Choosing among the international schools in Paris is a defining moment for families relocating to the French capital. Paris offers an unusually rich mix of education: globally recognised IB and Anglophone schools, prestigious bilingual institutions, and the French national system itself. This 2026 guide helps expat families understand the curricula on offer, shortlist leading schools, anticipate fees in euros, and handle the practical side of settling in.
Why Paris suits international families
Paris combines a deep cultural offer with a large, well-served international community. Many families want their children to gain French alongside an internationally portable qualification, and the city's schools are built for exactly that. Demand is strong, so the most sought-after schools and year groups fill early, making an early start to your search worthwhile.
Curricula available in Paris
You will typically choose between:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): offered by several Paris schools, valued for breadth and global university recognition.
- British curriculum: IGCSEs and A-Levels for families relocating from the UK or Commonwealth.
- American curriculum: US high school diploma with Advanced Placement, suited to families heading to North America.
- Bilingual French-English programmes: a Parisian speciality, blending the French system with strong English and, often, an international section.
Consider where your child is likely to continue their education and how easily the qualification transfers if you move again.
Top international schools in Paris
The schools below are established names on the ischooladvisor.com platform. Visit each profile for verified details, parent reviews and current fees.
ICS Paris
An IB World School in the heart of the city offering the full IB continuum in English, with a genuinely international student body and a central location. See the ICS Paris profile for details.
Ermitage International School Paris
A bilingual school west of Paris offering French and English pathways alongside the IB, popular with families who want their children fluent in both languages. Review the Ermitage International School Paris profile.
École Jeannine Manuel
A renowned bilingual French-English school with a strong academic reputation and the IB Diploma in the senior years, consistently among the most respected choices in Paris. Explore the École Jeannine Manuel profile.
School fees in Paris
Fees vary widely by school type. As a guide for 2026:
- Bilingual and French-international schools: roughly EUR 10,000 to EUR 25,000 per year.
- Anglophone international schools: roughly EUR 20,000 to EUR 35,000 per year.
- IB Diploma years: the most established schools can reach EUR 30,000 to EUR 40,000 per year.
Budget beyond tuition for registration and application fees, a deposit to confirm the place, lunch and after-school care, trips, and exam entry fees. Always confirm the full schedule directly with each school.
Practical admissions and location tips
Paris and its surrounding ÃŽle-de-France region are well connected, but commute times shape daily life, so weigh location against your home and workplace. Prepare your child's recent school reports, passport copies, and any assessment reports early, since many schools require an entrance assessment or interview. Apply to more than one school and ask about French-language support if your child is new to the language.
Compare the best schools in France
For a regularly updated ranking with reviews and fee guidance, see the best international schools in France on ischooladvisor.com.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international schools in Paris cost in 2026?
Fees range from about EUR 10,000 per year at bilingual French-international schools to EUR 40,000 per year for the IB Diploma at established Anglophone schools, plus registration and deposit fees.
Which curricula are available in Paris?
Paris offers the International Baccalaureate, the British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels), the American curriculum with Advanced Placement, and a strong range of bilingual French-English programmes.
Do international schools in Paris support children new to French?
Many do. Ask each school how French as an additional language is taught and how children who arrive with little French are supported and integrated.