Choosing a school in France can feel like the most stressful part of moving with kids. Websites seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families moving to Annecy.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you compare schools, set your non-negotiables. Most mistakes in choosing come from trying to weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time you spend commuting each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: options such as British, American, IB, or the local curriculum.
- Language environment: the language exposure your child experiences throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's approach to structure, discipline, and how they communicate.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A down-to-earth method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Annecy, traffic can turn a good school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Pupil numbers, turnover of teachers, and how communication is handled.
- Ask about support services. ESL, learning support, and transition help for newcomers.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on what you observe than on glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the sense that everything is the same.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers update parents (weekly reports, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if required?
- How do you manage heat and outdoor/indoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school involves more than tuition. Consider the full daily cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Overlooking 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.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school typically aligns with your family’s actual routine—location, support, and everyday comfort for your child—rather than the school that has the most impressive advertising.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Annecy (commute, daily routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or give us a call at +33 6 12 34 56 78.