The Lycée Français
Charles de Gaulle in Ankara
LCDG, Ankara is officially recognised by the French Ministry of Education and has an enrolment of around 1,000 pupils ranging from nursery to the Baccalauréat. The school is located in two sites, Ayranci and Incek, and provides a favourable and global atmosphere for every student to achieve success. The School boasts a diverse student body, with representatives from nearly 50 different nations.
The Baccalauréat acquired at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle provides students with the opportunity to continue their education internationally.
News in brief
This week, we are pleased to bring you an exclusive interview with Mr. Bouthier, conducted on Friday by Adel, a senior in High School. Through this warm and enriching exchange, discover our new principal’s career path, his vision of education, the missions that drive him, and the projects he wishes to pursue for the future of the school. This is an opportunity for both students and members of the educational community to get to know the person who is now taking over the leadership of our school.
As part of the orientation program, a presentation was held on October 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the Brest national school of engineering, a public school and member of the Geipi Polytech entrance exam that students can take from Turkey. Mr. Giraudon presented the school, the curriculum, student life, and career opportunities. Here is an excerpt from the school’s presentation on its website:
“A prestigious public school founded in Brest in 1961, ENIB trains generalist engineers in electronics, computer science, and mechatronics over a five-year period, serving the business community and conducting high-level research. The school prepares its engineering students to pursue their future careers in an international setting.
The teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking and social engagement among students. The school offers several dual degree programs (four master’s degrees and two doctorates, a master’s degree in business management and administration, and a university degree in entrepreneurship).”
Word from Jacques Bouthier, principal of LCDG
Dear students, parents, and members of the school community,
It is with great joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to the start of the 2025-2026 school year at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in Ankara.
The start of the school year is always a special time: a time for reunions, for welcoming newcomers, but also a time for new momentum towards ambitious and unifying projects, such as the opening of our American BFI (Bac Français International). Our mission remains clear: to offer each of our students an excellent, demanding, and caring education that combines academic rigor with openness to the world.
This is also a special start of the school year for me: after several years in Chile, I am honoured to join the educational community in Ankara. I recognize the importance and richness of this mission, and I am committed to working with conviction, enthusiasm, and a sense of responsibility to continue to uphold the excellence and values of our institution, which it has carried for more than 80 years.
Our school is fully integrated into the AEFE network and upholds the values of the French Republic – liberty, equality, fraternity. It is a place of cultural diversity, intellectual curiosity, and solidarity, where each student can develop their potential, creativity, and sense of commitment.
I would like to welcome all the families joining us this year: you are joining a community, a dynamic global network where the commitment and collaboration of everyone – students, parents, and staff – is essential to the success of all. I would also like to thank the families already here for their continued trust.
To our students, I offer a message of encouragement: be curious, persistent, and open to others. Make this year an opportunity for discovery, new encounters, and success.
I wish you all a wonderful start to the school year and a rich, stimulating, and promising academic year.
Happy start to the 2025 school year!
Jacques Bouthier
Principal of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle
Our History
- A French school has been in Ankara for more than 80 years. At first it had a limited number of classrooms and was staffed by two instructors (Mrs. Rjobè and Mrs. Ménard). In the late 1950s, the school, situated in close proximity to the archaeological museum, accommodated a maximum of one hundred pupils.
- La Petite École was inaugurated in September 1959 at the gardens of the French Embassy, which is still site of the nursery school. Lower secondary school lessons were initially conducted at a residence located on Bestekar Sokak, and later, starting from 1961, they were held on the premises of the French Institute.
- In the late 1060s, the construction of a large dam project called Kurtbogazi resulted in the arrival of numerous French families to Ankara. The school underwent expansion and transformed into the « International Section of the Ankara Private Intermediate School » offering « international classes » attended by children of many nationalities.
- Prior to 1981, pupils were required to journey to Istanbul in order to sit for the baccalaureate examination. During that period, The French Ministry of Education granted approval to education being offered.
- Between 1981 and 2008, the school was managed by a parents of pupils’ association.
- In 1979, the school was renamed « Classes secondaires de l’Ambassade de France ». In 1990, it was given the new name of Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle.
- Since 2008, the Lycée Charles de Gaulle has been under direct administration and is situated in Incek, offering classes from CP to Baccalauréat. The nursery classes are situated on the premises of the French Embassy.
Our Advantages
Instructing in accordance with the French curriculum
The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle is an educational institution officially recognised by the French Ministry of Education. Pupils adhere to the French curriculum from PS to Baccalauréat. They are instructed and take the French exams (Diplôme national du brevet at the end of the collège and the baccalauréat at the 1ère and terminale of the lycée).
Studying abroad
The French baccalaureate is recognised internationally in numerous post-baccalaureate systems. Pupils at the Lycée Charles de Gaulle have the opportunity to continue their education not only in France and Türkiye, but also in many European nations such as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, etc. Additionally, they can also study in countries on the American continent, including the United States and Canada, etc.
Strengthening and improving the paths through which pupils acquire language skill
Starting from PS, pupils get instruction in French and continue to be exposed to the Turkish language. Pupils gain advantages from advanced language classes, which allow them to achieve proficiency in three languages during 3rd cycle (French, Turkish, and English) and four languages during 4th cycle (French, Turkish, English, German or Spanish). The implementation of the French International Baccalaureate is planned to commence in the beginning of the 2024 academic year.
Developing cultural understanding starting from nursery school
Pupils at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle receive a comprehensive artistic and cultural education programmes. The students are exposed to several art genres starting with nursery school. French and Turkish cultures have significant influence, while students also embrace the cultures of all francophone, Anglophone and hispanophone nations.
Promoting sustainable coexistence within the school environment
The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle has been awarded the sustainable development label. The aim is to promote all actions and projects that improve the well-being of pupils and staff. These actions and projects reflect an approach that mobilises the entire school community around the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), in particular through the use of innovative technologies.
Assistance for pupils with special needs
Consistent with the principles of inclusive education, all pupils enrolled in the LCDG program get support during their entire academic journey. Modifications and adjustments might be implemented for pupils who have specific needs. There are two telepresence robots that can be used by pupils who are unable to physically attend classes due to medical reasons.
Contact us
İncek Site
Elementary School, Collège and lycée :
Address : Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle,
Kızılçaşar Mah. 1209. Sokak n° 22, Incek 06830 Ankara – Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 460 19 98 / Fax: +90 312 460 19 97
Email : secretariat@lcdgankara.org
Ayrancı Site
Nursery School :
Address : Yazanlar Sokak – Kavaklidere
(in the park of the French Embassy) 06692 Ankara – Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 426 23 73
Email : secretariat@lcdgankara.org