What age do kids in France go to school?

In France, education is compulsory for children between the ages of three and 16 and consists of four cycles: Preschool (écoles maternelles) – ages three to six. Primary school (école élémentaire) – ages six to 11.

What age does a child start school in France?

Criteria and French language

Children are usually admitted to primary school from the age of 6 years. From the CP, if he/she does not have sufficient knowledge of French or school learning, he/she can integrate an educational unit.

Do kids in France go to school 4 days a week?

4.2.

The school year in France is separated by five periods of schooling and four holiday periods, comprising at least 36 weeks of study. As a general rule, in maternity and primary schools, each week comprises 4.5 days of schooling, with the half-day each Wednesday (in a small number of cases, Saturday morning).

What school do 15 year olds go to in France?

Collèges (French pronunciation: [kɔlɛʒ]) cater for the first four years of secondary education from the ages of 11 to 15. Lycées ( French pronunciation: [lise]) provide a three-year course of further secondary education for children between the ages of 15 and 18.

Why is there no school on Wednesday in France?

The idea of a weekday off dates to 1882, when secular primary education became compulsory in France: a day without classes, then Thursday, was to allow for religious education outside school. In 1972 a government decree fixed Wednesday instead as the mandatory day off.

School in France [Touch of France S1 documentary]

Do children in France go to school on Saturday?

The school day in France typically runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a half day on Saturday, although students do not attend school on Wednesday or Sunday.

How long is a school day in France?

School routine

Generally speaking, the school day in France is from 8:30 until 4:30, but it varies depending on which area you live in. This is longer than the typical school day in the UK or America, but there is a longer lunch break and two other breaks during the day. There are 24 hours of lessons a week.

What year is year 12 in France?

Here are the various French high school grades: La seconde (15 ans) = 10th grade (Year 11 UK). La première (16 ans) = 11th grade (Year 12 UK). La terminale (17 ans) = 12th grade (Year 13 UK).

What is the difference between French and English school years?

Note that this is the first major difference between French and English-language school names: The French count school years in descending order (11,10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and a final year called terminale). The US and UK count years in ascending order (2, 3, 4, and so on).

How strict are French schools?

The French system is centralised and highly structured, with a strict curriculum and standardised tests. In comparison, other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have more decentralised systems, emphasising individualised learning and personalised approaches.

Are schools in France free?

Public schools in France are free, secular, and co-ed. They follow the national curriculum that is set by the Ministry of Education. Typically, these schools use more conventional teaching methods.

Is education in France free?

Tuition fees are low in public Higher education institutions because the French government subsidizes higher education. The true cost of education is the same as it is elsewhere in the world—around €10,000 a year. The difference is that in France the government assumes a large share of that cost.

How long are lunch breaks in France?

The French working hours are usually 8 or 9 AM to 4 or 5 PM, with 1 hour of unpaid lunch break. This will, however, vary depending on the business and company agreements. The weekly working hours are 35 (7 hours a day, five days a week).

What age do French kids go to secondary school?

After primary school, two educational stages follow: collège (middle school), for children during their first four years of secondary education from the age of 11 to 14. lycée (high school), which provides a three-year course of further secondary education for children between the ages of 15 and 18.

Do kids in France go to school year round?

It begins in early September and ends in late June or early July. There are four school holidays spread over the year: in late October (Toussaint) ; at the holidays season (Christmas/New year);

How does the French school system work?

The French education system consists of three stages: primary education, secondary education, and higher education. Most French elementary and secondary schools, as well as a large number of universities, are public institutions that have highly centralized administrations.

Where is France ranked in education?

Shanghai ranking August

In 2023, France is 4th worldwide in number of institutions in the Top 50 of the Shanghai ranking, with 3 institutions, just after the US (28), the UK (6) and China (4), but before Switzerland (2), Canada (2), Japan (2), Denmark (1), Australia (1) and Sweden (1).

Do French kids go home for lunch?

There are no vending machines in French schools (they are banned by law), and children are strongly discouraged from bringing their own meals from home (and most don't). So the cantine is the place where the majority of French children eat lunch on school days.

Do schools in France wear uniforms?

Currently, the French national school system does not require pupils to wear uniforms, unlike many private establishments, such as military schools, and schools in overseas French departments.

What country has the shortest school day?

Italy offers a slightly shorter day at 5 hours and 30 minutes. Finland and Brazil, known for their progressive educational systems, average a 5-hour school day, focusing on efficiency and student well-being. Germany presents the shortest average school day, with students spending only 4 hours and 30 minutes in school.

Do French children go to school every day?

Children have school every day except for Wednesday afternoons (with some local variations). Religious instruction does not feature on the curriculum of either type of school.

Do French kids go to school on Wednesday?

5. There might be no lessons in France on a Wednesday afternoon but it isn't a restful day: French primary school age children used to have a five-day week, with no classes on Wednesdays but lessons on Saturday mornings. In 2008, this was dropped and many schools operated a four-day week with Wednesdays off.

What do French students do on Wednesdays?

Wednesday/Mercredi : Wednesdays are a little different since it's the recreational day for the students. They have some class in the morning, but we all eat together for lunch, and in the afternoon Clemence, Armand, and Mayeul have tennis, guitar, and music-reading lessons.