A snapshot: schools in Paris considered (but not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking expats.
Schools with a full GSGI review are noted with 
next to their names.
(pending) means that the school is on our list to review.
By full GSGI review, we mean school write-ups that are completely selected, researched, visited and written by our own editors. Our final reviews take the good with the bad, warts and all, but we look for a preponderance of good before we drill down for in-depth details and descend on the school for an exhaustive visit. We are aware of the other schools on this page and we continually add or remove schools, as deemed appropriate.
Expat-friendly schools abound in the Paris area. They may be international, bilingual, a mix of the two, or may be French state schools offering special programmes for expat children. There is even a special set-up known as "Sections Internationales", French state school education with a partly English (or American) curriculum.
International schools
American School of Paris (pending)
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; independent; private non-profit; 800 students
Located in the western suburb of St Cloud, ten kilometres from central Paris. Notable facilities all round but particularly for sport, music and drama. Fifty per cent of families being American may account for the active PTA. Academics very sound and arts, sport and tech equally so. Governed by a board of trustees, composed of members of the school community and the head.
Anglophone Section of Fontainebleau (pending)
Adapted curriculum/ French curriculum/ Brevet/ IGCSE/ French Bac/ OIB; ages 6-18; co-ed; state-plus-private; 600 students
English section contained inside three separate local state schools, each catering to a particular age group and all situated on one extended campus in Fontainebleau, a western suburb of Paris. Providing a bilingual education for international and French students with 25 per cent of learning time in an English environment, the remainder in a French one. A truly international education and offering the French Baccalaureate with the international option.
British School of Paris
National Curriculum for England/ GCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 800 students
France’s first British school, founded in post-war Paris and located in Croissy, a suburb in the western outskirts of the city. About 30 per cent of the families are British with the remainder coming from over 50 different nationalities. Recently, nearly 75 per cent of graduates gained places at UK universities, including Oxford and Russell Group members.
Click here to read our full review of the British School of Paris.
École Jeannine Manuel (pending)
Adapted curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; state subsidised; private non-profit; 3,000 students
Bilingual school, founded in 1954 by Jeannine Manuel, moving to its current main campus in 1979 but also located on two other campuses. Very high academic standards and students can choose the option of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Ermitage International School of France
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ OIB; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 1,400 students
Located on the western edge of Paris, in Maisons Lafitte on four different sites. A member of Round Square, a global association of 90 schools on five continents, which promotes international learning and exchange. Aiming to become a fully bilingual French-English school, it was recently, licensed to teach the IBMYP and the International Baccalaureate Diploma and now aiming for PYP authorisation so that the IB programme can be followed by tinies to graduates.
Click here to read the full review of Ermitage International School of France
Forest International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ French curriculum/ International Primary Curriculum)/ International Middle Years Curriculum; ages 2-15; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Small, private school (sister school now open in North London) outside St Germain-en-Laye on the edge of the Marly forest, offering bilingual English-French programmes to children from over 20 different nationalities. A reputation for excellent SEN support, covering a wide range of needs but by no means only for children requiring additional help. Language instruction in English to small classes with high staff: student ratio.
Click here to read our full review of Forest International School.
Institut Notre Dame, St Germain-en-Laye (pending)
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ Anglais Bilingue Programme/ IGCSE/ OIB; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; state; private non-profit ; 2,130 students
Divided into primaire-maternelle and lycée on two campuses in St Germain-en-Laye to the west of Paris. Offers a Bilingual English section to French people who have lived in English-speaking countries or belong to a bicultural family. Strong Catholic ethos and serious attention paid to academics with very impressive results. Offering the choice of the French Baccalaureate with the international option but the majority of graduates stay in France.
International School of Paris
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 750 students
Only school in central Paris (15 minutes’ walk to the Eiffel Tower) to offer all stages of the original International Baccalaureate programme, taught in English. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). An all-through school on two campuses in the 16th arrondissement catering to a truly global mix of nationalities. Fees are at the top end but parents remain enthusiastic.
Click here to read our full review of International School of Paris.
Lycée International de St Germain-en-Laye: American Section
Adapted curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ OIB; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; state; 700 pupils
American arm of a huge public French school, structured to teach both French and foreign students. Far above average rates for the OIB (French Baccalaureate with the international option) with the percentage achieving top honours doubling in the past ten year period. On three campuses in St Germain on the western edge of Paris. Governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees elected by parents of current students.
Click here to read the full review of Lycée International de St-Germain-en-Laye: American Section
Lycée International de St Germain-en-Laye: British Section
Adapted curriculum/ IGCSE/ Brevet/ French Bac/ OIB; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; state; 870 students
Largest foreign section in a vast public school on the western edge of the city which developed the international version of the French Bac (OIB). Combines the best of the French state sector teaching with an outstanding British element, similar to that of an elite UK grammar school. This could be described as the ultimate example of an international school.
Click here to read our full review of Lycee International de St Germain-en-Laye: British Section.
Marymount International School, Paris (pending)
American curriculum; ages 3-14; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 360 students
Member of a global network of 19 RSHM (Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary) schools in nine countries. Accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA). Small Catholic school in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a western suburb of the city whose pupils mainly move on to senior school at the international options in or around Paris.
