Selecting a school in France may seem like the toughest aspect of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life is truly like, and every family's priorities vary. This guide centers 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 nonnegotiables. Most choices go awry when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and preferred communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Start with location to narrow down. In Paris, commuting can turn a seemingly good school into a daily grind.
- Check availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, and how they communicate.
- Inquire about support services. ESL, learning support, and transition assistance for new students.
- Make one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your impressions more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It prevents the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you integrate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers reach out to 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 adjusting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Unloved Side)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily costs too:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it influences sleep, mood, and family time.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: that’s not the case.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for children.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than expected.
In Short
The best school is usually the one that fits your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Paris (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or dial +33 1 42 34 56 78.