Education

Education

Everything Americans need to know about enrolling children in the French school system. This section covers how French public schools are organized by age group, the difference between maternelle, primaire, college, and lycee, how to register at your local school, what documents the administration will ask for, and what to expect during the first weeks. We also cover private and international school options, language support programs for children arriving without French, bilingual school pathways, and how to handle the transition for kids who are mid-year or coming from the US curriculum. Whether you are moving with young children or teenagers, this is your practical guide to navigating education in France as an American family.

A classroom filled with lots of desks and chairs

Education

Education

Everything Americans need to know about enrolling children in the French school system. This section covers how French public schools are organized by age group, the difference between maternelle, primaire, college, and lycee, how to register at your local school, what documents the administration will ask for, and what to expect during the first weeks. We also cover private and international school options, language support programs for children arriving without French, bilingual school pathways, and how to handle the transition for kids who are mid-year or coming from the US curriculum. Whether you are moving with young children or teenagers, this is your practical guide to navigating education in France as an American family.

Education

Education

Everything Americans need to know about enrolling children in the French school system. This section covers how French public schools are organized by age group, the difference between maternelle, primaire, college, and lycee, how to register at your local school, what documents the administration will ask for, and what to expect during the first weeks. We also cover private and international school options, language support programs for children arriving without French, bilingual school pathways, and how to handle the transition for kids who are mid-year or coming from the US curriculum. Whether you are moving with young children or teenagers, this is your practical guide to navigating education in France as an American family.

A classroom filled with lots of desks and chairs

How ENIC-NARIC France evaluates US degrees, what the attestation unlocks, which professions require formal recognition, and how to apply step by step.

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May 12, 2026

woman wearing academic cap and dress selective focus photography illustrating the degree recognition

How ENIC-NARIC France evaluates US degrees, what the attestation unlocks, which professions require formal recognition, and how to apply step by step.

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May 12, 2026

woman wearing academic cap and dress selective focus photography illustrating the degree recognition

How to get a crèche place, find an assistante maternelle, use monenfant.fr, claim CAF childcare allowances, and navigate childcare in France as an expat.

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Jan 11, 2026

girl holding purple and green camera toy illustrating childcare

How to get a crèche place, find an assistante maternelle, use monenfant.fr, claim CAF childcare allowances, and navigate childcare in France as an expat.

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Jan 11, 2026

girl holding purple and green camera toy illustrating childcare

Homeschooling in France requires state authorization since 2022. The 4 accepted reasons, annual inspections, and CNED: what Americans must know.

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Mar 21, 2026

two children working at home illustrating homeschooling

Homeschooling in France requires state authorization since 2022. The 4 accepted reasons, annual inspections, and CNED: what Americans must know.

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Mar 21, 2026

two children working at home illustrating homeschooling

CASNAV assessment, UPE2A language classes, and how French schools integrate non-French-speaking children: what actually happens and what parents must do.

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Apr 10, 2026

assorted-color color pencils in a classroom

CASNAV assessment, UPE2A language classes, and how French schools integrate non-French-speaking children: what actually happens and what parents must do.

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Apr 10, 2026

assorted-color color pencils in a classroom

French public school is free. International schools cost €10,000 to €35,000 per year. The decision framework American families in France actually need.

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Apr 8, 2026

a group of students in a classroom in France

French public school is free. International schools cost €10,000 to €35,000 per year. The decision framework American families in France actually need.

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Apr 8, 2026

a group of students in a classroom in France

Kids under 10 reach functional classroom French in 4-6 months. « Doit fournir plus d'efforts » is standard teacher language, not a warning. Grades run out of 20.

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May 8, 2026

Sorbonne university of paris building with french flags

Kids under 10 reach functional classroom French in 4-6 months. « Doit fournir plus d'efforts » is standard teacher language, not a warning. Grades run out of 20.

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May 8, 2026

Sorbonne university of paris building with french flags

How to enroll your children in French public school as an American expat: documents needed, the mairie process, and what to expect.

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Apr 21, 2026

Children studying in a classroom, illustrating school enrollment for American expat kids in France

How to enroll your children in French public school as an American expat: documents needed, the mairie process, and what to expect.

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Apr 21, 2026

Children studying in a classroom, illustrating school enrollment for American expat kids in France