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

Step 1: Understanding Your Options
The French education system offers three main types of schools:
- Public Schools (Écoles Publiques)
- Private French Schools (Écoles Privées)
- International Schools
Public schools
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.
Recommended International Schools in Paris
Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Website: www.isparis.edu
2. The British School of Paris
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
Useful Resources for Parents
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.
The International Schools Database is a comprehensive directory for finding schools globally, including Paris.
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Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
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