International Schools in France: 2025 Pillar Guide (IB, British, American, Bilingual, Admissions, Costs)

Each type of school responds to a different profile:

• IB schools (International Baccalaureate): open to all, rigorous, multilingual, ideal if you move often. Globally recognized diploma.
• British schools: based on the English system (IGCSE, A-Levels), perfect for families from the UK or Commonwealth.
• American schools: follow the U.S. curriculum with American diploma, often combined with IB for university.
• Public international sections: integrated into French lycées, half national curriculum, half foreign language (often free).

Tip: if staying more than 3 years, bilingual/IB is the most balanced option for reintegrating into any system later.

British Curriculum

British School of Paris (BSP) – in Croissy-sur-Seine, one of the oldest British schools in continental Europe. Full program ages 3 to 18, strong UK/US university preparation.

Mougins British International School (Nice) – renowned for creative pedagogy, green setting, and family support.

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American Curriculum

American School of Paris (ASP) – in Saint-Cloud. Offers High School Diploma and IB Diploma. Very strong university focus (Ivy League, UK, Canada).

American School of Grenoble – small friendly structure, very flexible for scientific families and temporary expats.

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IB (International Baccalaureate)

École Jeannine Manuel (Paris, Lille) – world reference. Bilingual teaching from kindergarten, IB results among Europe's best.

International School of Lyon (ISL) – family atmosphere, multicultural environment, complete IB (PYP–DP).

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Bilingual public/private

Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye – British, American, German, Spanish, Dutch sections. Highly selective but free.

International School of Toulouse – Airbus school, English/French, very flexible for mid-year entries.

École Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel (Lille/Paris) – recognized model of balanced immersion.

Good to know: some schools (ASP, BSP, Jeannine Manuel) have waiting lists of one year. Pre-register even without fixed housing.

Scholarships: check embassy programs, foundations (Fulbright, British Council) and international employers. Some companies cover registration fees.

Short stay (1–3 years): prioritize recognized international schools (ASP, BSP, ISL) → quick adaptation, universal program.

Long-term installation (>5 years): opt for bilingual public section → cultural integration + reduced cost.

Young children (<10 years): soft immersion with local bilingual schools.

Teens (>14 years): prefer IB or A-Levels for future university mobility.

1. Email contact (English accepted).
2. Download application file (usually PDF online).
3. Send report cards and recommendation letters.
4. Video interview or level test.
5. Acceptance within 2–4 weeks.
6. Payment of registration fees (often non-refundable).
7. Written confirmation + arrival pack.

• Playground language: often mixed! Encourage your child to learn a few French words from arrival.
• Extracurricular activities: music, theater, international sports (rugby, basketball, mixed football).
• Expat parent network: each school has a parent committee – useful for housing, doctor, paperwork.
• Transportation: frequent private shuttles (Paris, Toulouse, Lyon). Budget €1,000–€2,000/year.

Arrived from Canada in June, they contacted International School of Lyon via the website. Video interview within 48h, online language test. Admission confirmed early July, school starts September. Their 9-year-old daughter follows bilingual PYP. They rent an apartment 15 min from school — the mother says: "It's the school that helped us find housing!"

• Scan all documents to PDF (report cards, passports, vaccination record).
• Prepare certified translation if your report cards are not in English or French.
• Create a dedicated email address for school procedures.
• Ask about CAF allowances: some private schools may give rights to aid.

• Education.gouv.fr – Public international sections
• Council of International Schools Directory
• IBO.org – List of IB schools in France