Jean de la Fontaine High School was constructed from 1935 to 1938 on the place of former fortifications of the city of Paris. It has the shape of an "open square" into which one enters through great wrought iron doors. It is a place full of light with well- proportioned volumes and elegant lines typical of the architectural style of the 1930s. It was designed by HERAUD.

     During WWII, between August 1944 and 1945 the lycée served as an American Hospital.

In 1947, creation of preparatory classes for the professorship of music education which formed generations of music teachers until 1974 when the CAEM was replaced by a new degree, the CAPES, prepared in university.

In 1958, creation of an ENSEP preparatory class (literature and languages) which functioned until 1969.

In September 1976, in relation with music conservatories, opening of music and choreography classes with specifically adapted schedules.

Opening of classes for young tennis players in cooperation with the tennis leagues of Paris and Hauts de Seine.

Organisation of weekly courses during the school year and creation of a summer course to prepare for entrance into the schools of Political Science (IEP)

Creation of trilingual classes :

1. French-English-Japanese (September 1990)
2. French-English-Vietnamese (September 1995)
3. French-English-Chinese (September 1996)