Selecting a school in France can seem like the most stressful aspect of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision method — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Paris.
First: Clarify what “Good” looks like for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, set your non-negotiable criteria. Many decisions go wrong because families weigh every factor at once without a clear prioritization.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: academic assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, level of discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Paris, traffic can turn a good school into a daily challenge.
- Verify openings and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Do a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust what you observe more than polished brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after the visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels identical” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this grade?
- How do you accommodate new students 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 kids who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and time indoors/outdoors in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete ongoing cost of the routine:
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.
What It Comes Down To
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual daily rhythm: proximity, backing, and everyday ease for your child — not the one that boasts the brightest advertising.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Paris (commute, routines, questions to pose), get in touch — or call +33 6 12 34 56 78.