Paris is one of the most attractive European cities for bilingual education. Whether your family is moving for a posting at OECD, UNESCO, a tech firm or a private bank, you want a school that delivers both fluent French and a strong international curriculum. This 2026 family guide focuses on bilingual international schools in Paris, comparing French-English programmes, British and American sections, fees and admissions windows.
What "bilingual" actually means in Paris
The label is used loosely, so look at the percentage of instruction in each language and the language of the final qualification. Three models dominate:
- True 50/50 bilingual: half the day in French, half in English from age 3, ending with the OIB or French-IB.
- English-led with strong French: 70 to 80 percent English, with daily French as a structured second language; ends in IB Diploma or A Levels.
- French-led with English section: French national programme with reinforced English, often ending in the Baccalauréat with International Option (OIB).
Each model produces students who can keep moving between systems. The right one depends on where you expect to be at the end of secondary.
Top bilingual international schools in Paris (2026)
Ecole Jeannine Manuel
The most established 50/50 bilingual school in Paris, with a Paris campus and a Lille satellite, a long IB Diploma track record and a reputation for placing graduates at top US, UK and French universities. View Ecole Jeannine Manuel on ISA.
Bilingual International School of Paris
BISP runs a true bilingual French-English programme from Pre-K to Year 6 in the 16th arrondissement, with small class sizes and a Montessori-influenced primary stage. View Bilingual International School of Paris on ISA.
Lennen Bilingual School
Lennen offers a French-English programme from Maternelle to CM2 with small group teaching and active outdoor learning, including weekly equestrian and sailing programmes. View Lennen Bilingual School on ISA.
The British School of Paris
BSP is the longest-running British curriculum school in France, on a riverside campus in Croissy-sur-Seine. The English curriculum is reinforced by daily French and produces strong A Level and IGCSE results. View The British School of Paris on ISA.
American School of Paris
ASP is a co-ed international school in Saint-Cloud that combines an American programme with the IB Diploma, with French taught daily across all year groups. View American School of Paris on ISA.
Bilingual section options inside French public lycées
Three Paris-area lycées offer the prestigious OIB section at low cost: Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Lycée Honoré de Balzac and Lycée International de l'Est Parisien. The OIB requires fluent French entry and is allocated by an admission test, but families that get a place pay a small annual contribution rather than full tuition.
Fees in 2026
For private bilingual schools, expect the following ranges in euros for the 2026/27 year:
- Maternelle (ages 3 to 5): EUR 11,000 to EUR 18,000 per year
- Primary (CP to CM2): EUR 14,000 to EUR 22,000 per year
- Collège (Years 7 to 9): EUR 17,000 to EUR 26,000 per year
- Lycée and IB Diploma: EUR 22,000 to EUR 32,000 per year
Bilingual sections inside the public lycée system run at EUR 1,500 to EUR 4,500 per year for the OIB contribution. Application fees are typically EUR 150 to EUR 400.
Admissions calendar to plan around
- October to December: most schools open admissions for the following September.
- January to March: family interviews and child assessments.
- April: offers go out, deposits due within 15 days.
- September: enrollment confirmed, first term starts.
For mid-year arrivals, several schools maintain a rolling admissions window — Ecole Jeannine Manuel, ASP and BSP all accept January starts when space allows.
Tips for a bilingual choice that lasts
- Decide what dominant language you want at age 18, then work backwards.
- If French is the new language for your child, start younger. Bilingual immersion is far easier in Maternelle than in Year 7.
- Visit the school during a regular Wednesday afternoon — Paris schools have shortened Wednesdays, and you will see how the bilingual day is actually structured.
- Compare the French-language qualification at age 18 (OIB, IB with French, Baccalauréat). Each opens different French university doors.
Compare bilingual schools in one place
The ISA France ranking covers verified bilingual schools across Paris and ĂŽle-de-France. See the 2026 ranking of international schools in France.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child join a bilingual school without speaking French?
Yes, especially in Maternelle and CP. Most schools accept beginner French up to Year 4 and provide structured FLE (French as a foreign language) support. After Year 7, schools usually expect intermediate French to follow the curriculum.
Is the IB or the OIB better for university?
The IB Diploma is the most internationally recognised. The OIB carries the highest weight inside the French university system and is recognised by Oxbridge and Ivy League. Choose based on where you expect your child to apply.
Do bilingual schools in Paris offer scholarships?
A few do. Ecole Jeannine Manuel, ASP and BSP all offer means-tested aid for a small percentage of families. Apply by November of the year before entry — the bursary windows are tight.