Secondary schools in France for international students - 3 yo

Primary education in France begins at age six, where young learners focus on standard subjects like reading, writing, and basic mathematics. This level carries a moderate academic workload. The next stage is middle school, known as "collège," which caters to students aged 11 to 15 and consists of a mandatory four-year program.

Middle Schools in France: Transition to Lyceum

After completing collège, students move on to the "lycée," a transitional stage between middle school and university. Lycées offer specialized courses tailored to students' chosen academic or vocational paths. At the age of 13-14, students start making critical decisions about their future careers and the specialization they will pursue in lycée. French secondary schools introduce physics and chemistry at age 13, and by age 14, students have the option to study Latin. Multiple foreign languages are also on offer. In the final year of collège, students focus on specialized subjects and sit exams to earn the "diplôme national du brevet," which helps determine their educational pathway.

Types of Lycées: An Overview

There are three main types of lycées in France:

• General Lycées (3 years)

• Technological Lycées (3 years)

• Professional Lycées (2 years)

Both general and technological lycées prepare students for higher education, offering specializations in fields like design, astronautics, and aeronautics. In contrast, professional lycées provide certificates that enable students to work in the service sector.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What would you say is the most important when choosing a school?

This is the quality of support and work of the management, the opportunity to study at IB, the prestige of the school and the percentage of successful completion of the diploma stage of IB, recommendations for further universities. It is worth considering the national "recruitment" of campus students, opportunities for extracurricular development and activities, the availability of medical services and consultations, opportunities for language immersion. Is education at the chosen school based on the values you share? Is the school a close-knit community? Is academic support good?

French schools offer instruction in either French or English. All certificates granted by French secondary schools and lycées meet high international standards.

List of 5 best Schools in France

In France many  prestigious schools are located, gained recognition in different areas, ranging from academics and arts to sciences and technology. As a matter of fact, the concept of "best educational institutions" can be subjective, which is stipulated by the goals and preferences of the student. Below we listed  five schools in France, which occupy high positions in international rankings due to their high academic standards, effective educational programs, and wide range of extracurricular activities for students.

Located in the capital of France, the Lycée Louis-le-Grand is considered as one of the best secondary schools in the country. The development of this educational institution goes back to the 16th century, the school has been graduated René Descartes and several French presidents. The popularity of this school concerns high quality academic preparation, making an emphasis on sciences, humanities, and languages. Upon completing studies, students gain high marks in exams and successfully enter top universities of France and othe countries. 

École Normale Supérieure (ENS) is featured by making an emphasis on research and higher learning in the educational process. ENS is located in Paris,  offering an environment where students engage in scholarly pursuits actively. This institution is tailored to students, who want to achieve academic excellence. ENS is particularly renowned for producing a large number of Fields Medalists and Nobel Laureates relative to its size.

Lycée Henri-IV has a status of prestigious public school, also offering preparatory classes in Paris. Like Lycée Louis-le-Grand, it began functioning many years ago. For example, among its graduates were Paul Valéry and André Gide. Lycée Henri-IV has gained recognition due to its strong educational programs in the humanities and social sciences. The school aims to prepare its students for the challenges of the top French Grandes Écoles and universities.

Located in the suburb of Saint-Cloud, the American School of Paris is one of the top international schools in France, providing studying according to the American program from kindergarten to 12th grade. Due to the school's international status, the main feature is a multicultural environment, as many foreign students decide on studying here. Upon completing studies, graduates can be awarded either the American high school diploma or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

International School of Nice (ISN) is a great option for students, who are interested in pursuing an English-language education in France. The school offers preschool programs and education from 1st to the 12th grades. Also students can choose the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for studying. Representatives from more than 40 countries are studying here. Educational program stipulates comprehensive development of all students,  organizing diverse extracurricular activities.

While these schools represent just a small fraction of the high-quality educational institutions available in France, they are often considered among the best due to their rigorous academic programs, diverse offerings, and histories of producing successful alumni.

To enter, applicants should have good academic preparation. As an advantage, it is recommended to obtain a diploma of the International Baccalaureate IB or French Baccalaureate. In most cases language certificates are also required for admission.

In case of any question or required assistance, please contact SMAPSE experts who are glad to help you at any time.

To select an appropriate school, it is worth paying attention to rankings of educational institutions, as in France many prestigious schools are located and have gained global recognition. Investing in a quality French education will not only open doors academically but also offer a culturally enriching experience.

Cost and fee structure for schools in France varies considerably based on the type of institution—public, private, or international—and the level of education. Public schools  are mostly free of charge, only expenses concerning administrative costs and engaging in extracurricular activities may arise. Parents might have to cover the cost of school supplies, extracurricular activities, and sometimes lunch. In higher education, however, university fees do exist, though they are relatively modest when compared to countries like the United States. According to the data of September 2021, the cost of studying in a French public university ranged from about €170 for an undergraduate program to approximately €380 for a master's program per academic year. More specialized courses are paid additionally.

Private schools in France, on the other hand, have a different fee structure. The cost of studying may vary from a few thousand euros per year to much more, depending on the ranking of private institutions. Unlike public schools, private schools are not state-funded and therefore rely on tuition and sometimes donations for their operating costs. Fees at private institutions can include not just the tuition, but also various administrative costs, costs for extracurricular activities, and sometimes meal plans or uniforms. It's important to read the fine print and fully understand what is and isn't covered by tuition fees when considering private education in France.

International schools, which often follow a different curriculum such as the British, American, or International Baccalaureate systems, tend to be the most expensive option. These schools are primarily designed for expatriate families and often have tuition costs that can rival or even exceed private schools in the United States or the United Kingdom. Tuition fees may account to the tens of thousands of euros per year. The expenses concerning uniforms, participation in school trips and extracurricular activities are paid additionally.

Foreign students can apply for financial aid and scholarships. The amount of financial assistance is stipulated by the educational institution you have chosen and the family's financial situation. In the case of choosing public universities, low-income families are provided with subsidized rates. Awarding scholarships to a student is stipulated by a financial need and academic performance. Private and international schools may offer financial aid or scholarship options, but these are generally more limited. Overall, the cost and fee landscape for schools in France is diverse, requiring families to carefully consider their options based on both educational goals and financial capability.