Schools in France: Primary, Secondary & International Education

Schools in France Guide: France’s education system is renowned worldwide for its academic rigor and comprehensive approach to learning. Whether you’re a French national or an international family considering education in France, understanding the structure and options available is crucial for making informed decisions about your child’s educational journey.

schools in france: Understanding the French Education System

The French education system operates on the fundamental principle that every child residing in France has the right to education, regardless of nationality or immigration status. This commitment is legally enshrined in the French Education Code, ensuring that all children receive access to high-quality public education at no cost.

The system emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking, and cultural literacy, preparing students not just for higher education but for active participation in French society. Education is compulsory from age 3 to 16, with the academic year running from September to July.

Preschool Education (École Maternelle)

Structure and Age Requirements

Preschool education in France, known as école maternelle, is compulsory for children aged 3 to 6 years old. This early start distinguishes France from many other countries and provides a strong foundation for academic and social development. The maternelle system is divided into three levels: Petite section (PS) for ages 3-4, Moyenne section (MS) for ages 4-5, and Grande section (GS) for ages 5-6. This structured progression ensures that children develop age-appropriate skills while preparing for the transition to formal primary education.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

The maternelle curriculum focuses on comprehensive child development through multiple interconnected areas. Language development forms a cornerstone through storytelling, songs, and conversation, while creative expression flourishes via arts, crafts, and dramatic play. Physical development is nurtured through structured activities and outdoor play, complemented by social skills development through group activities and collaborative learning. Cognitive development is fostered with age-appropriate problem-solving exercises that challenge young minds while building confidence. For international families, the early immersion in French language and culture provides exceptional advantages, allowing children to develop native-level fluency that will benefit them throughout their academic careers.

Enrollment Process

Registration typically begins in spring for September enrollment, with the process starting at your local town hall (Mairie). Families will need to provide essential documentation including the child’s birth certificate, proof of residence such as utility bills or rental agreements, complete vaccination records, and passport along with residency documents. School assignments are based on catchment areas, ensuring children attend schools close to their homes while creating neighborhood school communities that support both educational and social development.

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Primary Education (École Élémentaire)

Structure and Curriculum

Primary education spans five years, serving children from ages 6 to 11, with the curriculum becoming increasingly structured during these years while maintaining creative and social elements from preschool. The grade levels include CP (Cours Préparatoire) for ages 6-7, which focuses on reading and basic math, followed by CE1 (Cours Élémentaire 1) for ages 7-8 that develops foundational skills. CE2 (Cours Élémentaire 2) for ages 8-9 expands academic subjects, while CM1 (Cours Moyen 1) for ages 9-10 introduces more complex concepts. Finally, CM2 (Cours Moyen 2) for ages 10-11 prepares students for secondary education through comprehensive skill development and assessment.

Core Subjects

The primary curriculum covers essential academic areas that form the foundation for all future learning. French language and literature development emphasizes reading comprehension, writing skills, and literary appreciation, while mathematics instruction builds numerical competency and logical thinking. History and geography studies introduce students to French heritage and global awareness, complemented by science and technology education that encourages inquiry and discovery. Arts and crafts continue to foster creativity and self-expression, while physical education maintains the importance of health and fitness. Civic education introduces concepts of citizenship and social responsibility, preparing students for active participation in democratic society.

Recent Reforms in Primary Education

Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, significant changes have been implemented in primary education, including more assessments for primary school children and new measures to improve school climate. These reforms include the rolling out of empathy classes to all primary schools, providing immediate response mechanisms with a focus on the more exposed primary school level.

Transition from Preschool

The transition from maternelle to primary school typically occurs seamlessly. If your child’s preschool is connected to a primary school, this transition often happens automatically. Families receive information about their designated primary school based on residential address.

Secondary Education

Middle School (Collège)

Secondary education begins with collège, serving students from ages 11 to 15 across four grade levels: 6ème (equivalent to 6th grade), 5ème (equivalent to 7th grade), 4ème (equivalent to 8th grade), and 3ème (equivalent to 9th grade). The curriculum expands to include multiple specialized subjects taught by different teachers, representing a significant shift from the single-teacher model of primary education. Students conclude collège with the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB), a national diploma that assesses their readiness for upper secondary education through comprehensive examinations in core subjects and continuous assessment throughout their final year.

Changes to the Diplôme National du Brevet

Starting with the 2025 session, revised conditions for obtaining the diplôme national du brevet will be implemented, where marks awarded by teachers will be used to calculate the continuous assessment mark, while final tests will count for 60% of the final mark.

