Atlantic Canada’s first Lycée International school will be established in Saint John, officials announced Monday.

The Port City has been selected as home to the Lycée International Français des Provinces Atlantiques (LIFPA).

The international private not-for-profit francophone school will be located in the former New Brunswick Museum exhibition centre in Market Square.

It will serve international and local students from kindergarten to Grade 12 and will be part of a large network of schools around the world.

“Our establishment, which will welcome children from three to 17 years old, will offer the National Education program of France,” said Sylvain Olivier, general director and president of LIFPA.

Lycée International is a global francophone not-for-profit private school model that facilitates international exchanges for students from Europe, Africa and around the globe to study abroad.

This will mark the ninth Lycée français school in Canada, with other locations in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Around the world, there are 500 locations in 140 countries.

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said the Saint John school will enrol up to 900 students once it is fully up and running, including roughly 450 from abroad. Nearly 100 faculty would be brought in from France.

“Lycée Français International in Saint-Jean will enhance our francophonie culture and help build bridges between our linguistic communities,” said Higgs.

“It will help us attract immigrants and international students and will enable us to further strengthen our growing relationship with France.”

Paulette Hicks, CEO of Envision Saint John, said LIFPA perfectly aligns with the region’s 10-year outcomes.

Beyond bringing new business to the province, Hicks said it elevates New Brunswick’s value proposition internationally as a place to live, work, study and invest.

“Not only will people be moving to New Brunswick and the Saint John Region from all over the world – but our academic cluster is expanding along with our talent pipeline,” said Hicks.

“This unique opportunity aligns with the commercial real estate reimagine strategy that is required in today’s environment.”

Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon said Monday’s announcement is an excellent moment for the city.

“As a city of firsts, we dream big and make things happen. Like all great cities, we act local but we think globally,” said Reardon.

“Saint John is a city that is always moving forward and today’s announcement is proof of that.”

The international school is set to open in September 2024 and is already accepting registrations.

Olivier anticipates the school will welcome 290 students in the first year and up to 900 students by 2029.