Non-contract nursery and primary schools in Paris and Île-de-France: The complete guide

Finding the ideal school for your child in Paris or the Paris region is a major challenge for many parents. Compared to the traditional system, private schools that are not under contract are becoming increasingly attractive due to their educational freedom, small class sizes, and innovative approach.

But what exactly is a non-contract school? How can you find your way around the options available in the Île-de-France region? This guide will help you understand this model and choose the school that best suits your child's needs.

What is a private school without a contract?

A "non-contract" school is an institution that does not receive government subsidies. In return, it enjoys complete educational freedom:

• Choice of methods: Montessori, Freinet, Reggio Emilia, or active learning (as atÉcole M).
• Teacher recruitment: Diverse profiles and experts.
• School schedules: Often better suited to children's needs (four-day week, flexible hours).

Please note that these schools remain under the control of the Department of Education to ensure that students acquire the common core of knowledge and that their safety is guaranteed.

Why choose a non-contract school in Paris or the Île-de-France region?

Small class sizes for personalized attention

This is the number one criterion. In the Île-de-France region, public school classes are often large. Non-contract schools favor small class sizes, allowing teachers to use differentiated teaching methods.

Early bilingualism

Many independent schools in Paris offer a bilingual or immersive environment. At an age when the brain is most plastic (2-6 years old), this is a major asset for the child's future. Find out what science has to say 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 independence, non-contract schools offer unique diversity. AtÉcole M, we combine the best of active teaching methods with insights from neuroscience.

How to choose a private school in Paris for your child?

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

• Teaching methods: Find out about the school's teaching methods. Some schools favor language immersion, while others adopt a more balanced approach between the two languages.
• Location: Choose a school that is within easy reach of your home or workplace, to ensure your child's attendance is convenient and regular.
• Reputation: Research the school's reputation, academic success rate, and feedback from parents of current and former students.
• Tuition: 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're looking for, let's move on to a list of non-contract schools in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, sorted by location, département and arrondissement.

Non-contract elementary and preschool schools, classified by location.

Non-contract elementary and nursery schools, classified by department.

Schools in Western Paris - 78/92

- BSP – British School of Paris (78)

- Blanche de Castille – B2C (78)

- Busy Bees (78)

- Arco Iris School (92)

- Holised School (78)

- Montessori 21 Bilingual English School (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 – Notre Dame Institute (78)

- The Orchid School (78)

- The Good Kids

- Lindenwood International School (78)

- French-German High School (78)

- International High School of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78)

- Richelieu High School (92)

- Malherbe International School – MIS (78)

- Open Doors (78)

- Open Sky International (92)

- Prunelle Montessori Bilingual School (92)

- International Sections of Sèvres – SIS (92)

- We love Kids (78)

Schools in Val de Marne - 94

- School Time

- The toddlers of La Varenne

- Montessori Bilingual School 101

- Le Kaléidoscope International Montessori School

- Les Petites Canailles School

- Nogent-sur-Marne International Trilingual School

- Les Petits Bilingues

- Montessori ladybugs

- Schools in Seine-et-Marne - 77

- The Bilingual Activity Center

- Elisa's Orchard - Bilingual Montessori School

-Montessori Here and Now

- Les Petits Bilingues

- The Valley of the Hoyas

- Schools in Essonne - 91

- English Tree School

- Nouqa Languages

- Maria Montessori School

- Evolving Montessori School

- Les Petits Bilingues

- Montessori School 101

- Schools in Seine-Saint-Denis - 93

- Eva Alternative Living School

- Les Merveilles bilingual preschool

- The Montessori Children's House

Non-contract elementary and preschool schools, classified by district.

- Bastille Nursery School - 4th grade

- Crillon Nursery School - 4th grade

- International Montessori School Jardin du Luxembourg - Paris 5th arrondissement

- Jeannine Manuel School - 7th grade

- Ellipse Montessori Academy - 7th grade

- Lennen Bilingual School - 7th grade

- EIB Monceau - 8th arrondissement

- Eureschool - 8th grade

- Le Petit Cours du Rocher - 8th

- Wikids - 9th grade

- La Canopée - 10th

- École M 11th - Paris 11th

- Molière Course - 12th grade

- Effischool - 13th

- Montessori International School Montparnasse - Paris 14th arrondissement

- Koenig School - 15th arrondissement

- EIB The Victor Hugo School - 15th arrondissement

- Jeannine Manuel School - 15th arrondissement

- École M 15th - Paris 15th

- The Little English Montessori School - 15th arrondissement

- Bilingual International School of Paris - 15th arrondissement

- Lily School - 15th

- EIB Lamartine - 16th

- The New Angels - 16th

- Galilee School - 16th arrondissement

- Eurécole - 16th

- Les Moineaux School - 16th arrondissement

- International School of Paris - 16th arrondissement

- EIB Monceau Middle School - 17th arrondissement

- EIB Étoile High School - 17th arrondissement

- Stewart International School - 17th

- Le Petit Cours - 18th arrondissement

- École M 19th arrondissement - 19th arrondissement

- Living School - 19th

- School M Paris 20th arrondissement - 20th arrondissement

We hope this list has been helpful to you in your quest to find the right education for your needs. We encourage you to explore these schools, ask questions, visit the campuses, and make a thoughtful decision for your child's well-being and future. Whichever school you choose, we wish you and your child a rewarding and fulfilling educational experience.

See you soon on theécole M blog,

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