High School (Lycée)

Lycée education serves students from ages 15 to 18 and offers three main tracks designed to meet diverse academic and career aspirations. The academic track (Lycée Général) prepares students for university study through the Baccalauréat Général, with specialization subjects including mathematics, physics-chemistry, life and earth sciences, economic and social sciences, literature and philosophy, history-geography, and foreign languages.

The technological track (Lycée Technologique) combines general education with technical subjects, leading to the Baccalauréat Technologique with specializations in management and administration, laboratory sciences, engineering sciences, health and social sciences, and applied arts. The vocational track (Lycée Professionnel) focuses on practical skills and direct entry to the workforce, offering the CAP (Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle) as a 2-year vocational certificate and the Baccalauréat Professionnel as a 3-year vocational degree.

Vocational Education Reforms

A new training cycle for the vocational “baccalauréat” has been established at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year as part of the reform of vocational “lycées”. The extension of the vocational lycée reforms continues to modernize technical and professional education pathways.

The Baccalauréat Examination

The Baccalauréat (commonly called “le bac”) is the final examination that concludes secondary education. Success in this examination is required for university admission and is considered a significant milestone in French education.

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Digital Education and Technology Integration

National Digital Strategy 2023-2027

On 27 January 2023, the French Minister of Education, Youth and Sports presented the digital strategy for education for the period 2023-2027, addressing several key challenges in digital education. This comprehensive strategy recognizes the crucial role of technology in modern education and aims to prepare students for an increasingly digital world.

Digital Skills Certification

In 2023-2024, “Pix 6e” has been extended to all middle schools, providing a certificate that guarantees pupils have benefited from this digital awareness program, including a specific “protection and safety” pathway targeting four key skills. This program ensures that students develop essential digital literacy skills early in their secondary education.

Technology Infrastructure

France has invested significantly in educational technology infrastructure, ensuring schools have access to modern digital tools and high-speed internet connectivity. This investment supports interactive learning environments and prepares students for the digital demands of higher education and the modern workforce.

International Education Options

Public Schools for International Students

France’s public education system welcomes international students and provides specialized support through various programs:

CASNAV Support System

The Centre Académique pour la Scolarisation des Nouveaux Arrivants (CASNAV) provides comprehensive support for newly arrived international students through a sophisticated assessment and placement process. This system includes educational background evaluation to understand previous schooling experiences, French language assessment that extends beyond basic conversational ability to include academic language skills, appropriate class placement that considers both academic background and language proficiency, and ongoing academic support throughout the integration process. CASNAV specialists work collaboratively with families and schools to determine optimal placement strategies, which might involve immediate integration into age-appropriate classes with additional language support or placement in specialized transition programs.

UPE2A Units

Unités Pédagogiques pour Élèves Allophones Arrivants (UPE2A) serve non-francophone students aged 11-16 through specialized programs that recognize successful integration requires more than language acquisition. These units provide intensive French language instruction tailored to academic needs, academic skill development that prevents students from falling behind in core subjects, cultural adaptation support that helps students understand French educational expectations, and gradual integration into mainstream classes as language proficiency develops. The curriculum within UPE2A units extends beyond conversational French to include specialized academic language and analytical skills required for success in French secondary education, with teachers also providing crucial academic and career guidance.

Private International Schools

France hosts numerous private international schools offering alternative curricula:

Schools Under Contract (Sous Contrat)

These schools receive government subsidies and must follow the national curriculum while offering enhanced educational experiences. They provide smaller class sizes that allow for more individualized attention, bilingual or multilingual instruction that supports international students, and more affordable tuition than fully private schools due to government funding. Schools under contract combine the structure and academic standards of the French system with potentially more personalized learning environments that some families prefer for their children’s educational development.

Schools Not Under Contract (Hors Contrat)

These fully private institutions operate independently from government oversight and funding, offering complete curricular freedom that allows for innovative educational approaches. They provide international curricula such as IB, American, and British systems that may better serve families with global mobility plans, specialized programs that cater to specific academic or cultural needs, and comprehensive educational services. However, higher tuition costs result from the lack of government funding, making these options more expensive but potentially more flexible for families with specific educational requirements or preferences.

International Baccalaureate Programs

Several schools in France offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, providing a globally recognized curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and international-mindedness. These programs offer a direct pathway to universities worldwide through rigorous academic standards and comprehensive assessment methods. Bilingual education options within IB programs allow students to maintain their native language skills while developing French proficiency, creating advantages for students who may continue their education in multiple countries. The IB program’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning and global perspectives aligns well with the needs of international families seeking education that prepares students for success in an interconnected world.

