The Collège de Boncourt, in the (now) 5th arrondissement of Paris, rue Bordet or Bordeille (modern rue Descartes), was established in 1353 by Pierre Becoud (which became "Boncourt" by alteration)
During the 16th century, comedies and tragedies were often performed on the site, particularly Cléopâtre captive, a tragedy by Étienne Jodelle. Marc-Antoine Muret taught in the college. Jacques Grévin was a student here as well as Etienne Jodelle, Jean Bastier de La Péruse, Jean de La Taille and .
The college was once completely refurbished in 1688 by Pierre Galand, its principal. It was attached to the College de Navarre. Then, from 1738, a new pavilion took the place of the old college. From 1804 to 1976, the building housed the offices of the École Polytechnique, then those of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.