In an exceptional academic feat that places him among the world’s top-performing students, 18-year-old Étienne Franzi from Monaco has earned a perfect 45/45 score on the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, an achievement reached by just 0.5% of candidates globally each year.
Franzi, a student at the International School of Monaco (ISM), now joins an elite group of scholars worldwide who have managed to conquer what is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous secondary education programs in existence. Known for its demanding curriculum and emphasis on critical thinking across a wide spectrum of subjects, the IB diploma is no small mountain to scale, let alone to summit flawlessly.
A Rare Academic Peak
It’s an extraordinary accomplishment, that no doubt delighted Stuart Bryan, head of the ISM. Indeed, it marks the second year in a row that a student from the school has reached this academic pinnacle, reflecting a culture of excellence growing within ISM’s walls.
Franzi’s score reflects a perfect 7 out of 7 in every subject: mathematics, physics, chemistry, economics, and in French and in English Literature, earning him the highly regarded bilingual diploma. His effort didn’t go unnoticed. On July 29, the school hosted a small celebration to honour him alongside his family and teachers.
The End of a Chapter, the Start of Another
Despite his quiet nature, Etienne no doubt will be enjoying deep satisfaction from his results. It’s a fulfilling way to end his years at ISM. He joined the school in primary years and a balanced approach has contributed to his success. There was a lot to manage, exams, university applications, entrance tests. This wasn’t the only goal.
This milestone isn’t just an end, but a launchpad. Franzi is now preparing to move to London, where he will begin studying engineering at the prestigious Imperial College London, a top destination for aspiring innovators and scientists.
A Stellar Year for ISM
While Franzi’s result stands out, he wasn’t alone in his success. ISM celebrated a landmark academic year across the board. For the first time in the school’s 30-year history, 100% of students passed both the IBDP and IBCP programs, far surpassing the global averages.
The graduating class averaged a score of 36.7, with 90% of students earning 35 or more. Five students broke the 40-point mark, further solidifying ISM’s reputation as a rising force in international education.
In another mark of success, 96% of ISM’s graduates secured places at their first-choice universities, with many heading to top UK institutions such as King’s College London, the University of Edinburgh, Bath, and Warwick.
A School on the Rise
This academic success comes on the heels of ISM moving into its brand-new, state-of-the-art campus at the far end of Princess Grace Avenue, symbolizing a new chapter not just for its students, but for the institution itself. With every space now occupied and demand from the Monégasque community growing, the school’s momentum shows no signs of slowing.
As Étienne Franzi prepares to take on the world of engineering in London, his perfect IB score is not just a personal victory, it’s a reflection of a school, a family, and a community that nurtures potential and dares to aim high.
