Guide to Primary School Registration in France for 2023

Table of Contents

Description

What is it?

Registration for primary school forms the first part of a child’s formal education in France. It begins with “La Maternelle,” which is a form of preschool, and proceeds to primary school. These early years of education are essential to a child’s social and educational development.

Who needs it?

Any guardian or parent residing in France who has a child ready to start primary school needs to go through the primary school registration process.

Procedure

  1. Determine your local school: Schools in France are generally assigned based on the location of your home. You can find your local school by contacting your local town hall (Mairie).
  2. Schedule a meeting with the director of the school: It’s necessary to set up a meeting to discuss your child’s needs and the school’s expectation. This also serves as an opportunity to tour the school.
  3. Fill out the application form: After the meeting, you’ll be required to complete an enrolment form, which collects basic information about your child.
  4. Provide the required documents: You have to present certain documents, explained in the following section, at the moment of registration.
  5. Confirm enrollment: Once the form has been reviewed and the necessary documents provided, the school will confirm your child’s enrollment.

Required Documents

  • Proof of address, usually in the form of a utility bill or a rent agreement.
  • Child’s birth certificate.
  • Child’s health records, including vaccination status.
  • Guardians’ Identification proof.

Providers that can do it for you

(We are currently curating the best providers. If you are or know a provider, please contact us or edit the page directly)

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Additional details

The education in France starts around 8:30 am and ends around 4:30 pm, with a break for lunch. This can vary slightly depending on specific schools and regions. Ensure to be fully informed about daily routines and schedules during the meeting with the school. Regular attendance is necessary once the child is enrolled. If you’re moving from another country, be prepared for differences in the educational system and seek out support where necessary.

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