In France, education is a priority, and parents have the option to choose between public and private schools for their children. While both systems aim to provide quality education, distinct differences appear between public and private schools in terms of ownership, curriculum, admissions, and governance.
Ownership and Funding
| Public schools | Public schools in France are government-funded and administered by the state. Accordingly, they operate under the authority of the Ministry of Education and receive financial support from the government. Teachers in public schools are civil servants employed by the state. |
| Private schools | Private schools in France are privately owned. They may be secular or have religious affiliations. Private schools rely on their own funding sources, which can include tuition fees, donations, or government subsidies. Bear in mind that some private schools sign an agreement with the State to respect the curriculum, they are “sous contrat d’association” and consequently teachers will be civil servants, paid by the State. |
Curriculum
| Public schools | Public schools follow the national curriculum established by the Ministry of Education. This standardized curriculum ensures consistency and uniformity across all public schools in France. It covers a wide range of subjects and sets educational standards for students. |
| Private schools | Private schools have more flexibility in designing their curriculum. While they must meet certain basic educational requirements, they have the autonomy to develop their own curriculum or adopt alternative approaches. Please note that when a private school adopts the public school curriculum it’ll be called “sous-contrat d’association avec l’Etat”, otherwise, it’s “hors contrat”. Some private schools specialize in specific subjects or offer unique educational programs like Montessori schools. |
Admissions
| Public schools | Admission to public schools is primarily determined by the “Carte Scolaire” system, which assigns students to schools based on their residential location. Students must attend the public school designated for their catchment area. However, exceptions may be made for students with special needs or unique circumstances. |
| Private schools | Private schools have their own admissions criteria and processes. Thus, they can select students based on factors such as academic performance, interviews, or specific requirements. Private schools may have limited spots available and often require an application for admission. |
Click here to read the article which explains how to enroll your kid in a French school
Governance and Management
| Public schools | Public schools are governed and managed by the state. They operate under the regulations and policies. The appointment and management of teachers in public schools are handled by the government. |
| Private schools | Private schools have their own governing bodies or boards, which may include school administrators, parents, or representatives of the school’s owners. In a word, they have more autonomy in decision-making and management compared to public schools. |
Religious and Philosophical Affiliations
| Public schools | Public schools in France are secular institutions. They are neutral in terms of religious or philosophical affiliations and provide a secular education to students. |
| Private schools | Private schools may have religious or philosophical affiliations. Some private schools focus on specific religious teachings or cultural values and incorporate them into their curriculum. |