The French School System: How It Works for Families Moving to France

Moving to France with children involves understanding the French education system, which is structured, comprehensive, and highly regarded. Public education in France is free, secular, and compulsory for children aged 3 to 16, though private and international options are also available. Here’s a guide to navigating the French school system for expatriate families.

Structure of the French School System

      1.   École Maternelle (Preschool): Ages 3–6

Preschool is the first step in the French system, emphasizing socialization, early learning, and creativity. Attendance is free and encouraged, though not mandatory. It consists of three levels: petite section (age 3), moyenne section (age 4), and grande section (age 5).

      2.   École Élémentaire (Primary School): Ages 6–11

Primary school provides a foundation in reading, writing, mathematics, and basic sciences. Students also study French history, geography, and art. English or another foreign language is often introduced at this stage. This level spans five years, from cours préparatoire (CP) to cours moyen 2 (CM2).

      3.   Collège (Middle School): Ages 11–15

Middle school is compulsory and marks the transition to more specialized subjects, including mathematics, French, sciences, history, geography, a foreign language, and physical education. The final year, troisième, culminates in the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB), a national exam assessing core competencies.

      4.   Lycée (High School): Ages 15–18

Students choose a general, technological, or vocational pathway. General lycées prepare students for the baccalauréat (bac), required for university entry, while technological and vocational lycées focus on practical skills. The lycée ends with the bac exams, a critical milestone in the French education system.

School Enrollment Process

Families moving to France should start enrolment early, especially for public schools, which are assigned based on your local académie (education authority) and home address. For public schools, you’ll need to provide documents such as proof of residence, the child’s birth certificate, and vaccination records.

For private or international schools, the application process may require interviews, entrance tests, and fees. International schools often follow curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British/American systems and are a good choice for families seeking continuity in education.

Key Considerations for Expat Families

      1.   Language Support:

French is the language of instruction in public schools, so children who don’t speak French may face initial challenges. Many schools offer integration programs (Classe d’Accueil) to help non-French-speaking students learn the language.

      2.   Public vs. Private Schools:

Public schools are free and provide a high standard of education. Private schools, which can be secular or religious, charge fees and may offer smaller class sizes. International schools provide instruction in English or other languages but are more expensive.

      3.   School Hours and Extracurricular:

School days typically run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a long lunch break. Extracurricular activities are often organized outside of school through community associations.

      4.   Parental Involvement:

French schools encourage parental involvement through parent-teacher associations and meetings. Staying engaged can help families adapt and address challenges.

Conclusion

The French school system offers high-quality education and a clear path from preschool to higher education. While navigating the system may feel daunting at first, understanding its structure and accessing language support can ease the transition for expatriate families. With careful planning and engagement, children can thrive academically and socially in France.