Paris is one of the deepest international education markets in Europe, hosting more than 40 international, bilingual and foreign-system schools across the ĂŽle-de-France region. For expat families relocating in 2026, the right school choice in Paris balances three factors: the curriculum portability, French integration plans and arrondissement logistics. This guide walks you through curricula on offer, top schools, realistic fees and admissions strategy.
What international school choice in Paris really means
"International school" in Paris covers four distinct categories: fully English-medium private international schools, bilingual French-English schools accredited by both ministries, French state schools with international sections (the Sections Internationales programme), and embassy-sponsored schools that follow a foreign national curriculum. Each has trade-offs around tuition, integration, exam pathways and waiting lists.
Curricula available in Paris
The four most common programmes are:
- International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, Diploma): Most portable, widely accepted by universities globally.
- English National Curriculum (IGCSE, A Level): Strong choice for families relocating to or from the UK.
- American (AERO + AP): Best fit if US universities are the likely target.
- French Bilingual + Brevet/Baccalauréat: Best for families committing to multi-year stays and considering French universities.
Top international schools in Paris
International School of Paris (ICS)
An IB-continuum school for ages 3 to 18, with a small-school ethos and strong record placing graduates into UK, US, and Canadian universities. Profile on ICS Paris.
American School of Paris
Established in 1946, this is one of the largest American-system schools in Europe with PreK through Grade 12, offering AP, US Diploma and IB Diploma routes. See American School of Paris.
Ecole Jeannine Manuel
A French-English bilingual school with sections from CP through Terminale, offering the French Baccalauréat (option internationale) and the IB Diploma. Strong academic record and selective. Profile on Ecole Jeannine Manuel.
Bilingual International School of Paris (BISP)
A small primary and middle school for ages 3 to 14 with a 50/50 French-English bilingual model. Good fit for families wanting genuine bilingual immersion outside the larger institutions. See Bilingual International School of Paris.
2026 fees in Paris
Tuition fees in Paris remain among the highest in Continental Europe. Annual 2026 bands:
- Maternelle (age 3–5): EUR 14,000 to EUR 20,000.
- Elementary (CP–CM2 / Grade 1–5): EUR 18,000 to EUR 26,000.
- Middle School (Collège / Grade 6–9): EUR 23,000 to EUR 31,000.
- High School (Lycée / Grade 10–12, IB or AP): EUR 27,000 to EUR 37,000.
Add 8% to 15% for one-off enrolment, capital fees, school bus and lunches. State-funded bilingual sections in French Ă©coles publiques carry no tuition but require a French residency and successful entrance assessment.
Where to live
School-friendly arrondissements include the 7th (close to ICS), the 15th and 16th (American School commuter belt to Saint-Cloud), Neuilly-sur-Seine and Levallois-Perret (bilingual cluster), and the inner suburbs of Saint-Cloud, Marnes-la-Coquette and Vaucresson. Commute times in Paris can swing dramatically with the bus or RER — plan to time the journey at peak hours before signing a lease.
Practical admissions tips for 2026
Top international schools open the September 2026 application window in October to December 2025. Spaces in the IB Diploma years and at the most selective bilinguals are often filled by January. Tactics that work:
- Apply to three to four schools across different price tiers in parallel.
- Get school reports translated to French and English; some schools require both.
- Take any required assessments early in the cycle — most schools test in January and February.
- If pursuing a Section Internationale, prepare for the entrance test with a tutor familiar with the French school system.
- Confirm visa and OFII timelines; long-stay visas for school-aged dependents can take six to ten weeks.
For the full landscape, browse the ranking of the best international schools in France on ISA and book a free advisor call.
Frequently asked questions
Are international schools in Paris difficult to get into?
The most selective schools (Jeannine Manuel, Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye) are very competitive at every entry point. Most other international schools are accessible if you apply by January for a September start.
Do international schools in Paris teach French?
Yes. All English-medium international schools teach French daily, with differentiated levels for non-native speakers. Most students reach functional fluency within two years.
What is the difference between an international school and a bilingual school in Paris?
International schools deliver a foreign curriculum (IB, British, American) in English. Bilingual schools follow the French curriculum with substantial English-medium teaching, leading to the French Baccalauréat.