Rebranding marks a new chapter for French School Jakarta, reinforcing its academic excellence, international outlook and inclusive community.
French School Jakarta (FSJ) has entered a new era. With its recent rebranding and inauguration, the institution reaffirms its commitment to delivering the rigour of the French national curriculum while embracing the multicultural dynamism of Indonesia’s capital. Indonesia Expat talked with Vincent Bonnefille, the Principal of FSJ, as the latter shared what was behind the school’s rebranding and how he manages FSJ to prepare a better future for its students.
Hi, Vincent. What can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Vincent Bonnefille, and I am the Principal of French School Jakarta (FSJ). I have dedicated my career to international education and to the French educational network abroad. Throughout my professional journey, I have worked in multicultural environments, supporting academic excellence while fostering students’ well-being and intercultural dialogue. At FSJ, my mission is to combine the rigour of the French national curriculum with the openness and adaptability required in an international context like Jakarta.
We’ve recently heard that the school has rebranded itself as “French School Jakarta”. Could you share with us the significance of the latest inauguration?
The rebranding to “French School Jakarta” is an important step in our school’s story. We continue to be fully accredited by the Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger (AEFE), the French government agency that connects more than 500 French schools worldwide. This means our students follow the official French curriculum, benefit from the same academic standards as in France, and can transition easily within the global French education network.
This new name does not change who we are. It simply expresses more clearly our identity today: a French school, firmly rooted in Jakarta, open to the world and to families of all nationalities.
How can students who happen to be non-French speakers be part of FSJ?
Starting school in a new language can feel like a big step for children and their parents. We make sure no one takes that step alone.
Here, we offer FLE Support (French as a Foreign Language), where we support students who are new to French. They can build confidence little by little, learn how to communicate in everyday situations, and gradually develop the language skills needed for the classroom.
To support their language ability, students would join French-speaking classes, with close attention from our teachers. We would follow each child’s pace and make sure they feel comfortable and encouraged along the way. For families who wish to get a head start, we also partner with the Institut français d’Indonésie (IFI) to offer preparatory French courses before enrollment.
Besides French, English and Indonesian are also part of daily life in our school. We believe that being immersed in this multilingual environment helps students adapt naturally and gain confidence across languages.
Many of our students begin without speaking French, and they integrate successfully. With guidance, patience, and encouragement, they quickly find their place. For us, what matters most is the desire to learn. The rest comes with time and support.
What makes FSJ unique from other international schools in Jakarta?
Several elements truly set FSJ apart:
- Strong academics: We follow the French national curriculum, known for its rigour and focus on critical thinking. Students build solid foundations and learn how to think independently;
- A global network: FSJ is part of the AEFE network of more than 500 French schools worldwide. This offers international continuity and global opportunities;
- A multicultural environment: Located in Jakarta, we combine French educational values with Indonesian and international perspectives. Here, students grow up in a naturally multilingual as well as multicultural setting;
- Accessible quality: We offer high academic standards within a structured framework, at fees that remain competitive compared to many international schools;
- Worldwide university pathways: Our graduates pursue higher education in France, Europe, Asia and beyond. The French diploma is internationally recognised as well.
Moving forward, how will FSJ foster global citizenship and cultural exchange among its students?
We nurture it in several concrete ways. Firstly, multilingualism, where students grow up using French, English and Indonesian daily. Learning and living in multiple languages naturally develops openness, adaptability and intercultural understanding. Next is cultural exchange, where we celebrate cultural diversity within our community and encourage dialogue, curiosity and mutual respect across backgrounds. Last but not least, we help students develop their critical thinking from an early age through debate, reflection and analytical thinking, which are central to our pedagogy.
In terms of extracurricular activities and student development, is there a plan to provide an especially well-rounded education?
We truly believe that education doesn’t stop when the lesson ends. Some of the most important learning happens through experiences, teamwork and personal challenges. We continue to develop a wide range of activities to help students grow in different ways, starting from sports, arts and music, Model United Nations (MUN), STEM and innovation projects, community services initiatives and leadership opportunities. We aim to help students grow not only academically, but also as confident, creative, resilient young people who are ready to take their place in the world.
Are there any upcoming partnerships or collaborations that FSJ has set its eyes on for the future?
Yes, very much so. When it comes to preparing students for what comes next, we are reinforcing our links with university guidance networks, so families feel supported and confident about higher education pathways in France and beyond. Moreover, through the AEFE network, we continue working closely with French schools around the world on shared projects and exchanges. These collaborations open doors, create meaningful opportunities, and help us stay true to our international vision—while remaining locally grounded.
What message would you like to share with parents and prospective students about the direction FSJ is heading right now?
At FSJ, we are moving forward with purpose while staying true to our core values: excellence, inclusivity and openness to the world. We aim to create a school where students are prepared for a global future, learn to embrace diversity, and are encouraged to stay curious as well as ambitious. At the same time, we keep high academic standards and a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Our goal is for students to grow not just academically, but also as confident, thoughtful and responsible young people—ready to make their mark in an interconnected world.
What’s next for FSJ?
We’re excited about the future and committed to helping every student grow academically, creatively and personally.
Here’s what we’re focusing on: strengthening bilingual and multilingual pathways so students feel confident in a global environment; expanding extracurricular opportunities to explore passions, discover new skills, and learn beyond the classroom; deepening international collaborations through the AEFE network and other global partnerships; boosting innovation and digital learning to prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges, and; modernising our campus and identity to make our school an inspiring place to learn and grow.
Through these steps, we aim to make FSJ a benchmark for French and international education in Southeast Asia—a school where students are supported, challenged and inspired to reach their full potential.
Lastly, how can our readers get in touch with FSJ?
There are plenty of ways to get in touch and learn more about our school:
- Website: frenchschooljakarta.com
- Email: communication@frenchschooljakarta.com
- Contact Number: 0822 5893 2030
- Instagram: @frenchschooljakarta
- On-campus visits and open houses
We warmly invite families to visit and see for themselves what makes our community so special.