Expat Education Guide: Schools in Bordeaux

Education Overview

Bordeaux scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 15 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Bordeaux offers a high-quality education system that aligns with France's nationally recognized standards. The city is home to prestigious institutions and has a growing international education sector. As a major educational hub in southwestern France, Bordeaux provides diverse options from traditional French public schools to international establishments catering to expatriate families, with particularly strong offerings in bilingual education and wine industry specializations.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$4,420

Monthly Costs

$3,220/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $50

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $400

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $550/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,500/mo

Transportation Monthly $60/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

Saint Pierre, Bordeaux

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private Catholic, bilingual options

Notable: Lycée Michel Montaigne, École Sainte-Marie Grand Lebrun

Chartrons

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and bilingual options

Notable: École Albert Barraud, Collège Cassignol, École Élémentaire des Chartrons

Nansouty

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private and Catholic options

Notable: École Nansouty, Collège Aliénor d'Aquitaine, Lycée Camille Jullian

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Practical Tips

Register children for school early within the official period, typically starting in March, at the Mairie de Bordeaux's Service Éducation.

this helps secure a place and allows ample time to complete all necessary paperwork without rushing.

Look for language exchange groups at local cafés or online platforms like Meetup for informal conversation practice.

these often provide free opportunities to practice French with locals and fellow expats outside of formal institutions.

Enroll for French classes at Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) through Université Bordeaux Montaigne rather than private language schools

their intensive programs are half the price of commercial options and provide a student card that gives access to university facilities and student discounts throughout the city

Utilize the Mériadeck Library's digital resources and catalog through the 'Médiathèques de Bordeaux' app for study planning.

the app helps you organize your visits, access materials, and check library hours efficiently.

Useful Links

Académie de Bordeaux

Official education authority for Bordeaux region, providing information on school enrollment, calendars and educational programs.

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University of Bordeaux

Bordeaux's prestigious university offering various international programs and resources for foreign students with English course options.

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Bordeaux International School

Private international school in Bordeaux offering bilingual education from nursery to secondary level following international curricula.

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Alliance Française Bordeaux

Official French language institute offering comprehensive language courses for all levels with integration support for newcomers.

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Campus France - Study in Bordeaux

Official agency promoting French higher education with specific information for international students coming to Bordeaux.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bordeaux has 15 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Bordeaux varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Bordeaux, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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