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Bilingual International School of Paris
French curriculum/ Cambridge 1, 2: ages 3-14; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
The school model involves dividing the day into 50/50 French/English instruction, taught by native speakers of each language. The lower and upper primary plus lower secondary are located in the same street and the pre-school is just round the corner. The classes are small and the parents are enthusiastic.
Bilingual Montessori School of Paris
Montessori/ French curriculum; ages 3-6; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit
One of several Montessori schools in Paris. Opened in 1972 and accredited by the French Ministry of Education. They run tiny (limited to twelve children) nursery schools on the Quai d’Orsay, and the Avenue George V and a nursery (12 children) and pre-school (maximum 24 children) in Auteuil.
Centre Actif Bilingue de Fontainebleau (CAB)
Adapted French curriculum; ages 2-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 175 students
A small nursery and primary school offering a specially constructed, bilingual French-English programme ( French-German version available in nursery only). Four age-based nursery groups, one reception class and three classes in primary. Nursery classes take an approach based on Montessori and at elementary level, they follow the French curriculum with extensive additional English lessons.
Cours Molière
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ American High School Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
A bilingual, private school, founded in 1926, covering nursery school to Baccalaureate, with the choice of the French Baccalaureate or the American High School Diploma. Founded in 1926 and accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
École Internationale Bilingue (EIB)
A group of five bilingual schools, spread around Paris, teaching over 2,000 pupils aged 3-18 from over 70 nationalities
The seven schools are:
- EIB Grenelle Primaire - 7th arrondissement - Preschool/Primary – French National Curriculum - 50/50 classes in English/French (opening 2021)
- EIB de La Jonchère – La-Celle-Saint-Cloud – Preschool/Primary – 50/50 classes in English/French
- EIB Lamartine Primaire – 16th arrondissement – Preschool/Primary – French National Curriculum, foreign language programme (sous contrat)
- EIB Monceau Primaire – 8th arrondissement – Preschool/Primary – Fr3-11ench National Curriculum, English classes up to 25 per cent of curriculum (sous contrat)
- EIB Monceau Collège– 17th arrondissement – Middle School – French National Curriculum, foreign language programme (sous contrat)
- Lycée EIB Etoile – 17th arrondissement – High School – French National Curriculum, English classes up to 25 per cent of curriculum (sous contrat)
École Internationale Malherbe
Montessori/ adapted curriculum/ French curriculum/ National Curriculum for England; ages 18 months -14; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 160 students
Two nursery schools, one in Le Vesinet and one in Le Pecq in the Yvelines district west of Paris. Primary and a new lower secondary school are in adjacent locations in Le Vesinet. Pre-school classes are Montessori based, exclusively taught in English. Primary classes follow an English curriculum with two half days of French instruction and the bilingual lower secondary school has 70 per cent instruction in English and the remainder in French.
École Internationale de Marne La Vallée (EIMLV)
Adapted English curriculum; ages 3-11; co-ed; independent; privately owned
Located in Montry, a rural village near Disneyland Paris offering a curriculum adapted for Anglophone children. The school is run by a board of governors, made up of parents.
École Jeannine Manuel
Adapted curriculum/ French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ IB Diploma/ OIB; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; state; private non-profit; 2,400 students
A 'sous-contrat' (subsidised by the state) group of three all-through schools ( one in the 7th (Suffren) and two in the 15th Dupleix and Theatre) offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma and in one case (Théatre) the OIB.
École Masillon
Adapted curriculum/ French curriculum; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,380 students
Originally opening its doors in 1877 in the 4th arrondissement in a building, designed by the famous 17th century architect Mansard, but much altered subsequently. A Catholic, (Oratory of St Philip Neri) all-through school with an English language section for nursery, primary and secondary students.
École Perceval
Rudolf Steiner/ Waldorf/ French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 400 students
Opened in 1957 in the town of Chatou, to the west of Paris. Offering a Waldorf-Steiner education combined with the traditional French Diplôme du Brevet and Baccalaureate. Fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
Eurécole Paris
French curriculum; ages 3-15; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 300 students
An unusual concept as its curriculum is half-way between a bilingual and a trilingual programme. Basic instruction is in French with an increasing English influence but there are also lessons taught in German and Spanish.
Hattemer
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; independent; privately owned
The original school founded in 1885 in the 8th arrondissment was joined in 2017 (the year when the school was bought by Globeducate) by a second junior school in the 16th. With a dazzling list of alumni, ranging from Jean-Paul Sartre and Prince Rainier of Monaco to Brigitte Bardot and President Chirac. Known for having flexible hours and a focus on creativity but also for the rigour of its academics wLaith an optional choice of the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
ICS International Paris
Cambridge Primary/ candidate PYP/ candidate MYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 515 students
Formerly EIB, Victor Hugo but taken over by the Globeducate group in 2020. The curriculum has changed to the International Baccalaureate programmes but, as yet, only authorised to teach the IB Diploma. Students from a very wide range of nationalities with approximately 10 per cent being either totally French or with one French parent.
