Picking a school in France may seem like the toughest part of moving with kids. Online resources often miss the realities of everyday life, and families have unique priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families planning a move to Paris.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, set your non-negotiables. Many missteps come from trying to compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend in the car each day is more significant than you may realize.
- Curriculum: options like British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school’s structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- First narrow by location. In Paris, traffic can transform a decent school into a daily grind.
- Check availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, how communication is handled.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your own observations over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, or email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and 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 manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Include the complete everyday expense:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school typically matches your family’s actual daily schedule: its location, the level of support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the school with the most flashy marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Paris (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +33 1 42 68 38 88.