TL;DR: According to the 2025 ranking (2024 baccalaureate data), the top 5 schools in Lyon are: 1) Les Chartreux, 2) Aux Lazaristes, 3) Sainte-Marie, 4) Saint-Marc, 5) Cité scolaire internationale (Lycée international de Lyon). We detail for each high school the success and honors rates, the status (public/private), and the district. Use the comparative table and the IVAL method for a truly informed choice.
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Definitions, method & IVAL
Media rankings are based on the results of the baccalaureate (2024 session for the 2025 ranking) and on the value-added indicators of high schools (IVAL) published by the DEPP (ministry). The IVAL compare the observed results to an “expected” level, taking into account the students’ profiles and pathways (rate of access from 10th grade to the baccalaureate). This avoids confusing selectivity with the school’s own effect.
- Success rate: proportion of students passing the baccalaureate.
- Honors rate: proportion of those passing with honors (AB, B, TB).
- Access rate 10th grade→baccalaureate: probability that a student entering 10th grade obtains their baccalaureate at the same school.
- IVAL: difference between observed and expected results, expressing the school’s “value added”.
To remember: a “best school” on paper is not always the best for your child. Look at the specialty offerings (advanced math, NSI, LLCE, HLP…), the sections (European, international), the school climate, and the transport logistics.
Top 5 best high schools in Lyon (2025 ranking, 2024 baccalaureate)
- Institution des Chartreux — Private — Lyon 1st — 100% success | 98% honors.
- Aux Lazaristes – La Salle (Fourvière site) — Private — Lyon 5th — 100% success | 92% honors.
- Sainte-Marie (Lyon 5th) — Private — 100% success | 87% honors.
- Saint-Marc — Private — Lyon 2nd — 100% success | 92% honors.
- Cité scolaire internationale de Lyon (International High School) — Public — Lyon 7th — 99% success | 86% honors.
Reading: figures for all baccalaureates combined (general/technical depending on the schools), 2024 session. The positions and percentages come from the 2025 ranking dedicated to the city of Lyon.
Key to reading: The top four schools in the top 5 are private high schools with very high success and honors rates. The CSI of Lyon (public) stands out for its international sections and linguistic openness.
Quick profiles of the 5 schools
1) Institution des Chartreux Private
Why number 1? Top-tier results (100% success rate, 98% honors). Close supervision, culture of high standards, and continuity from sophomore year to higher education.
Profiles comfortable here: autonomous students aiming for selective programs (preparatory classes/schools), families seeking strong pedagogical and pastoral structure.
Points to note: selective admission and academic pressure; check the compatibility of specialty combinations (advanced math, computer science, modern languages, etc.).
2) Aux Lazaristes – La Salle (Fourvière) Private
Strengths: 100% success rate and 92% honors. Personalized support and strong class cohesion. Tradition of scientific and linguistic openness.
For whom? motivated students benefiting from regular support and an environment conducive to high post-baccalaureate ambitions.
Note: specific options (European section, arts) and certain specialties may be limited.
3) Sainte-Marie (Lyon 5th) Private
Strengths: 100% success rate, 87% honors. Controlled size, calm school climate, and strong support up to Parcoursup.
For whom? students wishing to combine good results, supervision, and extracurricular life.
To watch: capacities depending on tracks and availability of rare options (languages, arts).
4) Saint-Marc (Lyon 2nd) Private
Strengths: 100% success rate, 92% honors; demanding follow-up and methodological support throughout high school.
For whom? students seeking an excellent, human-scale structure, with support for competitive exams/interviews.
Point of caution: influx of applications in sophomore year and for certain options; anticipate open house days and applications.
5) Cité scolaire internationale de Lyon (International High School) Public
Strengths: 99% success rate, 86% honors. Wide range of international sections (English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese…), OIB/BFI, strong multilingual dimension.
For whom? students with an international or bilingual profile, plans to continue studies abroad, interest in cultural projects.
To know: specific access procedures to sections (tests, applications). Carefully check the specialty offerings by grade level.
Comparative Table & Key Figures
| High School | Status | District | Bac Success Rate | Honors | Strengths | To Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institution des Chartreux | Private | 1st | 100 % | 98 % | Demanding, supervision, continuity from 10th to final year | Admission procedures, workload balance |
| Aux Lazaristes – La Salle (Fourvière) | Private | 5th | 100 % | 92 % | Individualized support, strong school culture | Availability of certain options, limited places |
| Sainte-Marie | Private | 5th | 100 % | 87 % | Calm school environment, Parcoursup support | Range of optional courses varies by year |
| Saint-Marc | Private | 2nd | 100 % | 92 % | Demanding environment, easy commutes from Presqu’île | High demand at entry into 10th grade |
| CSI de Lyon (International High School) | Public | 7th | 99 % | 86 % | International sections, OIB/BFI, multilingual | Entrance tests for sections, sometimes extended hours |
The above figures reflect the 2025 ranking dedicated to Lyon (bac 2024). Be sure to consult the added values (IVAL) and the access rate from 10th grade to bac to nuance the simple reading of the percentages.
