Choosing an International School in Paris
Paris is one of the world's great cities for education. With dozens of accredited international schools, a strong private school tradition and the presence of the French national curriculum as a credible local option, expat families in Paris have more choices than almost anywhere else in Europe. The challenge is not finding a good school — it is navigating the variety and finding the right fit for your child's age, academic needs and your family's likely timeline in France.
This guide walks through the main curriculum options available in Paris, the leading international schools for each, what fees look like in 2026 and practical advice on the admissions process.
Curriculum Options in Paris
Paris offers genuinely exceptional breadth across international curricula. Families can choose between the International Baccalaureate (with multiple authorised schools offering PYP, MYP and the Diploma), the French National Curriculum (including the French Baccalauréat and its international variant), the British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels), and the American curriculum (US High School Diploma and AP courses). A small number of schools also offer bilingual or trilingual programmes combining French with English and a third language.
Top International Schools in Paris
ICS Paris – International Community School
ICS Paris is a full IB World School located in the 8th arrondissement, offering the IB PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme. Its central location makes it highly accessible from most of the central Paris arrondissements and the western suburbs. ICS Paris has a diverse student community representing over 60 nationalities and is particularly strong in its IB Diploma results. Annual fees range from €20,000 to €33,000 depending on year group.
American School of Paris
The American School of Paris (ASP), located in Saint-Cloud to the west of the city, is one of Europe's oldest and most established international schools. It offers both the American High School Diploma with AP courses and the IB Diploma Programme at senior level. ASP has outstanding sports and performing arts facilities and a strong tradition of university placement in the United States and the UK. Annual fees for 2026 are approximately €24,000–€37,000.
Lennen Bilingual School
Lennen Bilingual School is a unique school offering a genuine 50/50 French-English bilingual programme from nursery through to the end of primary. Located in the 16th arrondissement, it is popular with families who want their children to develop full bilingual proficiency while remaining anchored to both the French and international educational frameworks. Annual fees are approximately €12,000–€19,000.
Ecole Jeannine Manuel
Ecole Jeannine Manuel is one of the most academically selective schools in Paris, offering a bilingual French-English programme from kindergarten through to the French Baccalauréat (with a bilingual option). It consistently ranks among the top schools in France for Baccalauréat results and has an outstanding reputation for rigour, culture and intellectual depth. It is not a typical expat school — approximately half the students are French — which makes it exceptional for genuine cultural integration. Annual fees are approximately €10,000–€16,000.
Lab School Paris
Lab School Paris is a progressive IB school with a project-based learning philosophy. It operates at primary and lower secondary level and is popular with families seeking a less traditional, more experiential approach to education. Fees are approximately €14,000–€22,000 per year.
School Fees in Paris: 2026 Overview
Paris international school fees in 2026 cover a wide range. State-funded options are available through the French national system (which is outstanding but almost entirely French-medium), while private international schools charge between €10,000 and €40,000 per year. Key cost factors to budget for include:
- Registration fee: €500–€2,500 (non-refundable)
- Annual tuition: €12,000–€37,000 depending on school and year group
- Transport: Most central Paris schools are accessible by metro; school buses add €1,500–€3,500 for suburban campuses
- Lunch: Usually included at French schools; €1,500–€2,500 extra at some international schools
- Extracurriculars: Most schools include a range of activities in tuition; specialist programmes cost extra
Admissions Timeline for Paris International Schools
The French school year runs from September to July. Applications for September entry typically open in January and the main offer round is in March–April. For popular schools like ASP and Ecole Jeannine Manuel, this timeline is critical — late applications are unlikely to find a place at oversubscribed year groups. Mid-year entry is possible but subject to place availability.
For a full ranking and comparison of international schools in France, visit the ISA France school guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I consider putting my child in a French state school in Paris?
For children aged 3–8, the French state school system (maternelle and primaire) is genuinely excellent and free. If your family plans to stay in France for three or more years and your child has some French exposure, starting in a French state school can provide deep cultural integration and exceptional language development. Older children or those with no French will typically need an international school as a starting point, potentially transitioning to the French system over one to two years.
Is the IB Diploma recognised by French universities?
Yes. French universities accept the IB Diploma and it is well regarded, particularly for selective institutions (Grandes Écoles préparatoires). The IB Diploma is also widely accepted by UK, US, Canadian and other international universities, making it an excellent credential for families likely to move again before university age.
How competitive is admissions at the top Paris international schools?
Schools like Ecole Jeannine Manuel and ASP are genuinely competitive, particularly at primary entry points (CP/Year 1) and Year 7. Both schools assess academic readiness and conduct informal assessments. For less selective IB schools like ICS Paris and Lab School Paris, places are available at most year groups with good planning. The key is to apply early and have a backup school identified.