Schooling

Q. What's the procedure for getting our children enrolled at school?

A. The best start is to visit your local Mairie or Hotel de Ville and find out, depending on the age of your children where the nearest école primaire, college, lycée or universitié is. You will need to make an appointment with the head teacher who may ask you to complete a form. During your meeting it may be a good idea to request a list of items your child needs to bring with them as French schools do not normally provide stationary. They will also advise you of the cost of school dinners and how to pay (normally at the Mairie).

You will need to take details of the previous school of your child along with any results of academic tests and reports as well as details of vaccinations since birth. It is necessary to take out independent insurance for your child and the school would normally offer details and forms for you. However, you will need to provide proof of insurance when your child starts school.

Destination la France is able to make arrangements for your child or children schooling and area able to answer more questions that may arise on the education system in France .

Language

Q. I am concerned that my child may have difficulty at school because they cannot speak French well.

A. We all say that kids are like sponges when it comes to learning but being in a strange environment, starting a new school and speaking French are quite a few challenges to take on at once. Help is at hand as most schools, especially the ones we are aware of provide extra tuition for students who don't have command of the French language. This can mean that a tutor is available for an extra few hours a week to assist with French.

It also helps if the parents play a role in learning and speaking French in the home and encouraging your children to practise their French can be fun.

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