Education is an essential component of the development of a child’s personality, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. It is also important for their social and professional integration and the exercise of their citizenship. In France, it is highly recommended to enroll children in kindergarten or école maternelle from the age of 3, and in some schools, it is possible to enroll them from the age of 2.
Education is mandatory for all children between 6 and 16 years old. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child attends school regularly. At the same time, you have certain rights, including the right to vote and eligibility to run as a representative of the parents in the school council and administration of secondary schools.
The French education system is structured in a way that children move through different stages as they age. École maternelle (kindergarten) is the first stage of schooling, followed by école élémentaire (elementary school) for ages 6 to 11, then collège (middle school) for ages 11 to 15, and finally lycée (high school) for ages 15 to 18.
In France, education is free, including textbooks and school supplies, for all children enrolled in public schools. There are also private schools, but they require tuition fees. French schools are governed by the French Ministry of Education and are held to a high standard of academic rigor.
In addition to traditional academic subjects like math, science, and language arts, French schools offer a broad curriculum that includes the arts, physical education, and social studies. Schools are also required to teach civics and French history.
If you have a child with special needs, they can attend a school adapted to their specific requirements. There are specialized institutions, such as établissements régionaux d’enseignement adapté (EREA), which provide tailored education for students with disabilities or behavioral issues.