Boasting a historic façade in Monaco-Ville – The Lycée Albert Ier is one of the Principality’s oldest public high schools, educating future graduates of European universities, business schools and international programs. Consistently ranking among the most successful French-language high schools in the region, it rightfully has the reputation of a top French educational institution.
In 2024, the overall exam success rate in Monaco reached 98%, with a number of its graduates being awarded diplomas with distinction.
Lycée’s Albert I brief history
It all goes back to 1870, when Prince Charles III founded the Principality’s very first secular school – College of Monaco, marking a significant development of Monaco’s educational system.
The lycée was established later on in 1910 at the initiative of Prince Albert I, offering a French curriculum and preparing for the French “Baccalauréat” high school graduate exam. A former 17th-century convent was renovated to house the school.
A major milestone for education in Monaco, in 1918 the lycée opened a special section for female students. In 1960, to celebrate its 50th anniversary and make the Principality an attraction pole for European elite through its premium education, Prince Rainier III officially renamed the institution “Lycée Albert Ier” in honour of its founder. Over the following decades, it gradually expanded its curricula, introducing modern science and language courses and boosting its international dimension. Nowadays, Lycée Albert Ier is actively focusing on digital classes, international education and preparatory programs for leading European universities.
Educational System in Monaco
Lycée Albert I follows the French national curriculum at upper-secondary level. Students generally enter the lycée after completing troisième at collège, at around the age of 15, and continue through seconde, première and terminale, culminating in the French Baccalauréat school-leaving exam at the age of 17-18. This is required for university admission in France and Europe. In some cases, students opt for vocational BTS programs and may continue their studies up to the age of 20.
Classes are primarily taught in French, with the curriculum embracing French language and literature, mathematics, history and geography, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, philosophy, economics, art and a selection of foreign languages : English, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and German. Older high school students opt for a specialized curriculum including the humanities, economics and social sciences, mathematics, engineering and life sciences.
The school focuses particularly on international education. The International / BFI American section offers English language, literature and history. Additionally, certain subjects—such as physics—may be taught entirely in English. On top of the traditional academic curriculum, the lycee is offering technology-oriented and BTS (“Brevet de Technicien Supérieur”) programs. Focusing on applied learning and vocational training, they give students an option between a potential academic and a more practical direction.
Admission
School admission is age and address-based, priority being given to Monegasque citizens and families officially residing or working in the Principality. Foreign students are eligible only if they are legal residents in Monaco or neighbouring French communes.
Latest updates on admission procedures and deadlines may be consulted on the Principality’s government website.
Parents are invited to fill in the application, upload documents and register via MonGuichet.mc. Child’s passport or ID card, proof of address, previous school reports, including family-related paperwork are among the compulsory documents.
Student placement is managed by Monaco’s educational services and is based on residency and availability.
Tuition fees
Since Lycée Albert I is part of Monaco’s public educational system, tuition is free for Principality residents.
Additional expenses may include school books, school trips, sports, cultural activities, as well as meals in the school cafeteria.
Extracurricular activities
The school is actively promoting its extracurricular activities, with its students involved in all kinds of sports competitions, environmental initiatives and international projects.
In 2025, the “Adopt a Float” science program focusing on Mediterranean Sea research and marine environmental protection was thus launched.
The school also has an impressive athletic record. Last year, its team came second in the UNSS French school football championship and also ranked high nationwide in a number of other disciplines.
