Paris is one of Europe's most attractive cities for expat families, with a deep international school market and well-known names that attract diplomats, executives and bilingual French-foreign families. The downside: tuition can climb fast, and the headline fee rarely tells the full story. This 2026 cost guide breaks down international school fees in Paris year-group by year-group, the levies that catch families off guard and the budgeting tips that have served our readers well.
How Paris international school fees are structured
Paris international schools generally publish three categories of charges:
- Annual tuition billed in two or three installments. Most schools follow a French-style three-term year (September, January, April).
- One-off entry fees: enrolment, capital levy, building fund. These are usually non-refundable.
- Year-on-year extras: lunch, bus, after-school clubs, IT, technology fees, French national insurance for older pupils.
French law caps registration fees, but international schools are private establishments and set their own scale. Always read the fee schedule that ships with the offer letter, not the headline figure on the website.
2026 international school fees in Paris by year group
Indicative ranges in EUR per year for the established Paris international schools (excluding lycée international section, which charges a smaller supplementary fee on top of free public schooling):
- Maternelle (PS, MS, GS, age 3 to 5): EUR 16,000 to EUR 23,000
- Primary (CP to CM2, age 6 to 10): EUR 19,000 to EUR 28,000
- Collège (6e to 3e, age 11 to 14): EUR 22,000 to EUR 32,000
- Lycée and IB Diploma (2nde to Terminale, age 15 to 18): EUR 26,000 to EUR 38,000
Top-tier names such as the American School of Paris and the International School of Paris cluster at the high end of these ranges, while bilingual community schools sit closer to the middle.
Top international schools in Paris
American School of Paris
An American-curriculum school with optional IB Diploma, located in Saint-Cloud. Fees include a substantial capital levy that should be factored in for first-year arrivals. American School of Paris on ISA.
ICS Paris (International Concept for Education)
Authorised IB World School covering PYP, MYP and Diploma in central Paris. Smaller cohorts make for a more personal admissions process and tend to suit families looking for a fast settle-in. ICS Paris on ISA.
Bilingual International School of Paris
A bilingual French-English school spanning early years through to upper primary, with progressive admissions across the calendar year. Bilingual International School of Paris on ISA.
Lennen Bilingual School
Long-established bilingual school near the Eiffel Tower, often a first stop for English-speaking families with primary-aged children. Lennen Bilingual School on ISA.
Levies and extras to factor in
Beyond tuition, expect to budget the following for a Paris international school in 2026:
- Application fee: EUR 200 to EUR 400 per school, non-refundable.
- Enrolment fee: EUR 1,500 to EUR 4,000 on first acceptance.
- Capital levy / building fund: EUR 4,000 to EUR 12,000 one-off, sometimes spread across two years.
- Lunch: EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,000 per year.
- Bus: EUR 1,800 to EUR 3,500 per year, route-dependent.
- Uniform and supplies: EUR 400 to EUR 800 in year one for schools that require uniform.
- Insurance and parents' association: EUR 60 to EUR 250.
Budgeting tips from relocation specialists
- Negotiate the start date. Mid-year admissions are sometimes pro-rated by trimester rather than month.
- Ask about sibling discounts. Most schools offer 5 to 15 percent for the second and third child.
- Check employer policies early. Many multinationals will pay tuition gross, but capital levies are often outside the cap. Confirm before you sign.
- Use the lycée international sections as a hedge. If your child is fluent in French, public lycées with international sections offer near-free schooling with strong English instruction.
- Consider tax deductibility. A portion of school fees can sometimes be classified as a relocation benefit. Speak to your tax advisor.
Where families actually live
The 7th, 16th and 17th arrondissements concentrate most expat-oriented schools, with strong public transport links to ICS Paris, ISP and Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Saint-Cloud and Suresnes work well for families at the American School of Paris. Build the school commute into the housing decision, not the other way round.
For a wider view of options across the country, see the ISA ranking of the best schools in France.
FAQ
How much do international school fees in Paris cost in 2026?
Annual tuition at international schools in Paris in 2026 ranges from around EUR 16,000 in maternelle to EUR 38,000 at lycée or IB Diploma level. Add registration, capital levy, lunch and bus to estimate the total cost.
Are there cheaper alternatives to private international schools in Paris?
Yes. The lycée international sections and certain bilingual public schools provide strong English-French education at a fraction of the cost. Eligibility usually requires a French language assessment and proof of residence in the catchment.
Are international school fees in Paris tax deductible?
French resident families generally cannot deduct private school tuition from personal income tax. However, expatriate compensation packages frequently include a tuition allowance. Check the structure of your employment contract with a tax advisor.