Expat Education Guide: Schools in Paris

Education Overview

Paris scores 5.0/5 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.

Paris offers a high-quality education system that consistently ranks well in international assessments. The city features a centralized French national curriculum with strong academic standards, complemented by a rich variety of international and bilingual options. As the capital, Paris hosts some of France's most prestigious schools, including the elite 'lycées' Henri-IV and Louis-le-Grand, alongside numerous international establishments catering to expatriate families.

Quick Stats

Education Score

5.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$9,275

Monthly Costs

$5,445/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $500

International School Application Fee $800

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,100/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,500/mo

Transportation Monthly $45/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

Latin Quarter

Density 5/6

Types: Universities, grandes écoles, lycées

Notable: Sorbonne University, Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Lycée Henri-IV

Passy

Density 5/6

Types: International, bilingual, and private lycées

Notable: Lycée Janson de Sailly, École de l'Alma, Lycée Jean-Baptiste Say

Le Marais

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and international options

Notable: École des Francs-Bourgeois, Lycée Charlemagne, École Massillon

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Practical Tips

Apply for the 'Bourses de la Ville de Paris' even if you don't qualify for national scholarships

the city offers its own scholarships with different criteria than national programs, and many newcomers don't realize they're eligible

Explore free or low-cost French classes offered by Paris City Hall (Mairie de Paris) programs or local associations.

These widely available courses are subsidized and aimed at integration, often with options for different levels and schedules.

Join the waitlist for international sections at Collège/Lycée Balzac in the 17th arrondissement

they often have unexpected openings mid-year when diplomat families relocate, unlike other international schools with rigid annual admissions

Schedule university administrative appointments on Tuesdays around 10am

most French students schedule appointments on Mondays or after lunch, making Tuesday mornings significantly less crowded

Useful Links

Académie de Paris

Official education authority for Paris with information on public schools, enrollment procedures, and educational resources for all grade levels.

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Sorbonne University

Official website of the prestigious Sorbonne University with enrollment procedures, course offerings, and services for international students in Paris.

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Paris.fr Education Services

Official city website with information on school registration, after-school programs, and educational support services throughout Paris's districts.

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Campus France

Official French agency guiding international students on university applications, student visas, and scholarship opportunities for studying in Paris.

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Alliance Française Paris

Official French language institute offering comprehensive language courses, cultural programs, and integration support for newcomers to Paris.

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Education Guides in France

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Frequently Asked Questions

Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris, 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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