Navigating international school admissions in Paris can feel daunting for expat families. Places at the most sought-after schools are limited, application windows open more than a year in advance, and each school runs its own assessment process. This 2026 guide walks you through the admissions calendar, the documents you will need, how entrance assessments work, and what Paris international schools look for in applicant families, so you can plan your move with confidence.
How International School Admissions Work in Paris
Unlike the French state system, where catchment areas decide placements, international schools in Paris manage their own admissions. Most operate rolling admissions but prioritise applications received between October and February for entry the following September. Popular year groups, especially the early years, Year 7 (6e) and pre-IB years, fill quickly and often carry waiting lists.
Schools typically assess three things: the student's academic record, language readiness for the language of instruction, and the family's fit with the school community. For bilingual programmes, many schools test both English and French, though beginners in French are usually welcomed in dedicated adaptation classes.
Admissions Timeline for 2026 Entry
For September 2026 entry, a sensible timeline looks like this: research and shortlist schools between September and November 2025, submit applications from October 2025 to January 2026, sit assessments and interviews between January and March 2026, and receive offers from March onwards. Families relocating mid-year should contact schools directly: many Paris international schools admit students in January if space allows.
Applying to three or four schools is standard practice in Paris. Application fees generally range from 75 to 300 euros per school and are non-refundable.
Documents You Will Need
Prepare these documents early, ideally with certified translations into English or French: the last two to three years of school reports, a copy of the student's passport or ID, immunisation records, teacher recommendation letters (usually maths and English for secondary applicants), and any educational psychologist or learning support reports. Some schools also ask for a parent statement explaining why you are applying.
Leading International Schools in Paris
Ermitage International School Paris
Founded in 1941 and located in Maisons-Laffitte on the western edge of Paris, Ermitage is a bilingual day and boarding school offering the IB Diploma Programme and a bilingual French-English track. Admissions include a file review, an online or on-campus assessment and a family interview. Boarding places are particularly popular, so early application is essential.
ICS Paris
ICS Paris is an IB continuum school in the heart of the city, teaching students from 2 to 18 across the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The school is known for its international student body representing more than 60 nationalities and its personalised admissions process, which includes a taster day for younger children and academic assessment for secondary applicants.
École Jeannine Manuel
École Jeannine Manuel is one of the most academically celebrated bilingual schools in France, regularly topping national league tables for baccalauréat results. The school teaches a bilingual French-English curriculum and offers the IB Diploma alongside the French bac. Admissions are highly selective, with priority given to families committed to bilingual education; non-French-speaking students are supported through an intensive French adaptation programme.
Language Support for Non-French Speakers
Most international schools in Paris run French-as-an-additional-language streams, and several offer full English-medium instruction. If your child speaks neither English nor French fluently, ask each admissions office about EAL (English as an Additional Language) capacity in the relevant year group, as places in support classes can be the real bottleneck rather than general enrolment.
What Does It Cost?
Tuition at international schools in Paris typically ranges from 15,000 to 40,000 euros per year, with bilingual schools at the lower-to-middle end and full IB or boarding programmes at the top. On top of tuition, budget for enrolment fees of 1,000 to 5,000 euros, plus lunches, transport and after-school activities. Some schools offer sibling discounts or means-tested financial aid.
Practical Tips for Applicant Families
Visit in person whenever possible: open days run from October to January and schools notice engaged families. Be honest about learning support needs from the start, since schools resource support classes based on declared needs. If you are waitlisted, keep in touch with the admissions office monthly; Paris is a mobile city and places open up every term. Finally, secure your housing after your school offer if you can, because commutes across Paris can be long and school buses serve specific corridors.
Ready to compare schools side by side? Explore the full ranking of the best international schools in France on International School Advisor, with verified reviews, fees and admissions information.
Choosing Between Bilingual and Full International Programmes
Paris families face a choice that most expat cities do not offer: genuinely excellent bilingual schools alongside classic English-medium international schools. Bilingual programmes suit families staying four years or more, because children graduate with native-level French and access to both French and international universities. Full international programmes suit shorter postings and teenagers arriving without French, where continuity in one language of instruction protects academic momentum. Many families split the difference: bilingual education through primary, then a switch to the IB route at secondary. Admissions teams see this pattern constantly and can advise on the right transition year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply to international schools in Paris for 2026 entry?
Submit applications between October 2025 and January 2026 for September 2026 entry. Early years and pre-IB places fill first, and popular schools close applications once year groups are full, so earlier is always safer.
Do children need to speak French to attend an international school in Paris?
No. Many schools teach fully in English, and bilingual schools run intensive French adaptation programmes for newcomers. Schools do assess readiness in the main language of instruction, so check the language profile of each programme before applying.
How much do international schools in Paris cost per year?
Expect 15,000 to 40,000 euros per year in tuition, plus enrolment fees of 1,000 to 5,000 euros and extras such as lunches, transport and activities. Boarding programmes cost significantly more.