Registering Children for School

French education is free and mandatory from age 3:

School System Overview

Types of Schools - École maternelle (3-6 years) - École élémentaire (6-11 years) - Collège (11-15 years) - Lycée (15-18 years)

Public vs Private - Public: Free, secular, local - Private under contract: Small fees, religious option - Private independent: Expensive, more flexible

Registration Process

1. Find Your Assigned School - Based on home address - Carte scolaire determines assignment - Check mairie website - Visit schools possible

2. Register at Mairie - Birth certificate - Proof of address - Vaccination records - Parents' ID - Previous school records

3. Enrollment at School - Meet with director - Tour facilities - Discuss special needs - Receive supply list - Meet teachers

For Non-French Speakers

Support Available - UPE2A classes for newcomers - Extra French support - Translated documents - Integration programs - Parent interpreters sometimes

International Sections - Bilingual programs - Available in major cities - Competitive entry - Public school prices - Native language maintained

School Culture Differences

Expect: - Longer days (8:30-4:30) - Two-hour lunch breaks - Wednesday afternoons off (primary) - More holidays - Parent involvement limited - Formal teacher relationships