National French Contest: A Complete Guide

Every year, students across America sit down for the same challenge: Le Grand Concours, the National French Contest. From first-graders just learning “bonjour” to high school seniors tackling complex grammar, over 40,000 students participate in what’s become one of the biggest academic competitions for world language learning in the U.S.

French is the second most studied world language in American schools for good reason. Students who stick with it see real benefits: stronger college applications, better career prospects, and skills that matter in our connected world. The contest gives you a chance to see how your French stacks up nationally while earning recognition that colleges and employers actually notice.

• What Is the National French Contest?
• National French Contest Awards and Prizes
• How to Qualify for the National French Contest
• How to Get into the National French Contest
• How to Win the National French Contest
• National French Contest Previous Winners
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the National French Contest?

The National French Contest (Le Grand Concours) is a yearly competition that evaluates students’ French language skills across the United States and abroad. Organized by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) since 1938, the contest is open to students in grades 1 through 12.

The test covers listening, vocabulary, grammar, and reading, and happens each spring either online or in your classroom. To keep things fair, students compete within their own divisions: FLES serves younger students in grades 1-6, while the Secondary division is for grades 7-12.

Here are the updated contest details for 2026:

• Grades 1–6. FLES Division. Feb 11–Mar 6, 2026.
• Grades 7–12. Secondary division. Feb 12–Apr 6, 2026.

The contest continues to be a prestigious measure of French learning, giving thousands of students each year the chance to earn recognition for their hard work.

National French Contest Awards and Prizes

Students who take part in the National French Contest (Le Grand Concours) can earn recognition at both the national level and through their local AATF chapter. Awards highlight top performers in each division and level, giving students a tangible result for their effort and dedication to French.

The contest uses percentile rankings to compare your score against everyone else who took the test nationwide. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Platinum. Awarded to the single highest score in each level and division.
• Gold. Given to students scoring at or above the 95th percentile.
• Silver. Given to students scoring between the 94th and 85th percentiles.
• Bronze. Given to students scoring between the 84th and 75th percentiles.
• Mention d’honneur (honorable mention). Given to students who score between the 74th and 50th percentiles.
• Merite. Recognizes students who fall below the 50th percentile, honoring their participation.

The full awards structure looks like this:

Many schools and local AATF chapters hold their own award ceremonies, so you might find yourself walking across a stage to collect that well-earned medal. It’s a tangible reminder that all those hours practicing pronunciation and memorizing vocabulary actually paid off.

How to Qualify for the National French Contest

Getting into Le Grand Concours isn’t complicated, but there are some important rules and deadlines you need to know. Missing a step or deadline means you’re out, so let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

Eligibility

The contest welcomes students from across the U.S., but to keep it fair, participants are grouped by experience level, school type, and language background. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Students in grades 1–12 are eligible.
• Public, private, and homeschool students may all participate.
• You must compete in the correct division for your grade and experience level.
• You cannot compete below your actual skill level. For example, if you have lived in France or speak French at home, you will be placed in a higher division.
• A sponsoring French teacher, tutor, or homeschool supervisor is required to complete official registration.

Required documents

Registration requires some basic details to prepare contest placement and student records. Your teacher or sponsor will need to gather these to get you registered properly:

• Student’s full name and grade
• School or homeschool program information
• Correct division and level placement
• Teacher or sponsor contact details
• Background on French study or exposure to confirm division assignment

Contest fees

Because the contest is administered nationally, there is a small participation fee for each student:

• AATF members. $5.00 per student, plus local chapter fees.
• Non-members. $10.00 per student, plus local chapter fees.

These fees cover test administration, scoring, and awards. Keep in mind that some chapters may add additional fees to support local contest expenses.

Registration deadline (2026)

Every contest cycle has clear deadlines:

• FLES Division (Grades 1–6). March 6, 2026
• Secondary Division (Grades 7–12). April 6, 2026

Missing a deadline means you cannot participate, so both your teachers and family should double-check local chapter information.

Local AATF chapters may set earlier internal deadlines, so students should confirm with their teacher or chapter representative.

How to Get into the National French Contest

Getting into Le Grand Concours is pretty straightforward: no essays, interviews, or talent portions required. But you do need to follow the steps carefully and hit those deadlines, or you’ll be watching from the sidelines.

Registration step-by-step

Your teacher, homeschool supervisor, or tutor handles the actual registration (students can’t sign themselves up). Here’s how it works:

1. Find your sponsor. Usually, your French teacher, but homeschoolers can use a parent or tutor.
2. Pick the right division and level. This depends on your grade, how long you’ve studied French, and any exposure outside class.
3. Fill out the registration form. Done online through the AATF website or on paper if your local chapter requires it.
4. Pay the entry fee.  Costs vary depending on whether your sponsor is an AATF member.
5. Double-check everything. Confirm your registration and level placement before the deadline to avoid any surprises.

What happens next?

Once you’re registered, you’re officially in the contest and assigned your specific test based on your division and level. Here’s what to expect:

• Your level placement gets verified. If it’s wrong, your results could be cancelled.
• You’ll take a standardized multiple-choice exam covering listening, vocabulary, grammar, and reading.
• Your teacher administers the test either online or in class, following AATF rules.
• Your results get compared nationwide using percentiles to determine awards.

