Moving to France involves understanding various aspects of life there, including the French education system, especially if you're bringing children. France offers a structured and accessible education system, starting from preschool to high school, with specific provisions for immigrant children to integrate smoothly.
Children in France start their education at preschool in the year they turn three. This early education stage focuses on group-based learning, arts, crafts, physical activities, and basic problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on immersing children in the French language. Registration for preschool is done through the local town hall (Mairie) by the end of June for the September start. Required documents typically include the child's birth certificate, passport and residency documents, proof of address, and official medical records showing immunization history.
After preschool, children move to primary school (école élémentaire) at six, then to middle school (collège) at eleven, and high school (lycée) at fifteen. The transition from preschool to primary school is automatic if they are attached; otherwise, the Mairie designates a school based on your address. For middle school and high school, parents have the option to request a specific school if it offers courses suited to their child's interests, though approval is not guaranteed.
For children arriving in France who are of middle or high school age, parents should contact the local school inspectorate or CASNAV, a department dedicated to integrating newly arrived children into the French education system. CASNAV assesses the child's educational level and French proficiency to determine the appropriate school and year group, and whether intensive French tuition is needed.
France also offers private schooling options, including many faith-based schools. Private schools can be either "sous contrat" (subsidized by the French government and following the national curriculum) or "hors contrat" (independent and setting their own curriculum). Fees vary significantly, with "sous contrat" schools being more affordable due to government subsidies. Enrolment procedures and requirements differ among private schools, so direct contact is advisable.
Preschool is compulsory from age three, focusing on early social and academic skills.
Primary to high school education is structured to support academic or vocational paths, with automatic enrolment in attached schools or designated schools by the Mairie.
For immigrant children, CASNAV provides assessments and support to integrate them into the appropriate educational stage.
Private schools offer alternative education paths, with varying costs and curriculums.
Understanding the French education system is crucial for immigrant families to ensure a smooth transition for their children into a new educational environment.
Prepared on the information from remitly.com