Schooling for children

Elementary school

At elementary school, children regardless of their origin are obligatorily enrolled in:

  • an ordinary form, corresponding to their level, to attend classes in which a command of the language is not fundamental (music, plastic arts, etc.);

    and

  • in an initiation form (CLIN) to attend classes on a daily basis in French for non-French speakers.

 

 

 

 

The time spent in these specific forms varies according to the needs of each pupil, but rarely exceeds one year.
Pupils aged 8 to 12, attending classes CE2, CM1 and CM2, may, if faced with learning difficulties, attend an extracurricular programme organized in various locations by associations with the collaboration of teaching staff.
Lastly, some school districts have also developed more flexible facilities for linguistic training in which pupils can benefit from integrated remedial classes (CRI).

Studying the language of origin is provided in some schools. Such teaching is given by teachers recruited by the countries of origin where bilateral agreements exist.
Such teaching can also be provided, outside school hours, on school premises if an agreement has been signed with the relevant consulates.
 

Lower secondary and higher secondary schools

In lower secondary and higher secondary schools, foreign pupils or pupils of foreign origin are obligatorily enrolled in
  • an ordinary form, corresponding to their level, to attend classes in which a command of the language is not fundamental (music, plastic arts, etc.);

    and

  • in an initiation form (CLIN) to attend classes on a daily basis in French for non-French speakers.
The time spent in these specific forms varies according to the needs of each pupil, but rarely exceeds one year.
Pupils having had very little or virtually no education in their country of origin are admitted to a host class for previously non-schooled pupils (CLA-NSA).
Lastly, some school districts have also devised more flexible facilities for language tuition whereby pupils can benefit from temporary host course units (MAT), taught for a few hours per week by a supply teacher.

Studying the language of origin in secondary education can be done by choosing it: as first modern language in the sixth grade; as second modern language in the fourth grade; or as third modern language in the second grade.
Where that is impossible, the Ministry of Education provides courses in languages and cultures of origin in lower secondary and professional secondary institutions, outside school hours. Such teaching is provided by staff made available by the relevant countries on the basis of bilateral agreements.

For additional information on enrolment in a school