Preschool & elementary school
Primary school consists of three years of preschool (école maternelle) and five years of elementary school (école élémentaire). It is the phase during which children acquire basic skills.
Curriculum
In France, preschool and elementary school together span a period of 8 years.
| Phase / Grade | Curriculum |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5/6 years old: Preschool – 1st year of preschool (petite section) – 2nd year of preschool (moyenne section) – 3rd year of preschool (grande section) | Children improve their social skills and speaking skills; explore letters and numbers; do arts and crafts; and play sports. |
| 6 to 10/11 years old : Elementary school – Preparatory year (Cours préparatoire :CP) – Elementary year 1 (Cour élémentaire 1: CE1) – Elementary year 2 (Cour élémentaire 2: CE2) – Middle year 1 (Cours moyen 1: CM1) – Middle year 2 (Cours moyen 2: CM2) | Children learn following: – French (reading, writing, speaking) – A foreign or regional language (speaking) – Numbers (recognising, understanding, and writing); simple math – Physical education – Art – Basic science |
In France, the term primary school (école primaire) describes an institution that has both a preschool and an elementary school.
Enrolment
The preschool or elementary school that a child attends is determined by where the child lives. Under certain circumstances and subject to advance notice, you can apply for a waiver that will allow your child to attend a different school. To enrol your child in school, visit your town or city hall. You will be provided with an enrolment certificate, which you must submit to school administrators.
