Choosing a bilingual international school in Paris is the obvious move for expat families who want their children fluent in both English and French by graduation. The Île-de-France hosts more than 40 international and bilingual schools, from full-immersion French-English primaries to dual-credential IB and French Baccalauréat programmes. This 2026 guide explains how Paris's bilingual models actually work, which schools are worth shortlisting, and how to evaluate language support, fees and admissions before signing an offer.
How bilingual education in Paris is structured
Three pedagogical models dominate the Paris bilingual landscape:
- Parallel-track bilingual — Children spend half their week in English and half in French, each with native-speaker teachers. Common in primary years.
- Sections internationales (under the French Ministry of Education) — Public or semi-private French schools with English-language history, geography or literature classes for advanced learners. Lower fees, very competitive entry.
- Dual-credential secondary — Students earn both the IB Diploma and the French Baccalauréat or the OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat).
The right model depends on whether your priority is rapid French acquisition, future university plans (UK, US, France) or maintaining a strong English-language identity through the teen years.
Top bilingual international schools in Paris
Bilingual International School of Paris
A boutique bilingual primary in the 16th arrondissement that follows a 50-50 French-English model from age 3, with strong creative arts and outdoor learning. View the Bilingual International School of Paris profile on ISA.
ICS Paris
An IB World School from PYP through the IB Diploma, ICS Paris offers a French-English bilingual programme through the early years and an English-medium continuum thereafter. See the ICS Paris profile on ISA.
American School of Paris
One of the longest-established American schools in Europe, ASP runs an American curriculum with structured French language instruction, plus the IB Diploma in upper secondary. Read the American School of Paris profile on ISA.
How to evaluate bilingual fit
- Language balance per week — Ask for the exact number of hours per language by year group. A "bilingual" label can mean 30%, 50% or 70% French.
- Native-speaker teachers — In the strongest schools each language is taught only by native or near-native speakers, with no code-switching during lessons.
- Late-entry pathways — If your child arrives at age 9 or older, ask whether the school offers structured French-as-a-foreign-language support or expects fluency on entry.
- Exit credentials — Confirm what your child will graduate with: French Baccalauréat, IB Diploma, OIB or US High School Diploma.
Bilingual school fees in Paris (2026)
- Sections internationales (semi-public): EUR 1,000 to 4,500 per year.
- Mid-tier private bilingual primary: EUR 12,000 to 18,000 per year.
- Premium bilingual primary (IB / British): EUR 18,000 to 26,000 per year.
- IB Diploma (Years 12 to 13): EUR 27,000 to 36,000 per year.
- Application and enrolment: EUR 200 to 4,500 one-time depending on school.
- Lunch and bus: EUR 1,500 to 3,500 per year combined.
Admissions essentials
- Apply 9 to 12 months ahead for the September intake. January mid-year places exist but are limited.
- Bring a French address before final enrolment — most schools accept the application without one but require proof of residence to confirm the place.
- Language assessment from age 7 onwards. Younger applicants are usually accepted on the basis of a family interview.
- Sibling priority and corporate offers are common — confirm both with your employer's HR team.
Compare Paris school rankings on ISA
For a verified ranking that includes profiles, languages of instruction and reviews, see Top international schools in France on ISA.
FAQs
What is the difference between a bilingual school and a section internationale?
Bilingual private schools split instruction roughly 50-50 between French and English from early years. Sections internationales are part of the French national system with extra English-language hours; tuition is far lower but entry is competitive.
Can my child enter a Paris bilingual school without speaking French?
Yes, in early years. From age 7 onwards most schools expect a baseline of French and offer extra French-as-a-foreign-language hours during the first year of integration.
Is the OIB or IB Diploma better for university entry?
Both are widely respected. The OIB is preferred for top French universities, while the IB Diploma is more universally recognised for UK, US and Asian universities.