Independent preschools and primary schools in Paris and Île-de-France: The complete guide

Finding the ideal school for their child in Paris or the Paris region is a significant challenge for many parents. Compared to the traditional system, independent private schools are increasingly appealing due to their educational freedom, small class sizes, and innovative approach.

But what exactly is an independent school? How can you navigate the options available in Île-de-France? This guide helps you understand this model and choose the institution that meets your child's needs.

What is an independent private school?

An "independent" school is an institution that does not receive state subsidies. In return, it benefits from complete educational freedom:

• Choice of methods: Montessori, Freinet, Reggio Emilia, or active pedagogy (as at école M).
• Teacher recruitment: Diverse and expert profiles.
• School schedules: Often better adapted to the child's needs (4-day week, flexible hours).

Note that these schools remain controlled by the Ministry of National Education to guarantee the acquisition of the common core of knowledge and student safety.

Why choose an independent school in Paris or Île-de-France?

Small class sizes for tailor-made support

This is the number one criterion. In Île-de-France, public classes are often crowded. Independent institutions prioritize small class sizes, allowing the teacher to practice differentiated teaching.

Early Bilingualism

Many independent schools in Paris offer a bilingual or immersive environment. At the age when brain plasticity is at its peak (2-6 years), this is a major advantage for a child's future. Discover what science confirms about early bilingualism by clicking here.

Alternative and Active Teaching Methods

Whether you are looking for a Montessori school in Paris or a school focused on autonomy, independent schools offer unique diversity. At école M, we combine the best of active teaching methods with insights from neuroscience.

How to Choose an Independent School in Paris for Your Child?

The first step in choosing a bilingual preschool or primary school for your child is to consider your own needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

• Teaching Methods: Inquire about the teaching methods used at the school. Some schools prioritize language immersion, while others adopt a more balanced approach between the two languages.
• Location: Choose a school that is easily accessible from your home or workplace, to ensure convenience and regular attendance for your child.
• Reputation: Research the school's reputation, its academic success rate, and feedback from current or former parents.
• Tuition Fees: Private bilingual schools can be expensive. Make sure you understand the costs associated with the school you are considering.

Now that you have a clearer idea of what you are looking for, let's move on to the list of independent schools in Paris and the Île-de-France region, categorized by location, department, and arrondissement.

Independent primary and preschools, classified by location.

Independent primary and preschools, classified by department.

Schools in Western Paris - 78/92

- BSP – British School of Paris (78)

- Blanche de Castille – B2C (78)

- Busy Bees (78)

- Ecole Arco Iris (92)

- Ecole Holisée (78)

- Ecole Montessori 21 Bilingual English (92)

- EIB – De la Jonchère (78)

- Ecole M - Clichy-Levallois: get more information

- Forest International School (78)

- IDSP – International Deutsch School Paris – German School (92)

- IND – Institut Notre-Dame (78)

- L’Ecole des Orchidées (78)

- Les Bons Enfants

- Lindenwood International School (78)

- Lycée Franco Allemand (78)

- Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78)

- Lycée Richelieu (92)

- Malherbe International School – MIS (78)

- Open Doors (78)

- Open Sky International (92)

- Prunelle School Montessori Bilingual (92)

- International Sections of Sèvres – SIS (92)

- We love Mômes (78)

Schools in Val de Marne - 94

- School Time

- The Toddlers of La Varenne

- Bilingual Montessori School 101

- International Montessori School Le Kaléidoscope

- Les Petites Canailles School

- International Trilingual School of Nogent sur Marne

- The Little Bilinguals

- The Montessori Ladybugs

- The Schools of Seine et Marne - 77

- The Active Bilingual Center

- Elisa's Orchard - Bilingual Montessori School

-Montessori Here and Now

- The Little Bilinguals

- The Valley of Hoyas

- The Schools of Essonne - 91

- English Tree School

- Nouqa Languages

- Maria Montessori School

- Progressive Montessori School

- The Little Bilinguals

- Montessori School 101

- The Schools of Seine Saint Denis - 93

- Ecole Vivante Alternative Eva

- Bilingual Preschool Les merveilles

- Montessori Children's House

Independent primary and preschools, listed by arrondissement.

- Douces maternelles Bastille - 4th

- Douces maternelles Crillon - 4th

- Montessori International School Jardin du Luxembourg - Paris 5th

- Ecole Jeannine Manuel - 7th

- Ellipse Montessori Academy - 7th

- Lennen Bilingual School - 7th

- EIB Monceau - 8th

- Eurécole - 8th

- Le Petit Cours du Rocher - 8th

- Wikids - 9th

- La Canopée - 10th

- École M Paris 11th - Paris 11th

- Cours Molière - 12th

- Effischool - 13th

- Montessori International School Montparnasse - Paris 14th

- Ecole Koenig - 15th

- EIB The Victor Hugo School - 15th

- Ecole Jeannine Manuel - 15th

- École M Paris 15th - Paris 15th‍

- The Little English Montessori School - 15th

- Bilingual International School of Paris - 15th

- Lily School - 15th

- EIB Lamartine - 16th

- Les nouveaux anges - 16th

- Ecole Galilée - 16th

- Eurécole - 16th

- Ecole les moineaux - 16th

- International School of Paris - 16th

- EIB Monceau Middle School - 17th

- EIB Étoile High School - 17th

- Stewart International School - 17th

- Le Petit Cours - 18th

- École M Paris 19th - 19th

- Living School - 19th

- École M Paris 20th - 20th

We hope this list has been helpful in your search for an education tailored to your needs. We encourage you to explore these schools, ask questions, visit campuses, and make an informed decision for your child's well-being and future. Whichever school you choose, we wish you and your child a rich and fulfilling educational experience.

See you soon on the école M blog,

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