There’s still time to register your children for school!
As we mentioned in our May article about the French school system, don’t wait too long to register your children — the process can take time, especially during the summer months.
But maybe you’ve just learned about your relocation? Don’t worry — it’s still possible to act quickly, as long as everything is well organized.
🏫 Public schools: zoning and placement
In France, enrollment in public schools (preschool and elementary) is based on your place of residence. When registering at your local town hall (mairie), your child will be assigned to the designated school in your area — usually the one closest to your home.
👉 If that school is already full, the town hall will propose another one as close as possible, depending on available spots.
🧩 This is why it’s essential to:
• Finalize your French address (even a temporary one) before registering
• Avoid waiting until August, when many offices are closed or operate with reduced staff
📋 Where to go and what documents to prepare
For a public school:
• Register at the town hall (mairie) of your local municipality
• Prepare: your child’s ID or family record book (livret de famille), proof of address (a rental contract is accepted), vaccination record, and certificate of withdrawal from the previous school if applicable
For a private or international school:
• Contact the school directly
• Keep in mind: some schools have waitlists several months or even a year long, and many close registrations in early July!