Selecting a school in France can seem one of the most challenging aspects of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family has its own set of priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Paris.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing options, pin down your non-negotiables. Most bad decisions happen when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: How long you spend driving each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: options like British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: including learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Paris, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Make a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions usually reveal more than general “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part No One Enjoys)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the full daily cost of routines:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admission timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school typically aligns with your family’s actual schedule: its location, the support available, and day-to-day ease for your child — not the one with the flashiest advertising.
If you’d like assistance weighing priorities for Paris (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +33 1 40 50 60 70.