The French education system is one of the most structured in Europe. Known for its rigorous academic framework, it follows a coherent progression from preschool to higher education. It is widely used in France but also in French schools abroad, such as those in Brussels, often accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).

School is compulsory from ages 3 to 16 in France, though most children begin preschool at age 3. Students follow a national curriculum set by official programs, with exams at the end of each key cycle.

Preschool consists of three sections: petite section (PS), moyenne section (MS), and grande section (GS).
It focuses on developing social, language, motor, and sensory skills in a playful yet structured environment.
Children begin learning basic concepts of language, mathematics, community life, and independence.
> No diploma is awarded at this stage, but each child’s development is continuously assessed.

Elementary school includes CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, and CM2.
It lays the foundation for learning: reading, writing, math, science, history-geography, civics, and foreign languages.
> At the end of CM2, students enter middle school. There is no formal diploma, but a skills evaluation is provided through the Unique School Record.

Middle school lasts 4 years: 6e, 5e, 4e, 3e.
It provides a common core of subjects: French, math, science, history-geography, languages, technology, visual arts, music, PE, etc.
> At the end of 3e, students take the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB), the first official diploma in the French system.

High school includes Seconde, Première, and Terminale.
From Première, students choose academic specializations (e.g., math, economics, literature, social sciences).

There are several pathways:

• General track: leads to the general Baccalauréat
• Technological track: more technical in nature
• Vocational track: geared toward direct entry into the workforce

> At the end of Terminale, students take the well-known Baccalauréat (“the Bac”), the key diploma for university access.

After the Bac, students can enroll:

• in university (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate – LMD system)
• in preparatory classes for Grandes Écoles (CPGE)
• in specialized schools (business, engineering, arts, etc.)
• or in BTS / BUT (short vocational programs)

• A rigorous and academic framework
• A clear progression overseen by the State
• Internationally recognized diplomas (notably the Bac)
• The ability to follow the same curriculum worldwide (AEFE network)