Selecting a school in France can seem like the most challenging aspect of moving with children. Online resources rarely describe daily life accurately, and each family’s priorities vary. This guide concentrates on practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning to relocate to Paris.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, identify your must-haves. Many decision mistakes stem from evaluating everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling 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. Inquire about what the class is really like, including class sizes, teacher turnover, and how communication is handled.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps prevent the 'everything feels the same' issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students joining mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and 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 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. Consider the full routine cost:
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 for your family is usually the one that fits your real daily routine: its location, the support you receive, and everyday ease for your child—not the one that relies on flashy advertising.
If you'd like help evaluating priorities for Paris (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +33 1 40 12 34 56.