Please check the text below as it contains links to useful resources not mentioned in the video.

The French education system is well-structured and I think it's great for a number of reasons. But let's start by asking…

Are ex-pats even allowed to enroll their children in French schools?

Well the simple answer to that is yes - expatriates are fully entitled to enroll their children in French schools. France's education system is inclusive, meaning children of all nationalities can attend schools across the country, regardless of residency or citizenship status.

Just like the United States, the French school system is divided into several stages:

There's École Maternelle which is the French name for preschool and that's aimed at ages 3 to 6, focusing on social skills, language, and creativity.

Elementary school for ages 6 to 11 is called École Élémentaire and that covers all the fundamentals in reading, writing, math and the arts.

Big school is called Collège and that's for ages 11 to 15, with a curriculum expanding into subjects like science, history, and foreign languages. Essentially, it's equivalent to 6th through 9th grade in the US.

Ages 15 to 18 get to go to Lycée, where students prepare for the “Baccalauréat” exams for university entry or other post-high school paths. This is equivalent to 9th to 12th grade or High School in the US.

There are also Public, Private and International schools to choose from.

Highly regarded Public schools with free tuition provide an immersive French language experience and they follow the French national curriculum, which can be a fantastic way for your child to integrate into French society.

Some Private Schools are state-supported, while others are entirely independent. Private schools offer smaller class sizes and might include faith-based education - if that’s something that's important to your family.

Then there's International Schools which are ideal for families who plan to move frequently or who want their children to follow an English language based curriculum. International schools often follow the International Baccalaureate or British/American curriculums but they can be more expensive and there might also be a waiting list.

Once you've decided which kind of school you want to send your kids to, you'll need to find one. So, how do you go about doing that?Well, for public schools, you can reach out to the local “Mairie” (the town hall) for information on public schools near you.

For private or international schools, you'll need to explore school websites and contact admissions directly for information on curriculum, fees, and enrolment requirements.

Take a look at this useful page to find lists of International Schools around France…

https://www.international-schools-database.com/country/france

Here are some more useful resources for International Schools:

Council of International Schools (CoIS) – the membership community of international schools.
The Good Schools Guide – On this site you can search and compare schools in France.
ELSA – the English Language Schools Association.
Middle States Association – This is the accreditation body for American curriculum schools.
European Council of International Schools – ECIS is the educational collaborative for international schools.
The British Council – the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
French Ministry of Education – the French government's education website
International Baccalaureate – This is the official website of the internationally recognized Baccalaureate qualification

Enrolling in French Public Schools - Here's How, Step by Step

Let's look at Public Schools first. To enroll your child in a public school you’ll need to complete a few essential steps:

First, visit the Local Mairie (the Town Hall): That's typically where school registration begins. You provide details about your child’s age, level of education, and your residency status.
You'll need to bring along key documents such as:
- Proof of identity (your child’s passport or birth certificate).
- Proof of residence in France (a rental contract or utility bill)So it's basically, the usual stuff from your Moving to France folder.
- You will also need to provide your child's health record showing proof of immunizations, which is compulsory in France for school-aged children.
You'll then receive a school assignment: Don't worry, they're not going to ask you to write an essay. The Mairie will assign a public school for your child or children to attend, most probably based on your address and they'll give you with an enrolment certificate.
You'll then need to take that certificate to the school and show it to them. Of course, you might need to make an appointment first.

So, this process still typically requires submitting documents in person at the Mairie and later at the school itself, although some municipalities may allow parts of the process, like submitting preliminary forms, to be done online. Again, check with the Mairie.

Enrollment periods often start in March or April for the upcoming school year, so it's wise to get a head start if you can.

And by the way, many public schools offer a French language support program known as “Cours de Français Langue Étrangère” or FLE which is designed to help non-French-speaking children improve their French while integrating into the regular classroom.

Maybe talk with the school administration about FLE if you think it could help your kid’s transition.

Enrolling in Private or International Schools

These kind of schools manage their own admissions, so you’ll need to apply directly:

Be aware that some private and international schools might have entrance exams or interviews. You'll need to contact each school for specifics, and keep in mind that they often have waiting lists, so apply early.
Unlike public schools, private and international schools charge for tuition. Fees vary significantly, so it’s a good idea to check with each school to find out what they're likely to cost.

What are the School Hours in France?

Well, French schools generally run from 8:30am to 4:30pm although they can finish as late as 6pm. The kids tend to have a long lunch break of between 1.5 to 2 hours. On Wednesdays, most schools finish at 11.30am or Midday, leaving the afternoon free for extracurriculars or family time. Some lycées have classes on Saturday mornings too.

France also has a unique holiday calendar with a two-week break every six to seven weeks, plus longer breaks in summer.

So there we are, your kids are now happily enrolled in school.

Enrolling Kids in French Schools