International Education in Paris

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Capital cities don’t get much more iconic than Paris. With its world-renowned reputation for art, culture, history and sophistication, it’s no wonder a life in the City of Lights is a dream for many expats. If you’re considering a move to this stunning destination, you’ll be glad to know your child’s education needs are covered; Paris has plenty of choice when it comes to international schools. Here’s a brief summary of what you need to know:

International schools in Paris are mostly located in the western part of the city, in the 16th, 15th, 8th and 7th arrondissements. There is also a cluster of international schools in the affluent suburb of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. In general wherever you see embassies, large international companies or leafy residential areas, an international school will never be too far away.

Curricula on offer in Paris’ international schools have a European emphasis, with French, British and the International Baccalaureate being the most common. You will also find a selection of schools that teach American and Canadian curricula. The language of instruction is usually French or English.

Many schools also offer the French ‘Option Internationale du Baccalaureat’ (OIB), which is not to be confused with the International Baccalaureate. It’s an entirely different curriculum in which students choose from three different study streams (arts based, science based or business based), with an international course of study in literature, history or art added on.

Some of the most exclusive international schools in Europe call Paris home. While that means the standard of education is second to none, it also means they can be difficult to get into. While most schools accept new applicants mid-way through the academic year as well as at the start, expect waiting lists and get your application in as early as possible.

Unfortunately, the high calibre of international schools in Paris also means fees can be steep. While it’s not the most expensive destination in Europe for international education (that title goes to neighbouring Switzerland), if you were hoping for budget-friendly prices, you may want to look elsewhere.

The school day begins at around 8.30am in most schools in France, with international schools no exception. Lessons will finish up at around 4.30pm, sometimes earlier for younger students. Like most of Europe, the school calendar runs from September until July, with breaks for Christmas and Easter and shorter mid-term breaks in between.

Native English speaking teachers are common in almost all of Paris’ international schools. Extra language classes are also equally common, and the standard of education is extremely high in all areas. Rest assured, any of Paris’ schools will have a wonderful learning environment for your child no matter what stage of education they are at.

Below, we have compiled the top 10 international schools in Paris according to our users. However, there are another 35 schools to choose from in the city. You can find the best international school for your child by personalising your results. Just fill in your search criteria, and we will calculate a personal score for every international school in Paris based on your requirements.