Paris has long been a magnet for international families, and the school choice landscape reflects that complexity. Public bilingual sections, fully private international schools, embassy-linked schools and emerging boutique campuses all sit within a 30-minute Métro radius of central Paris. Choosing the right international school in Paris in 2026 means being clear about three things from the start: how long you intend to stay, which language is the priority for the child, and where in Île-de-France you can realistically live.
The Paris international school landscape
Paris and the wider Île-de-France region host more than fifty schools that operate at least one English-language stream. They split into four categories. Fully international schools deliver IB, English National Curriculum or American programmes entirely in English. Bilingual schools mix French and English at varying ratios. Public schools with international sections offer subsidised access to French education with reinforced English (and sometimes other languages). Embassy schools (American, British, German) follow their home curriculum.
Curricula available in Paris
The IB continuum is well-represented through the International School of Paris and the EIB network. The American curriculum runs at the American School of Paris and the International School of Paris primary years. The English National Curriculum dominates the British School of Paris in Croissy and bilingual offshoots in central Paris. The French Baccalauréat, increasingly recognised internationally, can be combined with a bilingual track that also delivers IGCSEs.
For families who plan to stay multiple years, public schools with international sections (sections internationales) are an attractive route — they combine a respected French education with genuine bilingual provision, and the fees are minimal compared to private alternatives.
Top international schools in Paris
The American School of Paris (Saint-Cloud)
The oldest American school in France, located in Saint-Cloud just west of Paris. Delivers PreK to Grade 12 with both the US diploma and the IB Diploma in upper secondary. Strong fit for families on US-aligned trajectories.
View American School of Paris profile
Bilingual International School of Paris (BIS Paris)
A bilingual French-English school covering Maternelle to Lycée. Mixes the French national curriculum with significant English-language teaching, with IB Diploma options in upper secondary.
ICS Paris
An IB World School in the 15th arrondissement. PYP, MYP and DP from age 3 to 18 with strong English-medium teaching and a global student community.
Lennen Bilingual School
A long-established bilingual primary in central Paris. A natural fit for families settling in the 7th, 15th or 16th arrondissements who want a smooth transition between French and English.
View Lennen Bilingual School profile
Lab School Paris
A small bilingual school built around active pedagogy and project-based learning. Suits families looking for a smaller campus with progressive teaching methods.
International school fees in Paris (2026)
Fully international schools charge EUR 22,000 to EUR 36,000 per year for primary and EUR 28,000 to EUR 42,000 for upper secondary. Bilingual private schools sit around EUR 14,000 to EUR 22,000 per year. Public schools with international sections charge a minimal annual contribution (EUR 800 to EUR 2,000) but require evidence of language ability and a competitive admissions process.
Beyond tuition, expect one-off enrolment fees of EUR 1,500 to EUR 5,000 per child, capital levies at some schools (EUR 5,000 to EUR 15,000), and the usual extras for transport, lunches, exam fees and trips. Sibling discounts of 5 to 10 percent are standard at private bilingual schools.
Where to live for school access
Central Paris (5e, 6e, 7e, 15e, 16e) gives easy access to ICS Paris, BIS Paris and Lennen. The 16e and Saint-Cloud / Boulogne-Billancourt are popular for families using the American School of Paris. La Défense, Levallois and Neuilly fit families targeting the British School of Paris in Croissy or the bilingual schools west of Paris. Travel time matters: a Métro change at peak hours can add 20 minutes, and the school bus networks are largely west of Paris.
Practical admissions tips
Apply 9 to 12 months ahead. International sections in public schools require a written application (dossier) including school reports, a teacher reference, and an internal language test. Private bilingual schools typically request reports plus a writing sample and parent interview. International English-language schools assess in English and accept rolling applications, but priority year groups (Year 7, Year 12 / Première) close 6 to 9 months ahead.
Browse Paris schools side by side
For a curated city ranking with curricula and fees: ISA — Best Schools in France.
FAQ
What's the cheapest way to give my child an English-language education in Paris?
The public schools with international sections (sections internationales) offer subsidised bilingual education with strong English. Demand is high and the entry test is competitive, but the fees are a fraction of private alternatives.
How early should we apply for September 2026?
Open priority windows September to December 2025. Most international-section places are decided by April, and private school waitlists open by January.
Will my child fit into a French-stream school if they don't speak French?
Several private bilingual schools accept non-Francophone children with structured French-as-a-foreign-language tracks for the first two years. Public sections require functional French from day one.