Sat, 20 March 2010
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An overview of the school system and an introduction to the French educational philosophy plus the documentation required.France offers state-run and private schools at all levels and the educational standards are generally high, despite constant fretting that they are on the decline. The rigorous curriculum is dictated by the Ministry of Education and is virtually the same across the country and in French overseas territories.
Teachers are considered civil servants and the teacher's unions are quite powerful; teacher strikes are frequent and often cited as a primary reason why French families opt for private schools, which are overwhelmingly Catholic.
A full understanding of the French educational system requires a general immersion in French culture, and for most expatriates it is a 'learn as you go' process.
The French educational philosophy emphasises: the authority of the teacher; individual competition including an absolute grading system (no grading 'on the curve'); stress on analytical thought and rote learning as opposed to creativity; and generally high academic expectations. The French don't necessarily expect their children to have 'fun' at school. Sports are encouraged but organised by community associations, not by the schools.
Schooling is free and mandatory from ages six to 16, although nearly all French children begin between school by age four. Another two years of study are required if a student is to sit the baccalauréat, 'le bac', exam, which they must pass to advance to university.
Your child's grade is determined by the calendar year of birth; that is, all children born in 1999 or another given year are assigned to the same grade
Private schools are either sous contrat, meaning under contract with the state whereby the government pays the teachers' salaries and the school follows the national curriculum and schedule, or hors contrat whereby they are totally privately funded.
Private schools sous contrat demand a relatively modest tuition; tuitions at schools hors contrat are significantly higher and vary widely, although most fall in the EUR 1,500 to EUR 4,000 range.
Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in France.
Here's a short introduction to our Where to Live section for France.
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