Choosing the Right High School in Lyon
1) Compare Beyond Raw Rates
- Balance success, honors, access rates, and IVAL.
- Consider the school climate, extracurricular life, Parcoursup support, and international openness.
- Check which specialties are actually offered (advanced math, NSI, HLP, LLCE, SES, HGGSP…) and the sections (European, international).
2) Adapt to the Student’s Project
- Scientific/digital profile, languages, arts, sports… choose a high school aligned with post-bac goals.
- Consider the logistics: travel time (metro, tram, bus, bike), safety, home-school alternation.
- Public/private: beyond status, consider supervision and school culture.
3) Anticipate Deadlines
- Open days, interviews, tests for international sections: get informed early.
- From 9th grade, maintain good report cards and attendance; in 10th grade, choose a coherent triplet of specialties.
- Prepare Parcoursup in advance: projects, experiences, oral exams, balance of grades.
Trends & Developments (Lyon & National)
High School Reform and the “Specialties” Effect
Since the reform, the weight of specialties (and “expert” options in the final year) strongly influences family strategies. Lyon’s top high schools commonly offer expert math, complementary math, NSI, LLCE, HLP, HGGSP, etc. On the selective admissions side (CPGE, schools), there is a local alignment of expectations with a high level in core curriculum and scientific specialties for scientific/engineering tracks, and strong paths in languages/humanities for literature/IAE/IEP tracks.
International sections and BFI/OIB
The CSI of Lyon offers a rare linguistic program (English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese sections…). In Lyon, this is an asset for aiming at international programs, double degrees, and mobility opportunities (Erasmus, internships abroad). Access procedures (application, tests) require anticipation.
Critical reading of rankings
The media use different weightings: “best grade” vs “mention rate,” consideration (or not) of access rate and added value, geographic scope (city vs department). Hence variations: from one media to another, the top list of the same area can change. For a decision, cross-check at least two sources and refer back to the official indicators (IVAL).
Public vs private in Lyon
At the top of the Lyon rankings, the presence of private high schools is notable. However, public high schools such as le Parc, Saint-Just, Herriot, or the CSI offer a very high academic level, remarkable options, and solid results. Choices must be made without prejudice: the right school is the one that helps the student progress according to their project.
FAQ — Best high schools in Lyon
How is this top 5 established?
Based on the 2025 ranking (2024 baccalaureate results) and the ministry’s IVAL indicators. We aggregate public data and cross-checks from specialized press.
Do private high schools still dominate in Lyon?
In the 2025 top 5, four private institutions dominate. However, public high schools (Parc, Saint-Just, Herriot, CSI) show excellent results and very attractive specialty/section offerings.
What is the “added value” (IVAL)?
A ministerial indicator that compares observed results to expected results given the students’ profiles. A positive added value suggests that the high school helps its students progress beyond statistical expectations.
Where to verify the figures of a Lyon high school?
On the ministry’s IVAL engine, the “Lyon” page of the 2025 ranking, and specialized portals that detail success rates and mentions by track.
How to increase admission chances?
Anticipate: visits to open days, well-maintained report cards, a coherent specialty project, participation in rewarding activities, and adherence to the registration schedule (especially for international sections).
Does a very good high school guarantee “better” higher education?
No. Personal results, the coherence of the file, the choice of specialties, and extracurricular commitment weigh just as much. A high school “adapted” to the student’s profile is often better than an unsuitable “star” high school.
Sources & resources (EEAT)
- 2025 Rankings — Le Figaro Étudiant, “Lyon” page (local ranking and percentages).
- Le Figaro Étudiant — national page & methodology (based on bac 2024 and IVAL indicators).
- Ministry of Education — IVAL Indicators (DEPP): presentation & official engine.
- L’Internaute — Ranking/indicators of high schools in Lyon (additional reference).
- Le Progrès (04/02/2025) — Rhône/Greater Lyon focus on the best high schools.
- Academy of Lyon — Statistical tables (2024 results and academic documents).
- School sheets — Presentation of the Cité scolaire internationale de Lyon (for the sections offered).
Advice: click through to the official pages of each high school, check the specialty offerings and updated admission procedures (Euro/international sections).
Conclusion
The top 5 best high schools in Lyon in 2025 — Les Chartreux, Aux Lazaristes, Sainte-Marie, Saint-Marc, and the CSI — reflect a well-established academic excellence in the capital of the Gauls. To make the right choice, beyond the rates, consult the IVAL, the specialty offerings, the sections, and the climate. Meet the teams during open days: adherence to the educational project and the human “fit” remain decisive.