Moving to France with kids? Your school choice could make or break the adventure. The French system is well-structured and highly regarded, but for non-French speakers, the local école can feel like a maze. That’s where international and bilingual schools step in - offering global curricula, softer landings, and playgrounds buzzing with the sound of three or four languages.
By 2025, France has 62,000 schools, including 293 international ones, giving expat families more options than ever. From Paris to Provence, you can go fully international or mix into the French system with a bilingual twist. Below, we break down locations, costs, and pros and cons, so you can pick the path that suits your family – and your wallet.
Share this:
The difference between bilingual sections in French state schools and full international schools
When researching international education in France, one of the first distinctions you’ll encounter is between bilingual sections in French state schools and full international schools. While they may seem similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes and carry very different price tags.
Bilingual sections in French state schools Bilingual sections – sometimes called sections internationales – are a feature of certain state schools. Children follow the French national curriculum, but with a dedicated portion of their education in a second language, often English, German, Spanish, or Italian. These sections are aimed at fostering bilingualism without sacrificing integration into the local system.
Pros
Cons
Minimal or no tuition fees (state-funded)
The curriculum remains French, which can be challenging for newcomers
Strong French immersion, supporting long-term integration
Admission can be competitive in major cities
Exposure to a second language in a structured academic context
Less international community compared to full international schools
Full international schools International schools in France, by contrast, teach foreign or globally recognised curricula – such as British A-Levels, the American High School Diploma, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Lessons are typically conducted in English or another dominant language, with French offered as a second language.
Pros
Cons
Curriculum continuity for expat families moving between countries
Tuition fees can be substantial
Internationally recognised qualifications
Children may integrate more slowly into French language and culture
Smaller classes, extensive extracurriculars, and modern facilities
Locations are concentrated in urban or affluent regions
Overview of British, American, IB, and other curriculums in France
One of the biggest advantages of international schooling is the variety of curriculums available. Choosing the right one depends on your child’s academic background and where you see them studying in the future.
British curriculum
The British curriculum is common in France, with schools such as The British School of Paris and Mougins School offering the familiar progression from Key Stages to IGCSEs and A-Levels. This pathway is ideal for UK nationals or families who plan to send their children to universities in Britain or Commonwealth countries.
Highlights:
Exams: IGCSEs (age 16) and A-Levels (age 18)
Strong in-depth subject specialisation at the upper levels
Globally recognised for university entry
American curriculum
American schools offer the US High School Diploma, often with Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This option is popular among families planning a return to the US or aiming for American universities.
Highlights:
Flexible subject selection
Opportunity to earn university credit via AP courses
Focus on continuous assessment alongside exams
International baccalaureate (IB)
The IB programme is widely regarded as the gold standard for globally mobile students. It’s offered at schools such as IBS of Provence, and provides a consistent framework recognised worldwide.
Highlights:
Curriculum covers six core subject areas, plus the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) component
Encourages critical thinking, research, and intercultural understanding
Highly valued by universities across Europe and North America
Other options
France is home to several national international schools catering to German, Spanish, Japanese, and other expatriate communities. These schools often teach in their home country’s language while offering French as a secondary subject.
Let’s address the part that often surprises newcomers: the cost of international schooling in France. Fees can vary dramatically depending on the school and region. To give you a clear picture, we’ve looked at a selection of popular international schools in different locations – from Paris to Provence – so you can see how costs shift depending on where (and what) you choose.
But tuition is only part of the story. Most schools have a range of additional expenses that can quickly add up – from registration fees and school buses to lunches, books, and those all-important ski trips. Understanding these hidden costs will help you budget realistically before you commit.
Tuition varies widely depending on the school and region. We took a look at the fees at four of the most popular international schools in France, based on the 2025/26 school year:
International school tuition rarely tells the whole story. Many families are surprised by the extras that appear on the first invoice. Typical additional costs include:
Registration or enrolment fees – Often €1,000+ per child, usually a one-off payment
School transport – Private buses can cost several hundred euros per term (common in Paris and major cities)
Meals and materials – Lunches, books, IT fees, and uniforms can add €1,000–€2,000 per year
Trips and excursions – Cultural outings, ski trips, and international exchanges are often mandatory and rarely cheap
Exams and certifications – Some schools charge extra for IGCSE, A-Level, AP, or IB exam entries
Tip: When comparing schools, always request a full breakdown of annual costs to avoid surprises.
