Selecting a school in France can seem like the busiest aspect of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life looks like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Bordeaux.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many choices go awry when families weigh everything simultaneously without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral services.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and way of communicating.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Bordeaux, traffic can transform a “good” school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Enjoys)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily schedule matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s real routine: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child—not the school with the most flashy marketing.
If you need help weighing priorities for Bordeaux (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +33 6 12 34 56 78.