How to Enrol Your Children in School in Paris

How to Enrol Your Children in School in Paris: Public vs Private Options

Moving to Paris with children? One of the most important—and sometimes daunting—tasks for expat parents is finding the right school for their kids. The French education system offers a range of options, from public schools to private institutions and international programs. Each choice comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, depending on your family’s priorities.
Here’s a closer look at what you need to know to get started, along with insights from Sara, an expat mother who recently navigated the process.
Meet Sara: A Journey Through the French School System Sara, a British expat, moved to Paris with her husband and their two children, aged 6 and 10. While her husband focused on settling into his new job, Sara took charge of finding the right schools. “I was overwhelmed at first,” she admits. “I didn’t know whether to choose a local public school, a private French school, or an international one.” After weeks of research and a few site visits, Sara enrolled her children in a bilingual private school. “It was the perfect compromise—affordable compared to fully international schools and with a strong focus on French language integration,” she says.
paris school classroom scene
Step 1: Understanding Your Options

The French education system offers three main types of schools:

  1. Public Schools (Écoles Publiques)
  2. Private French Schools (Écoles Privées)
  3. International Schools
Public schools
They are free and open to all children living in France. They are ideal if you want your child to integrate quickly into the local culture and become fluent in French. However, lessons are taught entirely in French, which might be challenging for non-French-speaking children initially.
Pros: Free tuition, local integration, and strong academic structure.
Cons: Limited support for non-French-speaking children (although some schools have language assistance programs).

What You Need: Proof of residence, vaccination records, and the child’s birth certificate.
Private French Schools (Écoles Privées)

Private schools in France often follow the same curriculum as public schools but offer smaller class sizes, additional support, and extracurricular activities. Some private schools have a bilingual program, which can ease the transition for expat children.
Pros: Smaller class sizes, potential for bilingual programs, more
individualized attention.
Cons: Tuition fees vary widely but are generally lower than international
schools.

What You Need: The same documents as for public schools, plus an enrollment fee.
International Schools
International schools offer curricula from other countries, such as the British or American systems, and classes are usually taught in English. They’re a popular choice for expat families looking for continuity with their home country’s education system.
Pros: English-speaking environment, globally recognized curricula, culturalfamiliarity.
Cons: High tuition costs, potentially less integration into French society.
What You Need: Enrollment requirements vary, but early application is essential due to limited spots.
Recommended International Schools in Paris
1. International School of Paris (ISP)
Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Website: www.isparis.edu

2. The British School of Paris
Follows the British curriculum with a global outlook.
Website: www.britishschool.fr

3. American School of Paris (ASP)
Provides the American curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Website: www.asparis.org

4. EIB – École Internationale Bilingue
Offers bilingual French-English education with several campuses in Paris.
Website: www.eibparis.com

5. Marymount International School
A Catholic school offering the American curriculum.
Website: www.marymount.fr

6. Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Offers the French curriculum with international sections.
Website: www.lycee-international.ac-versailles.fr
paris school photo classroom children running
Useful Resources for Parents
Expat Parent Forums:
Platforms like Internations and Facebook groups such as “Expats in Paris” provide recommendations and first-hand experiences.
Government Resources:
Visit Service-Public.fr for information on public school enrollment and zoning rules.
International Education Network:
The International Schools Database is a comprehensive directory for finding schools globally, including Paris.
City of Paris Website:
Check Paris.fr for local education resources and guides to school districts.
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