
schooling
the education
system
Moving to France can be an exciting adventure, but for expat families, understanding the country’s education system is essential for a smooth transition. France boasts one of the world’s best education systems, blending academic rigor with cultural enrichment. This guide takes you through the French schooling journey — from crèche to university — ensuring your family thrives in its new home.
Navigating the French education system can seem daunting at first, but with careful planning, your family can access a world-class learning experience. From nurturing daycare centers to prestigious universities, France’s educational landscape is rich with opportunity. By understanding the system’s structure, language expectations, and enrollment processes, expat families can unlock a successful academic journey in one of Europe’s most dynamic countries.
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The Journey Begins
For families with young children, the journey starts at crèche — daycare centres catering to infants and toddlers up to age three. With both public and private options, crèches provide a nurturing environment that emphasizes social development and basic learning skills.
Types of Crèches:
Crèche Collective: Public daycare managed by municipalities.
Crèche Parentale: Parent-managed daycare with professional caregivers.
Crèche Familiale: Home-based childcare overseen by local authorities.
Enrolment Tips:
Register early — ideally during pregnancy.
Gather essential documents, including a birth certificate, vaccination records, and proof of residence.
Cost Insight:
Fees are income-based, with subsidies available through France’s welfare system. Expect to pay between €150 and €600 monthly, depending on your family’s financial situation.
Starting Strong
The French school system is compulsory from age 3 to 16, offering free education at public schools. It is divided into distinct stages:
1. École Maternelle (Preschool, Ages 3-6)
France takes early education seriously, and preschool is part of the formal education system. Children learn basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills in a structured environment.
2. École Élémentaire (Primary School, Ages 6-11)
This five-year stage focuses on developing foundational skills in French, mathematics, science, and humanities. Expect regular evaluations, parent-teacher meetings, and a strong emphasis on learning discipline.
3. Collège (Middle School, Ages 11-15)
Students follow a general curriculum including history, geography, arts, and languages. They take the national Diplôme National du Brevet at the end of Collège — a milestone exam that tests core academic subjects.
4. Lycée (High School, Ages 15-18)
High school offers three tracks: General, Technological, and Vocational. The final examination, Le Baccalauréat (Bac), is the gateway to higher education. International Bac (IB) programs are also available in select schools.
A World of Opportunity
France’s universities and prestigious Grandes Écoles rank among the best globally, offering affordable education and internationally recognized degrees.
Public Universities
Public universities provide low-cost, high-quality education, with tuition fees ranging from €170 to €500 annually for undergraduate programs. Although most courses are taught in French, international programs in English are increasingly available.
Tip: Language proficiency tests like DELF/DALF can improve your child’s chances of admission.
Grandes Écoles
These elite institutions specialise in engineering, business, and public administration. Entry is highly competitive and often requires preparatory classes (Classes Préparatoires). Tuition fees can range from €3,000 to €15,000 per year.