French education system

The early years in the French education system…

Mothers’ help, crèches, kindergartens and nursery schools fall outside the official school system.

Halte Garderies are open to children under the age of 3. Children may attend a few days or half-days per week, as the parent chooses. Children are under the guardianship of a qualified midwife, paediatric nurse or teacher. There is usually a small fee to pay.

Écoles Maternelles

École Maternelle is comparable with nursery school or kindergarten in anglophone countries. While not compulsory it is considered essential in preparing a child for school. Maternelles are for ages two to six and provide optional education for children.

Children who are two at the rentrée – the start of the new school year in September – are accepted provided they are sufficiently mature and « socialised ». (This is gauged by a doctor who will issue a certificate). If the child turns two before the end of the year, and the school has space the child may be admitted.  If there is no Maternelle in an area, a child may start at the école élémentaire in the section enfantine from the age of 5 years.

The Maternelle is divided into:

• Petite Section: 2-3 years
• Moyenne Section: 3-5 years
• Grande Section: 5-6 years

You will need to show:

• the « livret de famille« . If you don’t have one, you will need to provide essential information including the child’s birth certificate
• proof of up-to-date vaccinations supplied by the doctor, or a photocopy of the vaccinations page in the child’s health booklet (carnet de santé)

Écoles Élémentaires

École élémentaire is the equivalent of primary, junior or elementary school in anglophone countries. For ages 6 to 11, these deliver the beginning of compulsory education.

A child must be enrolled in the école élémentaire by the June prior to the September start of school. If a child is continuing in the same schooling area, there is no need to re-apply to the Mairie.

• the livret de famille or birth certificate
• proof of up-to-date vaccinations for the child

Grades/years of the écoles élémentaires