School Options in Paris for U.S. Families: How Your Kids Can Thrive in Two Languages — Without Ivy League Tuition
If you're a U.S. tech professional thinking of relocating to Paris, one of your biggest concerns may be your children’s education.
The problem is, many Americans fear their kids will struggle with language, fall behind, or miss out on college opportunities. This creates stress and second-guessing.
They want to give their children world-class education and future opportunities — without giving up quality or college potential.
Here’s the truth: Paris offers exceptional schooling options in English, French, or both — including paths to top global universities — at a fraction of U.S. tuition costs.
Let’s break down your real options.
🇺🇸 American and International Schools: Familiar Curriculum, Global Access
If you want your child to continue with an American-style education in Paris, you have several high-quality options:
1. American School of Paris (ASP)
- 📍 Location: Saint-Cloud (western suburbs)
- 🧠 Curriculum: U.S. program + International Baccalaureate (IB)
- 🗣️ Language: English
- 🎓 Ages: 3 to 18
- 💶 Tuition: €25,000–€40,950/year
- 🌍 65+ nationalities, strong community focus
👉 asparis.org
2. International School of Paris (ISP)
- 📍 16th arrondissement
- 🧠 Full IB program (Primary, Middle, and Diploma years)
- 🗣️ 100% English curriculum
- 🌐 Multinational student body, university prep
👉 isparis.edu
3. Notre-Dame International High School
- 📍 Verneuil-sur-Seine
- 🧠 U.S. diploma + AP courses
- 💡 Combines American instruction with cultural immersion
👉 ndihs.com
These schools offer seamless continuity for American students and are ideal for families on shorter assignments or needing curriculum consistency.
🌍 Bilingual and International French Schools: A True Dual-Language Advantage
Want your kids to become fluent in French — without losing English fluency? These schools deliver both.
1. École Jeannine Manuel
- 🎓 Ranked one of France’s best bilingual schools
- 🧠 French + IB diplomas available
- 🗣️ English & French from Day 1
👉 ecolejeanninemanuel.org
2. Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- 🧠 French national curriculum + international sections
- 🗣️ U.S., British, German, Japanese, and other sections
- 🎓 Prepares students for the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI)
👉lycee-international-stgermain.com
3. EIB Paris (École Internationale Bilingue)
- 📍 Multiple campuses across Paris
- 🧠 French curriculum + optional IB
- 🗣️ Dual instruction in French and English
👉 eibparis.com
These options are ideal for U.S. professionals who want to integrate into French life while future-proofing their kids with bilingual skills.
🏫 Public and Private French Schools: Affordable Excellence
Paris also offers an excellent public school system, as well as state-supported private schools (sous contrat).
✅ Public Schools
- 🎓 Free, high academic standards
- 🗣️ Full French immersion
- 💼 Great if staying long-term and aiming for full integration
✅ Private Schools Under Contract
- 🏫 More structure and discipline, often religious
- 🧠 Teach the national curriculum
- 💶 Low fees (~€2,000–€5,000/year)
Many French schools also offer "sections internationales", allowing students to learn core subjects in English and French — ideal for binational or expat families.
🎓 Future Opportunities: University in Europe — at a Fraction of the Cost
Graduating in Paris opens doors.
- ✅ French Baccalauréat and IB diplomas are recognized by top U.S., UK, and EU universities
- ✅ Students can attend European universities for €200–€3,000/year, even top schools
- ✅ France, Germany, and the Netherlands offer English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Compared to U.S. college costs (up to $80,000/year), this is a major long-term benefit — especially if you're planning for more than one child.
Final Thoughts
Paris doesn’t just offer a change of scenery — it gives your kids a passport to the world.
- 🌐 Bilingualism
- 🎓 Global diplomas
- 💶 Affordable higher education
- 🤝 International peers
- 🧠 World-class academics
Whether you want to keep your children in the American system or help them thrive in a bilingual French one, Paris has smart, credible options.
✉️ Need Help Choosing the Right School?
We help American families in tech and management find the best schools in Paris — and settle in with confidence.
📧 franceexpatservices@gmail.com
Let’s find the right path for your child.
