Option 1 — French Public Schools (École Nationale)
The French public school system is free, high-quality, and your right as a legal resident. Children are assigned to their local school (secteur scolaire) based on address.
- École maternelle (preschool): ages 3–5. Now compulsory from age 3.
- École primaire: ages 6–11 (CP through CM2)
- Collège: ages 11–15 (6ème through 3ème)
- Lycée: ages 15–18 (2nde, Première, Terminale) — culminates in the Baccalauréat
- All instruction is in French — immersion is fast but support is available for non-French-speaking children (UPE2A classes)
- Register at your local mairie (town hall) with proof of address, vaccination record, and passport
- The French Bac is recognized by US universities for admission
Option 2 — International & American Schools in France
The American School of Paris (ASP)
Saint-Cloud, near Paris. PreK–Grade 12. US curriculum + IB. Excellent for Americans. ~€25,000–€30,000/year. asparis.org →
International School of Paris (ISP)
16th arrondissement. IB World School. Ages 3–18. Strong English program. ~€20,000–€25,000/year. isparis.edu →
Marymount International School Paris
Neuilly-sur-Seine. Catholic school, ages 3–18. IB programme. Welcoming to American families. marymountparis.com →
École Active Bilingue (EAB)
Multiple Paris locations. Bilingual French-English from age 3. Popular with expat families wanting French immersion + English continuity.
Lycée Français (AEFE Network)
For families wanting full French curriculum with global mobility. The Lycée Louis-le-Grand and others prepare students for Classes Préparatoires and Grandes Écoles.
Schools Outside Paris
International schools exist in Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nice, and Marseille. Check AAS (Association of American Schools in France) for full directory.
Higher Education: Universities & Grandes Écoles
- French public universities: Extremely affordable (approx. €170–€600/year tuition). Top institutions include Sorbonne, Sciences Po, Paris-Dauphine, École Polytechnique.
- Sciences Po Paris: English-taught programs available. Excellent for political science, international relations, economics. Highly respected in the US.
- INSEAD (Fontainebleau): World top-10 MBA program. 1-year format. Strong US alumni network. insead.edu →
- HEC Paris: Europe's #1 business school. MiM and MBA programs. French and English instruction.
- American University of Paris (AUP): US-accredited liberal arts college in central Paris. Fully in English. US financial aid eligible. aup.edu →
- Campus France: Official portal for studying in France — scholarships, visa info, university applications. campusfrance.org →
US Student Loans & French Education
US federal student loans can be used at the American University of Paris (AUP), which is a US-accredited institution. They cannot be used at French public universities. Private lenders sometimes fund studies at recognized international schools — check with your lender.
Key Education Resources
American School of Paris
The largest American K-12 school in France
American University of Paris (AUP)
US-accredited liberal arts college in central Paris
Campus France — Study in France
Official portal for international students in France
French Ministry of Education
Official guidance on the French school system, enrollment, curriculum
French Language
Language courses and learning resources