In Memory of Our Founder and Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Visionary Educator and Community Builder

Marie-Claire Ribeill, Founder and Executive Director of L’École – French International School of Raleigh, passed away in January 2026. Her vision, leadership, and dedication to bilingual education shaped the school and the vibrant community it serves today. ​​​

​Her Vision​

In 2009, Marie-Claire founded L’École – French International School of Raleigh in her home with a dream of creating a school where children could grow in a bilingual and multicultural environment.

Through her leadership and determination, the school evolved into a licensed daycare, preschool, and elementary program, offering a rigorous and nurturing French immersion education to families in the Raleigh area.

Marie-Claire believed deeply in the benefits of international education, cultural exchange, and bilingualism, and she worked tirelessly to create a community where children from diverse backgrounds could thrive. ​

​

A Life Dedicated to Education and Service​

Marie-Claire held both the CAPES and AGRÉGATION in Foreign Language Teaching from Université Paul Valéry in Montpellier, France, as well as certificates in Nonprofit Leadership & Management from Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill.

She taught in France, England, and the United States, and later held leadership roles including:

• President of the Board of L’École (2012–2019)

• Executive Director of the French American Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas

• Honorary Consul of France in North Carolina (since 2010)

Through these roles, she worked tirelessly to strengthen educational, cultural, and economic ties between France and the United States.

​

​ Her Legacy​

Marie-Claire was known for her adventurous spirit and love of exploration. She enjoyed running, paragliding, mountain climbing, hiking, and long-distance backpacking.

Yet among all her adventures, building and growing L’École remained the one she cherished most.

She is survived by her two sons, Guilhem, who lives in Boston, and Axel, who lives in Durham, as well as her grandson.

Her energy, vision, and passion for education will continue to inspire the students, families, and educators of L’École for years to come.