Selecting a school in France can seem like the most challenging part of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family’s priorities differ. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Paris.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, identify your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong because families weigh too many factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily travel time matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A simple process
- Create a short list based on location first. In Paris, commuting patterns can turn a solid school into a daily hassle.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about what the classroom actually looks like. Class size, staff turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Visit each finalist once (or view a virtual tour). Rely more on what you observe than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a single-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the ‘everything feels identical’ issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- 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 & Logistics (The Unloved Side)
Choosing schools isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete routine expenses:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Deciding solely on reputation: the everyday schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family dynamics.
- Assuming “international” means identical everywhere: it doesn't.
- Failing to ask about support: transitions are real for children.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can close sooner than you expect.
Bottom Line
The most suitable school tends to be the one aligned with your family's real routine: where it is, the support offered, and daily comfort for your child—not the one with the most eye-catching marketing.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Paris (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or give +33 1 23 45 67 89 a call.