Pros and cons of enrolling in a bilingual vs French-only system
The final piece of the puzzle is deciding how international you want your child’s education to be. Both bilingual and French-only schooling have distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Bilingual or International schools
Pros
Cons
Smooth academic transition for non-French speakers
High tuition and ancillary costs
Internationally recognised qualifications
Slower integration into French culture and language
Rich extracurricular offerings and diverse student bodies
French-only schools
Pros
Cons
Free or low-cost education
Initial academic shock for children with no French
Full immersion for language acquisition
Curriculum may be unfamiliar for parents
Strong integration into local community life
Many expats take a hybrid approach. As Christine M, an Australian mother of two living in Provence advises: “International schools can be pricey in France, depending on where you’re moving to. If you are planning to stay long term, my best advice is to get the kids doing French lessons at least a few months before the big move, send them to an international school for a year or two as they acclimatise, then send them to a local school – it’s better for their long-term integration.”
Locations with the highest concentration of international schools in France
France’s international schools are unevenly distributed, clustering around urban centres and popular expat regions. If you dream of a quiet farmhouse in the Charente, be prepared for longer commutes.
Top French regions by number of international schools (2025):
Paris – 22 schools
Bouches-du-Rhône (Marseille/Aix) – 16
Nord (Lille) – 15
Yvelines (Versailles area) – 14
Alpes-Maritimes (Nice/Cannes) – 12
Rhône (Lyon) – 11
Gironde (Bordeaux) – 10
Pas-de-Calais – 8
Finistère (Brittany) – 6
Beyond these hubs, international schools appear sporadically, often in regions with long-established expat communities like the Dordogne or Languedoc.
How to select an international school
Mougins International School, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Choosing the right school in France involves balancing location, curriculum, and your child’s personality.
Start with location and commute – International schools are concentrated in cities and affluent areas; long commutes can impact daily life.
Evaluate the curriculum – British, American, IB, or national options – which aligns with your future plans?
Check class sizes and facilities – Smaller classes often mean more support.
Understand the community – A diverse student body can ease social transitions.
Request a trial visit – Many schools allow prospective students to attend a day or two.
Financial aid options
International schooling is expensive, but financial support can help:
Employer contributions – Some relocation packages cover part or all tuition.
French state bourses – Limited, usually for low-income or French residents. School-based scholarships – Merit or need-based awards at certain private schools.
Payment plans – Many schools allow tuition to be paid in instalments.
Transition tips for children
Moving country and school system is a big step. To make the process smoother:
Start language lessons early – Even a few months of French helps children settle.
Maintain familiar routines – Keep hobbies, reading time, and home culture alive.
Encourage social integration – Playdates and local clubs accelerate confidence.
Be patient – Academic performance may dip temporarily during adjustment.
Useful resources
If you’re beginning your school search, these resources will help you navigate options and admissions:
Choosing between international and bilingual schools in France ultimately comes down to your family’s priorities: integration, curriculum continuity, and budget. International schools provide an instant community and familiar academics, but come with fees that rival university tuition. French state schools with bilingual sections offer a middle ground, combining local immersion with language support.
Whichever route you choose, remember that education in France is generally high-quality. Your child can thrive whether they’re sitting the IB, IGCSEs, or grappling with French dictée. Just brace yourself for the moment the school newsletter announces the “mandatory” ski trip – it’s France’s way of reminding parents that a French education comes with a little extra continental flair.
Next up:
Cheapest locations to buy property in France 2025
Looking beyond the Côte d'Azur and Paris? France’s best-value property gems are hiding in plain sight, offering UNESCO heritage, medieval charm, and Mediterranean living—without the premium price tag. Explore our data-backed list of the 12 most affordable locations to make your French property dream a reality.
Be the first to comment!