Are you relocating to Paris, the City of Light? Are you concerned about your children’s education? Don’t be.
Paris has so much to offer your children culturally. From the many museums and art galleries to a boat cruise along the Seine or a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, your children will experience a delectable sample of European life. Art and history abound and to experience the Parisian lifestyle is the dream of many. Let’s not forget the sophisticated cuisine, authentic bread and pastries, and deliciously moreish French cheeses.
Many expats are attracted to Paris for work and the opportunity to explore its culture, art, and history. As a US expat, you won’t be alone. Your children’s education certainly won’t be lacking. Read on for a rundown on some of the best schools in Paris for US expats.
Firstly, you need to consider your children’s age. Will they be attending Primary, Middle, or Secondary school. What is your preference for languages? Do you want the curriculum to be totally in English, or do you prefer a bilingual curriculum? Maybe you prefer that your children fully immerse themselves by attending a local state school?
Fortunately, Paris can offer the US expat a range of schools catering to all your requirements. Some of the most exclusive international schools in Europe are in Paris. You can choose from an International School, a bi-lingual school, or a french state-run school. Interestingly, some state-run schools have a specific program for expat children called ‘Sections Internationales’ that follows a partly American curriculum.
Facts to know about school life in France
- The school year runs from September to July, as with most European countries.
- Public education is free.
- All schools in France have holidays depending on their zone, A, B, or C. Paris is in zone C. The zones mean some differences in the mid-term holidays. Generally, summer holidays are two months, Christmas and Easter holidays are for two or three weeks, and then the mid-terms each have a one-week holiday.
- School uniforms are not compulsory at French schools.
- The school day begins at 8.30 am and finishes at 4.30 pm. There are two breaks during the day.
- School attendance is compulsory from the age of six to sixteen years old.
- French schools have three levels, Primary school (école), Middle school (collège), and High school (lycée ).
- If you choose to enroll your child in a state school, it will be the closest to your residence. All classes are in French. If your child is older than six years and doesn’t speak French, the town hall will send them to one specializing in teaching French to ex-pat children.
- Primary schools close on Wednesdays for the afternoon or all of the day.
- International schools teach the International Baccalaureate curriculum. There are also international schools that follow the US curriculum.
Finding the right school for your child is an essential factor in ensuring a happy transition to a new city in a new country. Below are some of the most highly regarded schools in Paris.
The American School of Paris
This international school may suit you, as at least fifty percent of students are American. It also has a sound reputation as one of the best schools in Paris for US expats. It is located just six miles from the Eiffel Tower in Saint-Cloud. It caters to students aged from 3-18 years old. Lower school 3-10 years, Middle school 11-13 years, and Upper school 14-18 years.
They teach an American curriculum with an international perspective. Interestingly, this school was founded in 1946 and was the first international school in Europe. Further, it was one of the founding schools of the International Baccalaureate curriculum. A strong history and heritage await your child here.
Students may study for the American High School Diploma as well as the International Baccalaureate.
Some of the other features of this impressive school are two libraries, two gymnasiums, and training centers as well as outdoor play-fields, a performing art center, a science center, and two cafeterias with French chefs serving organic fair. Parents are encouraged to participate in school events and build a strong community. If you would like more information on this international school, you can visit its website here.
Lycée International-American Section
This top-ranked school was founded over half a century ago by Dwight D Eisenhower and offers a bilingual education for children 4-18 years old. Lower school, Middle school, and Upper school.
The American Section has all certified American teachers that bring their American training to the classroom. Students also have classes in French with French teachers, a truly bilingual experience. For students that don’t speak French, there are special French language classes.
Beyond the classroom, there are many extra-curricular activities from robotics and Irish dancing to all types of sports. There is also a well-stocked library and a technology lab.
If you would like to learn more about this school, you can visit their website here.
Lennen Bilingual School
This Franco-American school was established in 1960 by Patricia Lennen. She was a well-known innovator in bilingual education for children. She wanted to create a school for young Americans to be able to learn French. French students then enrolled to learn English. It is a Lower school catering to children from 2-11 years old. In the Kindergarten section students have a French teacher and an English -speaking teacher. In the primary classes, half the day is in French and the other half in English. From the age of 2 years, your child receives a truly bilingual experience.
If you would like to learn more about this school, you can visit their website here.
Notre Dame International High School
This international high school is a College Preparatory American school in Paris. It caters to students from the age of 15-18 years. All classes are in English by native English teachers. This school follows the American curriculum, as well as the International Baccalaureate IB curriculum. There is the opportunity for students to learn French at a beginner’s level.
This high school is in Yvelines, just outside of Paris, in a wooded, leafy environment. It boasts many excellent facilities on campus that include modern science and technology labs to outdoor sports play-fields and cafeterias. Arts and music programs are also offered, and there is an amphitheater on campus.
If you would like to learn more about Notre Dame International High School, you can visit their website and download their brochure here.
Marymount International School Paris
This private international school is in a historic building just minutes from the center of Paris. It is the oldest international school in France. The original Marymount College for young women was in New York in 1908. The vision of international education and a study abroad program led to the establishment of Marymount International School in Paris in 1923. It is part of a global network of nineteen schools around the world. Today, it provides tuition to children aged 2-14 years old from over thirty-six different nationalities and twenty-six languages. This school follows a Catholic ideology but embraces various cultures and religions.
The campus has many excellent facilities such as; three gymnasiums, a library, a performing arts theater, music rooms, technology and science labs, an art room with a pottery studio as well as a chapel and dining room.
The students are encouraged to be bilingual with at least one French lesson a day. Otherwise, classes are in English and follow a curriculum based on a range of international standards. This school is renowned for its academic excellence.
If you would like more information on this excellent school, you can visit their website here.
In Conclusion
Relocating to a new, unfamiliar country can be exhilarating as well as daunting. The challenges of finding a new home for the family and the services that you require can be demanding. Your children’s education and finding the most suitable school is paramount when relocating overseas. Your child’s knowledge of the world is enhanced by immersing them in a new culture. Still, it is imperative that they feel settled and happy in the right school. Here we have listed a few schools that may make the transition faster and easier. The ability to follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum in English makes everything less complicated, especially if your child is that bit older. In the end, your child will only benefit from this unique opportunity that you have made available to them.