Early Childcare Options in France
In France, childcare for children under the age of three is diverse, ranging from collective centers to individual caregivers. Since the demand often exceeds supply, especially in major cities like Paris or Lyon, it is recommended to apply for a placement as early as the first trimester of pregnancy.
Collective Crèches
Collective nurseries (crèches collectives) are the most common form of childcare. They are managed either by the local municipality (mairie) or private organizations. They host children from 2 months to 3 years old in a professional environment. Costs are calculated based on the family's income and the number of children in the household, following a scale set by the National Family Allowance Fund (CAF).
The average hourly rate for a municipal crèche can range from 0.45 EUR ($0.49 USD, Jan 2026) to 3.95 EUR ($4.31 USD, Jan 2026).
Registered Childminders
An assistante maternelle is a licensed professional who cares for a small group of children (usually 2 to 4) in their own home. This option offers more flexibility regarding hours and a more personalized environment. Parents act as the direct employer, meaning they are responsible for the work contract and monthly declarations to Pajemploi.
Micro-crèches and Parental Crèches
- Micro-crèches: Private structures limited to 10-12 children. Prices are often higher than municipal crèches, but parents may be eligible for a specific tax credit or the CMG (Complément de libre choix du mode de garde) subsidy.
- Parental Crèches: Managed by an association of parents who participate in the daily operations alongside professional educators.
The French School System Structure
Education is compulsory in France for all children living on French territory (regardless of nationality) from the age of 3 until 16. The system is divided into primary and secondary education.
Primary Education (Premier Degré)
Primary school is split into two main levels:
- École Maternelle (Ages 3–6): Focused on socialization, language, and early learning. While called "nursery school," it is part of the formal education system.
- École Élémentaire (Ages 6–11): Comprised of five grades: CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, and CM2. Instruction focuses on literacy, numeracy, and basic sciences.
Secondary Education (Second Degré)
Secondary education is divided into two stages:
- Collège (Ages 11–15): A four-year cycle (6ème to 3ème) concluding with the first national diploma, the Diplôme National du Brevet.
- Lycée (Ages 15–18): A three-year cycle (Seconde, Première, Terminale). Students choose between General, Technological, or Professional paths, culminating in the Baccalauréat (Bac) exam, which is required for university entrance.
Note: The French public school week traditionally excludes Wednesday afternoons for primary levels, though some municipalities have different localized schedules.
Enrollment Process and Practical Information
Enrollment in public schools is free of charge, excluding canteen fees and extracurricular activities. The process varies depending on whether the child is entering primary or secondary school.
How to Register
For primary schools (Maternelle and Élémentaire), parents must visit the Mairie of their place of residence to obtain a "certificat d’inscription." You will generally need to provide:
- Proof of identity (Passport or ID card).
- Proof of residence (Utility bill or lease agreement).
- Record of mandatory vaccinations (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, etc.).
- Child's birth certificate (translated into French if necessary).
For secondary schools (Collège and Lycée), registration is usually handled through the Direction des Services Départementaux de l’Éducation Nationale (DSDEN) or directly with the assigned school based on the "carte scolaire" (school catchment area).
International and Private Schools
Foreign nationals often consider "International Sections" in public schools or private schools (écoles privées). Private schools under contract (sous contrat) follow the national curriculum and receive state subsidies, keeping tuition relatively low, often between 500 EUR ($545 USD, Jan 2026) and 3,500 EUR ($3,815 USD, Jan 2026) per year. Private schools "out of contract" (hors contrat) or international schools can cost significantly more, sometimes exceeding 15,000 EUR ($16,350 USD, Jan 2026) annually.
Financial Aid and Costs
The French state provides several forms of assistance to families:
- Allocation de Rentrée Scolaire (ARS): A means-tested allowance paid in August to help with the cost of school supplies. For 2025/2026, it is approximately 416 EUR ($453 USD, Jan 2026) to 454 EUR ($495 USD, Jan 2026) per child, depending on age.
- School Canteen: Prices are tiered based on family income. A meal may cost between 1.00 EUR ($1.09 USD, Jan 2026) and 7.50 EUR ($8.18 USD, Jan 2026).
For more detailed information on family benefits, visit the official CAF website.
