General Education Requirement 

● Schooling is mandatory from age 3 to 16 in France. 

● Parents must make sure their children go to school regularly. 

● Absences are accepted only for illness or serious family reasons. 

Primary School (École Élémentaire) 

● Ages: 6–11 (grades CP to CM2) 

● Subjects: French, Math, Science, History–Geography, Art, Physical Education, and Technology. 

● At the end of CM2, students take a test to move to secondary school.

● Enrollment: Go to your local town hall (mairie) or directly to the nearest public school. Even if your family is newly arrived, your child has the right to register. 

Secondary School 

● Collège (ages 11–15): Four years ending with a national exam (Diplôme National). 

● Lycée (ages 15–18): Three options after collège: 

1. General path – prepares for university (Baccalauréat général). 

2. Technological path – focuses on applied sciences (Baccalauréat technologique). 

3. Vocational path – focuses on trades and practical jobs

● Special classes for newcomers: 

If your child does not speak French, they can join a class called UPE2A, where students learn French and adjust before joining normal classes. 

Newcomer and Language Support 

● France has special programs to help new migrant and refugee children integrate. 

● Example: Inclusive schooling helps children learn French while joining normal classes gradually. 

● Teachers and support staff help students adapt to French culture and education. 

Cost 

● Public schools are free from age 3 to 16. 

● You may pay for: 

○ School meals 

○ Transport 

○ School supplies (books, notebooks, pens) 

● Local authorities can help low-income families with these costs. 

● All children, including asylum-seekers, have the right to education in France. 

Documents Needed to Enroll 

1. Child’s birth certificate or family record (livret de famille). 

2. Proof of address (rental contract or electricity bill).

3. Vaccination record (must be up to date). 

4. School reports from your home country, if available. 

5. Registration form from the town hall or school.