Selecting a school in France may seem like the toughest part of moving with children. Online resources rarely disclose what daily life is truly like, and every family prioritizes differently. This guide focuses on practical questions and a simple decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Paris.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, set your non-negotiables. Many choices go awry when families try to compare every factor at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend commuting each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: what language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline, and ways of communicating.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Create a short list by location first. In Paris, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily grind.
- Check current availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the actual classroom environment. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Arrange one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on your own observations than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions often uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for that age group?
- How do you accommodate new students who join mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if required?
- How do you manage hot weather, indoor vs outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Unpopular Side)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the overall daily expenses:
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 Final Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that suits your family’s real schedule: location, support, and day-to-day ease for your child — not the one with the flashiest advertising.
If you'd like help weighing priorities for Paris (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +33 1 42 68 53 00.