Selecting a school in France can seem like the most nerve-wracking part of moving with children. Websites seldom reveal what everyday life is actually like, and every family’s priorities differ. This guide focuses 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 schools, identify your non-negotiables. Most missteps in choosing come from comparing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily driving time matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the language your child is immersed in all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school’s structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Narrow down by location first. In Paris, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily challenge.
- Verify availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Visit once (or take a virtual tour) per finalist. Place more trust in your observations than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions often uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you support 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 are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat and indoor/outdoor time managed in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Everyone Dreads)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the total ongoing expense of daily life.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Steer Clear)
- Picking based on reputation alone: the everyday schedule carries more weight.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions can be real for children.
- Waiting too long for appplications: admission timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
In Short
The ideal school is typically the one that suits your family’s actual routine: where it is, the support you receive, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one that markets itself most aggressively.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Paris (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +33 1 42 67 53 00.