularly on the Internet. 

To encourage media literacy and promote reading, numerous events are organized: reading challenges, science reading club, press and media week, exhibitions, etc.

School staff

Academic staff 

The educational support available to the girls is substantial: 

  • Supervised study periods in the evening
  • The support of an educational psychologist for psychological, methodological and educational support
  • The support of a school counselor from the Saint Germain-en-Laye Information and Guidance Center (CIO) for guidance counselling
  • Quarterly staff meetings preceded by a “report” in each class; at this solemn mid-term ceremony, the Head of School presents awards to students who have done well both academically and in terms of behavior. Parents can see the grades awarded in real time via the virtual workplace. 

Supervision of boarding school life 

Three chief education advisors (CPEs) supervise all school activities outside the classroom. 

They are the first points of contact for students and their families on all matters relating to the organization and unfolding of daily life. 

They supervise over 32 staff members: 3 chargées d’éducation (teaching assistants) and 29 assistantes d'éducation maîtresses d’internat (education assistants and housemistresses).