Choosing the right bilingual preschool in Paris is one of the most important decisions for families with young children. Because the best schools often have limited class sizes, understanding the preschool enrollment calendar in Paris can make a major difference when applying.
Many families are surprised to learn that applications for a bilingual preschool Paris program can open almost a year before the school year begins. Schools that combine French-English immersion, small classes, and active pedagogies tend to fill quickly.
In this guide, you will find:
In France, preschool is called école maternelle and is the first stage of the education system.
Children typically attend preschool from age 3 to age 6, across three levels:
Since 2019, school attendance has been mandatory from age three in France.
Families in Paris usually choose between two main types of schools:
Public schools follow the national curriculum and assign students according to residential zoning.
Private schools often offer:
This is why bilingual preschools in Paris are among the most sought-after options for both international and local families.
Understanding the preschool enrollment timeline in Paris is essential for securing a place in the school of your choice.
Below is the typical schedule for families applying for the 2026–2027 school year.
This is when many parents begin exploring their options.
During this phase families often:
Families looking for a bilingual preschool in Paris often start the process early, as these programs tend to have limited availability.
Parents may also begin comparing different educational approaches, including including Montessori-inspired preschool programs.
Many private preschools in Paris open admissions nearly a year before the school year begins.
Because class sizes are intentionally small, applications are often processed on a rolling basis.
Applying early allows families to:
For families seeking a bilingual preschool Paris program, early application is particularly important.
Families applying to public preschools in Paris must first register their child at the local city hall (mairie).
Parents usually need to provide:
The municipality then assigns a school based on residential zoning.
After receiving the school assignment, families complete the final enrollment directly with the preschool.
At this stage, parents typically:
Late registrations may still be possible depending on availability.
During the summer, schools usually organize:
These steps help children feel comfortable before their first day of school.
The French school year usually begins in early September.
Preschools often organize a gradual adaptation period for younger children to ease the transition into school life.
The number of families seeking a bilingual preschool in Paris has grown significantly in recent years.
Parents are increasingly interested in schools that combine language immersion and active learning methods.
Young children acquire languages naturally. In a bilingual preschool Paris environment, children are exposed daily to both French and English, allowing them to develop strong language skills early.
Many private preschools combine the French curriculum with active educational approaches, inspired by Montessori and other progressive teaching methods.
These pedagogies encourage:
Another advantage of many private preschools in Paris is their smaller student-teacher ratios, allowing teachers to support each child’s development more closely.
École M offers a bilingual preschool Paris program designed to foster curiosity, autonomy, and confidence in young children.
Our schools welcome children from 2½ to 6 years old in an environment that combines:
Each classroom includes both French- and English-speaking educators, allowing children to naturally develop bilingual language skills.
To maximize your chances of securing a place, it is recommended to start the process 9 to 12 months before the school year begins.
For the 2026–2027 school year, families should ideally:
Because the most popular bilingual preschools in Paris have limited class sizes, early applications significantly increase your chances of admission.
École M offers a bilingual preschool in Paris designed to help children develop independence, creativity, and a love of learning.
Our schools combine:
Admissions for the 2026–2027 school year are now open.
👉 Request information or schedule a school visit to discover École M.
Most families apply between September and January for the following school year. Because many bilingual preschools have limited capacity, early applications are recommended.
Yes. Since 2019, school attendance has been compulsory from age three in France.
Public preschools follow the national curriculum and assign students based on residential zoning, while private preschools often offer smaller classes, bilingual education, and alternative pedagogies.
Yes. Many schools offer French-English bilingual preschool programs in Paris, allowing children to develop language skills from an early age.
Most children start preschool the year they turn three, although some private schools accept children from 2½ years old.
