Choosing an international school in Paris in 2026 means navigating one of the most varied bilingual school markets in Europe. The ĂŽle-de-France region hosts more than 60 foreign-system or bilingual schools, from century-old French establishments with English sections to fully American or IB campuses in the western suburbs. This 2026 family guide explains how to filter Paris's options, where to live, what fees to expect and the practical checks that separate strong schools from glossy brochures.
Why Paris remains a magnet for international families
Paris combines world-class culture, healthcare and direct flights to every continent. Since the post-Brexit reshuffling, many global banking, tech and luxury employers have grown their Paris footprint, pulling families from London, Geneva and New York. Add a public school system that is free for residents and a private bilingual sector that is among the most affordable in Western Europe, and Paris offers genuine education value for relocating families.
Curricula on offer in Paris
- French national curriculum with international sections — public schools offering an OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat) in English, Spanish, German, Chinese, etc. Free for residents.
- Bilingual French-English private schools — Jeannine Manuel, Lennen, Bilingual International School of Paris.
- British (IGCSE, A Level) — British School of Paris (in Croissy-sur-Seine).
- American (US diploma, AP) — American School of Paris (Saint-Cloud), Marymount.
- Full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) — ICS Paris, EIB Monceau, École Active Bilingue.
Top schools to shortlist
International School of Paris (ICS Paris)
Full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) in the 16th arrondissement. Small classes, urban campus, strong university counselling. View ICS Paris on ISA.
American School of Paris
US diploma plus AP and IB Diploma. ASP has been a Saint-Cloud institution since 1946 and remains the default choice for US-bound families. See ASP on ISA.
École Jeannine Manuel
Premium French-English bilingual school running the French baccalauréat, IB Diploma and OIB. Sites in the 15th arrondissement and Lille. Read Jeannine Manuel on ISA.
Bilingual International School of Paris (BISP)
Maternelle and elementary bilingual immersion combining the French national curriculum with full English delivery. Strong primary care reputation. Explore BISP on ISA.
Lennen Bilingual School
Family-run bilingual maternelle and elementary in the 7th arrondissement. Small classes, individualised attention, smooth transition into French primary. View Lennen on ISA.
Neighbourhoods and commute
- Western Paris (16th, 8th, 7th) — ICS Paris, Lennen, EIB Monceau, Marymount. Easy access to expat-friendly housing in Passy, Trocadéro, Champ-de-Mars.
- Saint-Cloud / Boulogne-Billancourt — American School of Paris, EIB Boulogne. Family-favourite suburbs, easy RER access.
- Croissy / Le Vésinet — British School of Paris, Lycée International (St-Germain). Large green spaces, longer commute.
- Versailles area — Lycée Franco-Allemand, French international sections. Family-quiet, school-bus required.
- Inner Paris (5th, 6th, 15th) — Jeannine Manuel, BISP. Walkable family life, premium rents.
Fee bands for 2026
- French public school with international section: free + EUR 1,000–2,000 annual association fee.
- Bilingual private (mid-market): EUR 9,000–16,000 (Jeannine Manuel, Lennen, BISP, EIB).
- Premium English-medium / IB: EUR 22,000–32,000 (ICS Paris, ASP, British School of Paris, Marymount).
Add a registration fee (EUR 300–1,500), refundable deposit (EUR 500–4,500) and 6–9% extras for canteen, transport, uniforms (if applicable) and trips.
How to actually choose
- Define your child's language balance. Strong French acquisition + UK university? Look at Jeannine Manuel or French sections internationales. US-bound? American School of Paris.
- Test the commute with traffic. Paris and Saint-Cloud can flip from 15 minutes to an hour with RER work.
- Compare canteen culture. A two-hour family-style lunch is a defining feature of French schools and shapes daily rhythm.
- Inspect the rentrée calendar. Bilingual schools sometimes follow British or American holidays rather than the French academic calendar — this affects family travel.
- Ask for three years of OIB / IB / A Level results and university destinations.
Admissions timeline for September 2026
- September–November 2025: open day visits and tours.
- December 2025–February 2026: applications and assessments. French international sections require an external entrance exam.
- March 2026: offers issued and acceptance deposits.
- April–June 2026: collect academic records, vaccination certificates and request the certificat de scolarité from the previous school.
- September 2026: rentrée scolaire (usually first week of September).
Where to compare every school
Browse ISA's ranking of the best international schools in France for verified profiles, parent reviews, IB outcomes and fee data filtered by Paris arrondissement and curriculum.
Frequently asked questions
Do international schools in Paris require French language skills?
English-medium schools (ICS Paris, ASP, BSP, Marymount) do not require French for admission, although French is taught as a Modern Foreign Language from primary. Bilingual schools require some French exposure from age 6, and French international sections require sufficient French to follow half the curriculum.
Are Paris public schools a viable option for English-speaking families?
Yes. French public schools with international sections (OIB) deliver world-class education at zero tuition for residents. Entry is competitive and requires a written entrance exam from age 11 onward.
How much should I budget for a top international school in Paris?
Plan for EUR 25,000–36,000 per child per year all-in for premium schools, including registration, lunch and transport. Bilingual mid-market schools fall in the EUR 11,000–18,000 range with extras.