Picking a school in France can seem to be the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites often don’t show what daily life is really like, and families have different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families planning to relocate to Paris.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, define your non-negotiables. Most choosing errors occur when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child hears throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: level of structure, discipline, and the school’s communication style.
How to Decide Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits families living abroad:
A straightforward approach
- Generate a location-based shortlist first. In Paris, traffic can turn a good school into a daily challenge.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are typical.
- Inquire about the classroom realities. Class sizes, turnover of teachers, how communication is handled.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Visit one time (or take a virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on your impressions 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” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These inquiries tend to uncover more than generic “tell me about your program” chats:
- What size are classes usually for this age group?
- How do you accommodate students who join mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers update parents (weekly notes, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you assist children who feel anxious or are adapting to a new country?
- What are the guidelines for language support (ESL) if required?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time arranged in warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Hates to Love)
Choosing a school isn't only about the tuition. Consider the complete ongoing costs:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family routines.
- 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.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school typically matches your family’s actual routine: its location, the level of support, and everyday comfort for your child — rather than the one that boasts the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Paris (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +33 1 23 45 67 89.