Understanding the French School Curriculum
What is the French School Curriculum?
The French school curriculum is a national education program governed and standardized by the French Ministry of National Education. Known for its academic rigor, structured progression, and emphasis on core disciplines, the French curriculum applies to public and private schools across France and French international schools around the world. The curriculum is divided into three main educational stages: école maternelle (preschool), école élémentaire (elementary school), and collège and lycée (secondary school).
1. École Maternelle (Ages 3–6)
Preschool in France is not mandatory but is attended by nearly all children. The école maternelle focuses on the early development of motor skills, language, and social interaction. It is structured into three levels:
Petite section (PS) – Age 3
Moyenne section (MS) – Age 4
Grande section (GS) – Age 5
The curriculum encourages oral language development, pre-reading and writing skills, basic numeracy, artistic expression, and physical coordination. Play-based learning is central, yet structured, laying a strong foundation for future academic success.
2. École Élémentaire (Ages 6–11)
Elementary school includes five years, from Cours Préparatoire (CP) to Cours Moyen 2 (CM2). This is where formal education begins and the curriculum becomes more academically focused. Core subjects include:
French Language – grammar, reading comprehension, writing, and spelling
Mathematics – arithmetic, geometry, logic
Science and Technology – basic biology, physics, and environmental education
History and Geography
Civic Education – understanding of rights, responsibilities, and national values
Art and Music
Physical Education
Foreign Languages – Often begins by CM1 or earlier, commonly with English
The curriculum emphasizes mastery of the French language and numeracy skills, as they are seen as foundational to all other learning.
3. Collège (Ages 11–15)
Collège is the lower secondary school and mandatory for all students. It spans four grades:
Sixième (6e) – Age 11
Cinquième (5e) – Age 12
Quatrième (4e) – Age 13
Troisième (3e) – Age 14
Students follow a common national curriculum which includes:
French
Mathematics
History-Geography and Civic Education
Biology (Life and Earth Sciences)
Physics-Chemistry
Technology
Arts and Music
Physical Education
Foreign Languages (usually two by 5e)
At the end of 3e, students take the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB), an exam assessing their mastery of key skills.
4. Lycée (Ages 15–18)
The lycée covers the final three years of secondary education:
Seconde (10th grade)
Première (11th grade)
Terminale (12th grade)
Students begin to specialize in certain fields while still following core academic requirements. There are three general streams:
L (Literary)
ES (Economic and Social)
S (Scientific)
However, the French Baccalauréat reform introduced a modular system where students choose specialty subjects rather than predefined tracks. The Baccalauréat (le bac) is the final high-stakes exam required for university admission. It includes continuous assessment and written/oral examinations in various subjects.
Global Reach: French Curriculum Abroad
The Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger (AEFE) supports more than 500 French schools abroad, offering the same curriculum and values. The French Baccalauréat is internationally recognized and prepares students for global higher education.