#Meetourmembers: Eric Veteau - Le Lycée Français de Chicago

With a strong background in education, and cross-cultural experiences, Eric has been leading the Lycée Français de Chicago, for almost 10 years.

Eric Veteau - A global educator and leader

Eric is a dedicated educator and leader with extensive international experience, from Africa to Europe, by way of Asia and North America. 

His journey in education began in Mauritania, where he served as an economics teacher for eight years as part of his “military service national” in a full new school supported by the World Bank; everything was to be created from scratch, from writing the programs to hiring teachers and finding students, while navigating multicultural challenges.

Upon returning to France, Eric successfully ranked second in the competitive entrance exam for management-level “Education Nationale” personnel in 1999 and became the Assistant Principal of Cesson-Sévigné High School in Rennes.

Later, Africa called him back, and Eric moved to Senegal for four years to lead an educational development project.

Subsequently, Eric led French international schools in Washington DC and Shanghai-China before returning to North America to lead the LFC in Chicago for the past 10 years. 

Eric enjoys developing schools, and has had the opportunity to do so in Chicago. In the long-term, he aims to ensure the school’s longevity by keeping it attractive, financially stable, and competitive. 

Le Lycée Français de Chicago 

Founded in 1995 by French and American families, the Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC) is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025. While the school is strong, it remains relatively young and aims to be recognized for what it really is. Proud of its French heritage, the LFC, is above all, an international school open to everyone, with students representing 40 nationalities and more than 30 languages spoken, speaking French is not a prerequisite to join the LFC. 

The LFC provides a seamless educational experience for French expatriate students, who make up about one-third of the students. Additionally, 44% of the students are French-speakers, while approximately 55% are Americans who chose to study at the LFC for the bilingual aspect, the teaching quality, and the international environment it offers.

Classes are taught in French and in English, depending on the grade, chosen path, and subjects. The Lycée Français of Chicago offers the same academic program as other schools in France, ensuring continuity for students who may transfer to or from another French school. In addition, students take supplementary courses and specific subjects in the English language, such as math, social studies or American history, a great way to become fluent in English for the French students. Starting 9th grade, students can pursue the International French Baccalaureate (BFI), or the International Baccalaureate (IB), and all graduates receive the American high school diploma. The LFC also has a partnership with the German International School offering a continuous educational pathway with German as a native language for their students starting from the 9th grade.

As the LFC approaches its milestone anniversary, it continues to uphold its commitment to providing a high-quality, bilingual education that prepares students for success in a globalized world. Respect, responsibility and joy of learning are the values guiding the LFC.

“Active citizens of the world” 

The LFC is dedicated to training “active citizens of the world” who are adaptable, conscious of global challenges, and capable of becoming critical thinkers and cultural ambassadors.

To immerse students in new environments and cultures, the LFC organizes educational trips starting in 2nd grade, where students travel to Camp Edwards in Wisconsin. As they progress, students have the opportunity to visit various destinations in the USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, France and China depending on the language they study. These immersive experiences help students make considerable progress, learn about the world, and become more adaptable and open-minded. 

Sustainability is an integral part of the curriculum. Students lead projects aimed at educating and engaging the school community in environmental initiatives. The LFC has implemented several eco-friendly actions, such as a compost program, the installation of green roofs, helping them achieve a level 3/3 sustainability certification from the AEFE.

Additionally, students are actively involved in community service and various challenges. They participate in the Model UN, International Sciences Olympiads, Concours Général des Lycées, Goncourt des Lycées 2017 and 2024, American Mental Math Competition… To learn about entrepreneurship students participate in the Think and Make program (in partnership with the FACC), as well as StartUp Lycée every two years where students create their own startup and pitch it to a jury. These projects allow students to apply their knowledge, develop their ideas, and gain insights into the business environment, as well as economic challenges of our world. 

Through these diverse initiatives, the LFC continues to foster a well-rounded education that prepares students to thrive as global citizens. 

LFC -  Clubs and Sports

The LFC encourages its students to pursue their passions and interests, in particular through diverse extracurricular clubs. The clubs, which vary from year to year according to student interest and feasibility, provide a platform for students to explore and develop their talents. Students are encouraged to suggest new clubs and the LFC finds a mentor (teachers, parents) to guide them. Among the many clubs offered are those focused on fashion, creative writing, LGBTQ+, cinema, women’s advocacy, and the yearbook.

Students are also actively involved in athletics with 85% of secondary students participating in one 13+ Flames sports. The committed coaches strive to inspire young athletes both academically and competitively, fostering an environment based on respect, responsibility, and the joy of learning. The Flames bring together students of all ages, along with their teachers and parents, making it an important part of the community’s life. 

By offering a wide range of clubs and sports, the LFC not only nurtures students' individual passions but also strengthens the sense of community within the school. 

The LFC Community

When students join the LFC, they become part of a welcoming  community. The LFC is not just a school, it is a place where students, families, and staff come together to create a supportive and engaging environment. 

The community is very strong and welcoming, there are a lot of events organized by and for the community from the "Oui" Run5k in September to the Lycée French Market in November, the annual Gala, quarterly wine tastings, there is always something happening to bring people together.

New families are warmly welcomed and supported by the community. The parent association plays a crucial role in helping new families adapt by organizing two lunches during the summer and regular coffee times or wine-tasting events throughout the year for instance.

Additionally, new students are mentored by their peers, ensuring they fit in their new environment. 

The LFC community is mainly focused on Ravenswood - Lincoln Square neighborhood where the school is located but they also try to make a positive impact in the wider Chicago community. For instance, through a partnership with the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, or under its scholarship program, the LFC provides high school scholarship assistance and educational support to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Community service is also a key component of the curriculum as each student is required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service every year in high school.  Students participate in soup kitchens, pride parades and charity runs and other activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the local community.

The Future of LFC

In the coming years, the LFC aims to establish itself as the top international school in Chicago. The LFC is focused on developing strong economic, institutional, and academic partnerships to enhance its global presence and educational offerings.

Moreover, the LFC has the intention to grow and have more students on board, particularly at the high school level. By welcoming more students, the LFC aims to provide a wide array of opportunities, including the expansion of sports teams and other extracurricular activities. 

To support this growth, the LFC is investing in its infrastructure. Plans are underway to open a daycare facility, and the school is enhancing its arts facilities, offering more space for students to explore their creativity and even a stage to showcase their talents. 

With these initiatives, the LFC is set to offer a unique educational experience, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth for all its students. 

LFC x FACC

For the LFC, active involvement in the economic environment is a priority, contributing significantly to the broader French community. This engagement creates a mutually beneficial relationship; the LFC gains recognition in the business community through its association with the FACC, while the FACC becomes more familiar to LFC families.

Eric is particularly keen on deepening the school’s connections within Chicago’s business landscape. By fostering strong relationships with local companies and entrepreneurs, Eric aims to create a strong network that benefits both the school and the business community.

The LFC and the FACC have worked together on Think and Make projects, with FACC experts actively supporting students in their entrepreneurial endeavors, offering advice and mentorship. Additionally, several FACC members and experts served as members of the jury, providing feedback on student projects. This partnership enriches the students' learning experience but also strengthens the ties between the LFC and the business community, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. 

This involvement enhances the LFC’s visibility but also opens up new opportunities for collaboration and growth, reinforcing the school’s commitment to being an integral part of Chicago’s ecosystem.

Thank you Eric for your time, commitment and insights!