School in France

France has a strongly structured education system. The national authorities set the main curriculum, school stages, and qualifications, while local authorities manage many buildings, meals, transport arrangements, and practical services. Young children often begin at école maternelle, which supports language, social development, movement, and early learning. Primary education then continues at école élémentaire, where pupils build foundations in French, mathematics, science, history, geography, arts, and physical education. After primary school, pupils enter collège. This is the common lower-secondary stage, and its final class is called troisième. Pupils study a broad range of subjects and begin preparing for later educational choices. The next stage is lycée. A lycée général et technologique prepares pupils for general or technological routes, while a lycée professionnel combines general education with preparation for occupations and may include workplace training. The baccalauréat, often called the bac, is the best-known qualification at the end of lycée. Vocational routes can also lead to qualifications such as the CAP or a vocational baccalauréat, with opportunities to work or continue studying. Most pupils attend public schools, which are secular and follow national rules. Private schools also exist, including many that work under an agreement with the state, but their admissions and possible family costs may differ. For public schools, the carte scolaire links many pupils to a school area based on their home address. Registration often begins with the mairie or a local education service, followed by final enrolment at the assigned school. School life commonly includes a class timetable, school meals, homework, reports, parent meetings, and communication through a digital portal or carnet de correspondance. Families should tell the school early about disability, learning needs, health conditions, language support, or serious difficulties. The system offers recognised pathways and the possibility of changing direction, but choices can become more specialised over time. Early conversations with teachers and guidance staff help families understand options before an important transition.