The Lycée Henri-IV [1] (sometimes called HIV, H4, or Henri-Quatre) is a public secondary school located in Paris. Along with Louis-le-Grand and Janson de Sailly, it is widely regarded as one of the most demanding in France.
The school has more than 2,500 pupils from collège (the first four years of secondary education in France) to classes préparatoires (classes to prepare students for entrance to the elite Grandes écoles).[1]
Contents |
Henri-IV is located in the nationally-historic buildings of the former Sainte Geneviève abbey.[1] After the French revolution, it was transformed into a public lycée, the first one in France. It is located in the heart of the Latin Quarter[1] on the left bank of the river Seine, near the Panthéon, the church Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, and the rue Mouffetard. The Latin Quarter is the traditional academic neighborhood of Paris. Rich in history, architecture, and culture, this area encompasses the oldest and the most prestigious educational establishments in France: (the École Normale Supérieure, the Sorbonne, the Collège de France, the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, etc.). The Library of the former abbey, which had the third largest collection of books in Europe (transferred to the near Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève during the 19th century), is composed by four aisles which form the shape of a cross with a cupola in its center. It is one of the main features of the Lycée with 18th century boiseries and pavement as well as a cupola frescoed and carved by the painter Jean II Restout in the 1730's. Two aisles of the library are now used as libraries for Lycée and Classes Préparatoires levels and the two other aisles are used as rooms for conferences or exams. Another highlight of the lycée is the Salle des médailles (Room of the medals), a long galley once used as a cabinet of curiosities (a room used to display natural curiosities and artworks). It has richly decorated and carved baroque boiseries and mirrors dating back to 18th century. The chapel of the Lycée dates back to middle-ages. The Salle des Actes displays medieval effigies of dead priests of the Abbey which were found during restoration campaigns in the 1990's.
Admissions at Henri IV are very competitive. Area of residence is not a factor. Prospective students are selected based on grades. Students may come from middle schools throughout France. This cosmopolitan philosophy enables the school to have a large and strong range of cultural values. The education is highly rated and the conditions of work are optimal due to the diverse qualities of the teachers.[citation needed]
Henri IV is proud to achieve high marks and results for the baccalaureat (one of the higher rate of France). Moreover, the high school have a high level education since due to its rigorous selection process.[citation needed]
|
|
|
|
Coordinates: 48°50′45″N 2°20′52″E / 48.84583°N 2.34778°E
|
|
Wikis
Search
