Selecting a school in France can seem like the most stressful aspect of relocating with kids. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family’s priorities differ. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a simple decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Paris.
Step One: Determine What “Good” Looks Like for Your Family
Before comparing options, establish your nonnegotiables. Many decision mistakes occur because families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Travel time: the daily time spent driving matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language setting: what your child hears all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL services, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Paris, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily grind.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a single-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels identical” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unloved Part)
School choices aren't only about tuition. Consider the complete everyday cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Judging by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: that's not the case.
- Failing to inquire about support: transitions are real for children.
- Procrastinating too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
In a Nutshell
The ideal school usually matches your family’s real routine: its location, the support you’ll receive, and your child’s day-to-day comfort — not the school with the flashiest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Paris (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +33 1 42 68 53 00.