Support Systems for International Families

Language Support Programs

French as a Second Language (FLS) programs recognize that international students need specialized approaches different from traditional foreign language instruction, focusing on academic language development that goes beyond conversational skills. These programs emphasize cultural integration alongside language acquisition, helping students understand not just what to say but how to participate appropriately in French educational settings. Age-appropriate placement with language support ensures that students can engage with grade-level content while building linguistic competency, preventing academic delays that might occur with purely language-focused instruction separated from subject matter learning.

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Special Educational Needs Support

Implementation of new measures starting in the 2024-2025 school year aims to promote better care for students with special educational needs, ensuring that all students, including international students with diverse learning requirements, receive appropriate support and accommodations.

Community Organizations

Numerous organizations support international families through comprehensive services that address multiple aspects of integration and educational success.

• RESOMÉ supports refugee and migrant access to higher education by bridging the gap between secondary education and university study, providing crucial guidance during critical transition periods.
• France terre d’asile provides comprehensive integration support including reception assistance, employment and housing services, and specialized programs for unaccompanied foreign minors.
• SINGA creates opportunities for refugees and host communities to connect through meaningful collaboration, fostering cultural enrichment and employment opportunities while working to improve awareness and change perceptions about refugees and asylum seekers.
• Dulala promotes multilingualism as an educational strength rather than a barrier, creating teaching resources and organizing language awareness workshops that help educators understand how to leverage students’ multilingual abilities as educational assets.

Documentation and Enrollment

International families should prepare comprehensive documentation to facilitate smooth enrollment processes. Academic transcripts from previous schools provide essential information about educational background and achievement levels, while language proficiency certificates help schools assess current French language abilities and determine appropriate support needs. Medical records and vaccinations ensure compliance with French health requirements and safety protocols. Proof of legal residence establishes the family’s right to access French education, and birth certificates and passports provide official identification and age verification. Preparing these documents in advance, with official translations where necessary, significantly streamlines the enrollment process and reduces delays in school placement.

Choosing the Right Educational Path

Factors to Consider

When selecting education options in France, families should carefully evaluate multiple interconnected factors that will impact their children’s educational success and overall well-being. Language proficiency of your child determines the level of support needed and influences school placement decisions, while academic background and previous schooling experiences affect grade placement and curriculum alignment. Long-term educational goals help determine whether French public education, international programs, or private schools best serve future aspirations, and integration preferences influence choices between intensive French immersion and multilingual educational environments. Budget considerations affect access to private schools and specialized programs, while location and accessibility determine practical daily logistics and school assignment options within catchment areas.

Academic Calendar and Holidays

The French academic year typically runs from early September to early July, with well-structured breaks that provide rest periods while maintaining educational continuity.

• Autumn break (Vacances de la Toussaint) occurs in late October or early November, providing a brief respite during the first academic trimester.
• Christmas holidays span two weeks in December and January, aligning with traditional holiday celebrations and family time.
• Winter break (Vacances d’hiver) in February offers a mid-year break that varies by region to accommodate different vacation schedules, while Spring break (Vacances de printemps) in April provides relief during the final push toward year-end examinations.
• Summer holidays extend through July and August, offering an extended break that allows for family travel, enrichment activities, and preparation for the following academic year.

Read also our guide about Holidays in France:

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Assessment and Progression

Continuous Assessment

French schools use continuous assessment rather than relying solely on final examinations, creating a comprehensive evaluation system that tracks student progress throughout the academic year. Students are regularly evaluated through contrôles, which include regular tests and quizzes that assess understanding of recent material and ongoing skill development. Devoirs or homework assignments provide opportunities for independent practice and demonstrate student engagement outside classroom instruction. Participation in class discussions, oral presentations, and collaborative activities reflects students’ verbal communication skills and active involvement in learning. Projects encompass both individual and group work that allows students to demonstrate deeper understanding and practical application of concepts across multiple subjects, providing teachers with comprehensive insights into student capabilities and areas needing additional support.

Grade Repetition Policy

France maintains a grade repetition policy (redoublement) where students may repeat a year if they haven’t mastered essential skills. This approach ensures solid foundation building rather than automatic progression.

Conclusion

France’s education system offers comprehensive opportunities for both French and international students. The combination of rigorous academic standards, specialized support for international learners, and diverse educational pathways creates an environment where students can achieve academic excellence while developing the skills necessary for success in an increasingly globalized world.

Whether choosing public education with its strong academic foundation and specialized support systems, or private international schools with their flexible curricula and smaller class sizes, families have access to high-quality educational options that can meet diverse needs and aspirations. The key to success lies in understanding the available options, preparing thoroughly for enrollment, and taking advantage of the extensive support systems designed to help all students thrive in the French educational environment.

With ongoing reforms and digital initiatives, France continues to modernize its education system while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence and equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of their background or nationality.