Best Schools in Paris - Complete Guide 2026

Overview of Schools in Paris

Paris combines the renowned French educational tradition with a growing number of international and bilingual institutions. Whether you are a local family or an expatriate relocating to the city, understanding the education landscape is essential for making the right choice for your child. In this guide, we break down the most important factors to consider when evaluating schools in Paris.

Types of Schools Available

Paris offers a diverse range of school types to suit different family needs and educational philosophies. Parents can choose from lycées internationaux, bilingual schools, IB schools, British section schools, and écoles privées. Each school type has its own strengths, and the best choice depends on your child's learning style, your family's long-term plans, and the curriculum you prefer.

International schools are particularly popular among expatriate families, as they offer globally recognised qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British A-Levels. Local private schools, on the other hand, often provide a deeper connection to the local culture and language.

Top-Rated Schools Worth Considering

While rankings can vary depending on the criteria used, several schools in Paris consistently receive high marks from parents and educational inspectors. Factors that set these schools apart include small class sizes, experienced international teaching staff, modern facilities, and strong extracurricular programs. We recommend visiting at least three to five schools before making a final decision.

Many top schools in Paris have competitive admissions processes, so it is important to start your research early. Some schools require applications a full year in advance, especially for popular entry points such as kindergarten and Year 7.

How SchoolVita Can Help

SchoolVita provides detailed profiles for hundreds of schools in Paris, including tuition fees, curriculum details, parent reviews, and inspection reports. Use our comparison tool to shortlist schools and submit enquiry forms directly to admissions teams. Our goal is to make the school search process as smooth and transparent as possible for every family.