Institut de la Tour Section Anglophone
Adapted curriculum/ French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 520 students
Opened in 1989, in the 16th arrondissement, with 20 bilingual students and now with over 700 in the bilingual collège and lycée and a further 200 primary children coming to a weekly introductory programme. They also provide counselling to students who want to progress to English-speaking universities.
Kingsworth International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ French curriculum/ IGCSE/ A Level/ American High School Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Opened in 2014 and teaching 40 different nationalities, with around 15 per cent of students being French passport holders. Located in the 16th arrondissement, offering a bilingual French-English primary and secondary education. Students have the choice of A Levels or the American High School Diploma.
La Petite École Bilingue (Stewart International School)
Adapted French/English bilingual curriculum; ages 2-10; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Teaching children in French in the morning and English or Russian in the afternoon. On leaving the school the largest number of pupils move on to either private bilingual schools or into the French state system,(often into the international sections).
Lennen Bilingual School
French curriculum/ American curriculum; ages 2-11; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Founded in 1960 and also known as the Franco American School of Paris, the school offers a genuine dual language programme from the start with one English and one French teacher for each class. In primary, they spend half the day learning in French and half in English following both French and American programmes. On leaving, students usually continue their education at bilingual secondary schools in Paris.
Lindenwood International School
International Early Years Curriculum/ International Primary Curriculum/ International Middle Years Curriculum; ages 3-15; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 75 students
Brand new school in Yvelines, to the west of Paris. Teaching in English up to the end of lower secondary school. Emphasis on eco-consciousness, so gardening and plenty of nature orientated classes on the curriculum.
Living School
Adapted curriculum; ages 2-9; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 85 students
A small school close to the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. The children are divided into four mixed age classes and encourages parents workshops and an ecological approach.
Lycée Camille Sée
Adapted curriculum/ French Bac/ OIB; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; state
Since 2011 this school in the 15th arrondissement has run an international section with one class in each year, leading to the OIB international baccalaureate. They are intending to add an Italian section to the current English one in 2O21.
Lycée Corneille Section Internationale
Provides a part-time (up to six hours per week) bilingual bi-cultural programme aiming at the OIB (the International option of the French Baccalaureate, an integrated Franco-British school leaving certificate, combining the standard French Bac with the A Level equivalent of English and History-Geography (taught and examined in English).
Notre Dame International High School
American High School Diploma/ IB Diploma; ages 15-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned
A three year Catholic College Preparatory school offering the choice of the US High School or International Baccalaureate Diplomas.
Open Sky International School
Adapted curriculum/ GCSE/ Brevet; ages 3-15; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
One of two bilingual (English/French) schools belonging to the Open Sky International network (the other school is in Morocco). The curriculum is based on English, French, Australian and Singaporean curricula. The school is located in Boulogne-Billancourt just outside Paris, teaching up to age of 15 since 2017 and intending to open a high school.
Saint Louis Notre Dame du Bel Air (Bilingual section)
Adapted curriculum/ French curriculum; ages 6-14; co-ed; independent; private non-profit; 360 students
Two local schools, founded in 1946 and brought together in 2008 on the same site to form a primary and middle school. A Catholic school offering a bilingual (French/English) stream from age 6, leading up to six hours of English instruction by CM1.
Section Internationale Anglophone de Buc
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ OIB; ages 8-18; co-ed; day; state; 150 students
About 30 per cent of SIAB pupils come from abroad or elsewhere in France to this school in the Yvelines district to the west of Paris. Graduates tend to move on to universities in the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany and Switzerland.
Sections Internationales (British and German) de Sèvres
School adapted curriculum/ French curriculum/ French Bac/ OIB; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; state
British and German sections (also a Spanish section for children aged 3-5) hosted by eight French state subsidised schools in Sèvres, a suburb in south-western Paris. French National Curriculum taught by schools’ own teachers with SIS teachers delivering the bilingual programmes, rotating round the schools on a weekly basis.
- Lycée Jean-Pierre Vernant (Sèvres) – High School – 2,000 pupils – Anglophone, Germanophone
- Collège de Sèvres (Sèvres) – Middle School – 1,020 pupils – Anglophone, Germanophone
- Collège Jean Moulin (Chaville) – Middle School - Anglophone
- Collège Gounod (Saint Cloud) – Middle School - Anglophone
- Collège Emile Verhaeren (Saint Cloud) – Middle School - Anglophone
- École primaire Gambetta A (Sèvres) – Preschool/ Primary – 316 pupils - Anglophone, Germanophone
- École Croix Bosset (Sèvres) – Preschool/Primary – 155 pupils - Germanophone
- École Point du Jour (Boulogne) – Primary – Anglophone
The Little English Montessori School
Montessori; ages 2-6; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 25 students
Exactly what it says on the tin - the school, which opened in 2010, operates with two teachers and one assistant teaching an English Montessori programme exclusively in English.
Wi School
Montessori bilingual; ages 3-13; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 90 students
On two sites in the 20th arrondissement. Offering a bilingual Montessori programme to four mixed age classes, taught by teachers who only speak in their native language.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on The Good Schools Guide International search.
