Any child living in France has the right to join the French education system. He or she can attend either
the local state school or a private school or even one of the many bilingual schools, either state run or
private depending on their needs.
State schools are naturally free but private school are often considerably cheaper than you would imagine.
Most are run by the Catholic Church and are heavily subsidised by them. Of course prices will vary from
school to school and one region to another however to give you an idea our school fees are under 600€ per
annum for 2 children, one in college and one in primary school. School days will vary from one region to
another but the general week is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for primary schools with Wednesday
mornings to for the over 11s. In some areas children also attend school on Saturday mornings but will
enjoy longer holidays in compensation.
Between the age of 3 and 5 children can join an "ecole maternelle" or nursery school. Children in this age
group do not have formal education but undertake creative activities such drawing, painting, modelling
and cooking. They will normally have a sieste after lunch although each school will have different rules
regarding the upper ages for this.
From the age of 6 to 11 children must attend a primary school or "ecole primaire". Here they will learn the
traditional subjects of French, Maths, Geography, History and Science plus English from 9 onwards,
computer studies, sports, art and crafts. Schools generally provide before and after school care for a
very small price so children with working parents can be left from 7.30 am until 7.00 pm. There is no
school on Wednesday for this age group but hours tend to be longer than the UK. Most start at 8.45 or
9.00am and finish at 16.15 or 16.30 with 1 1/2 hours for lunch.
Lunch is usually excellent both in terms of value and healthiness. A full 3 course menu with vegetables and fruit provided.