Get the registration details right from the start, and you can focus on the fun part: showing off those French skills on test day.

How to Win the National French Contest

Competing in Le Grand Concours takes more than just showing up to French class. With thousands of students vying for those top percentile spots, smart preparation can be the difference between a participation certificate and a shiny medal you’ll actually want to show off.

Winning tips

Success comes down to building solid habits and fixing your weak spots before test day. Here’s what the top performers do differently:

• Practice listening regularly. French podcasts, music, and news clips help you get used to natural pronunciation and speed. Start with slower content and work your way up.
• Master grammar and vocabulary. Review verb conjugations, sentence structures, and core word lists daily. Create flashcards for tricky concepts that keep tripping you up.
• Take the National French Contest practice tests. Use past exam formats to get familiar with question types, timing, and the overall flow. This eliminates surprises on test day.
• Build reading comprehension. Read French articles, children’s stories, or short novels to improve both speed and understanding. Don’t just translate; try to think in French.
• Track your progress. Keep a study log to identify weak areas, then ask your teacher or tutor for targeted help where you need it most.
• Learn test-taking strategies. Know when to skip difficult National French Contest questions and come back later, how to eliminate wrong answers, and how to manage your time across sections.

Preparation guide

Having a clear study plan makes it easier to stay on track and reduce stress. A routine approach helps you gradually build confidence leading up to the contest.

• Use quality resources. Stick with AATF-recommended textbooks and online materials that match your contest level. Don’t waste time on random apps that might not align with the exam format.
• Create a realistic schedule. Plan short, daily study sessions (20-30 minutes) with specific goals rather than marathon weekend sessions that leave you burned out.
• Practice under pressure. Take timed practice tests to learn how to pace yourself. Many students know the material but run out of time.
• Find study partners. Join a French club or form a study group. Practicing with peers improves your listening skills and keeps you motivated.
• Get feedback regularly. Review practice test results with your teacher to understand not just what you got wrong, but why you got it wrong.

The students who consistently place in the top percentiles aren’t necessarily the most naturally gifted. They’re the ones who prepare systematically and stick with it. Start early, stay consistent, and focus on steady improvement rather than last-minute heroics.

National French Contest Previous Winners

Want to know what it really takes to win Le Grand Concours? The best way to find out is by looking at students who’ve actually done it. These aren’t necessarily the kids who grew up speaking French at home—they’re regular students who figured out how to prepare smart and stay consistent.

Recent awardees

Every year, thousands of students earn medals, but only a handful reach those coveted top national spots. Here’s what some recent winners did to get there:

• Keren Bantshi, a California middle schooler, snagged Gold in her division by making listening practice a daily habit. Aside from doing textbook exercises, she immersed herself in French content until natural pronunciation started clicking.
• Emma Landry, a Massachusetts senior, placed sixth nationally in Level 5 and earned Gold in 2024. She credits her success to daily exposure to French music, movies, news, and scientific articles, combined with consistent AP French coursework and performance reviews with her teacher.
• Zhaneah Sims, a 6th-grade FLES participant from Texas, proved that younger students can compete at high levels by earning Silver in her division.

These winners come from different states, grade levels, and learning backgrounds, but they all share one thing: they prepared consistently instead of cramming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can enter the National French Contest?

Students studying French in grades 1–12 from public schools, private schools, homeschool programs, and tutoring arrangements across all 50 US states and abroad are eligible to participate in the National French Contest.

2. When and where is the National French Contest held?

The National French Contest runs each spring. For 2026, the FLES division (grades 1–6) is February 11 to March 6, and the Secondary division (grades 7–12) is February 12 to April 6. Students take their exams at school or online, depending on their teacher’s arrangement.

3. How is division and level placement determined?

Placement depends on the student’s current grade, years of study, outside exposure to French (such as living in a French-speaking country or speaking French at home), and participation in French programs. All students must be correctly placed; mistakes or inaccurate self-reporting can result in disqualification.

4. What are the registration fees?

AATF member teachers pay $5.00 per student plus local fees. Non-members pay $10.00 per student plus local fees. Fees cover test administration, scoring, and awards.

5. Why is winning the National French Contest a big deal?

Earning a medal in the National French Contest is a recognized achievement that can help your college applications stand out. Many colleges and scholarships value contest results as proof of academic skill and determination.

Takeaways

• The National French Contest is open to French learners in grades 1–12 nationwide and abroad. Students compete against others at their skill level for recognition and medals.
• Award categories are determined by percentile rank and division placement. Medals range from Platinum to Bronze, with participation honored at all levels.
• Accurate registration and division placement are essential. Entering with correct information prevents disqualification and ensures fair comparison.
• Medal winners highlight steady practice, listening, and reading as the best study strategies. Consistent preparation and teacher guidance help students achieve higher scores.
• National contest results are recognized by many colleges and scholarships. Awards demonstrate language proficiency and commitment, helping applicants stand out in a competitive admissions process.
• Want to maximize your odds in prestigious competitions like the National French Contest? AdmissionSight’s coaching is designed for motivated students looking to strategize for academic contests. Get expert guidance, targeted resources, and individualized feedback to showcase your achievements on college applications.