Moving to a new city can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right school for your children.
Luckily, there are plenty of brilliant schools in Versailles. With its rich history and family-friendly neighborhoods, the city offers a variety of educational options for families, whatever age you’re looking for, elementary through high school, and whether you’re looking for public, private, bilingual, or international schools.
A great overview of the French education system (written by a local mom) is the AAWE Guide to Education in France. Below I will give you more local perspective and advice for people who are specifically looking to send their kids to school in and around Versailles.
Types of Schools in Versailles
Public Schools: High Standards Across the Board
Versailles is known for its excellent public schools. Many parents recommend enrolling children in the public system unless there are specific language or religious needs. Schools like École St. Pierre and local maternelles and primaries in neighborhoods like Montreuil, Notre Dame, and Saint Louis consistently receive praise for their quality of education and sense of community.
Private Schools: A Range of Options
Most private schools in Versailles have a Catholic foundation. Saint Jean Hulst is a popular choice for its academic rigor, though its traditional French pedagogy may not suit every child. Sacre Coeur in Saint Louis is another well-regarded private school, known for its strong English program and more flexible approach to education.
Bilingual and International Schools
If you’re looking for bilingual or English-focused education, there are a few key options:
The Best Bilingual and International Schools in Yvelines and West of Paris
If you’re looking for bilingual or international schools in the Yvelines department or the western suburbs of Paris, you’re in luck. This region offers a wide range of top-tier educational institutions catering to expatriates, international families, and local students seeking a bilingual education. From renowned international programs to immersive bilingual curriculums, here’s a guide to the best schools in the area, listed in order of proximity to Versailles.
1. Blanche de Castille – International Program
Location: Le Chesnay, France
Age Range: 3 to 18 years
A well-regarded private Catholic school with an International Section that provides an advanced bilingual program for students who wish to excel in both English and French.
2. École Internationale Bilingue (EIB) de La Jonchère
Location: La Celle-Saint-Cloud, France
Age Range: 3 to 15 years
A private bilingual school offering a curriculum where students split their learning time equally between French and English. The school provides a strong academic foundation with an emphasis on cultural diversity and critical thinking.
3. Sacré-Cœur Collège
Location: Versailles, France
Age Range: 11 to 15 years
A private Catholic school, Sacré-Cœur Collège offers a bilingual and international section that fosters linguistic proficiency and cross-cultural understanding. It provides high-quality education rooted in strong academic values.
5. Lycée Franco-Allemand de Buc
Location: Buc, France
Age Range: 11 to 18 years
This public bilingual school focuses on French-German education and is ideal for families seeking a dual-national curriculum. It offers the French-German Baccalaureate and the French International Baccalaureate (BFI).
6. Malherbe International School
Location: Mareil-Marly, France
Age Range: 2 to 11 years
A small, private bilingual school offering a British-style curriculum in English while integrating French instruction. The school emphasizes personalized learning in a multicultural environment.
7. Forest International School Paris
Location: Mareil-Marly, France
Age Range: 2 to 14 years
Known for its unique nature-based approach, this bilingual school combines academic excellence with outdoor learning. It provides an international curriculum in English and French.
8. OurSchool – International Bilingual Education
Location: Versailles, France
Age Range: 3 to 11 years
A bilingual primary school dedicated to English-French immersion. They accept children primarily from English-speaking families as well as families who have lived abroad in English-speaking countries. This is a Wednesday half-day Program.
OurSchool follows the British curriculum while incorporating French education standards, making it ideal for international families.
9. Notre-Dame International High School
Location: Verneuil-sur-Seine, France
Age Range: 15 to 18 years
This private American international boarding school provides an English-based curriculum leading to an American high school diploma while incorporating French language and culture into student life.
Why Choose a Bilingual or International School in Yvelines?
- High-Quality Education – Many of these schools follow prestigious international curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the French Baccalauréat International (BFI), and the American or British educational models.
- Cultural Diversity – Students benefit from multicultural environments, fostering global awareness and language skills.
- Future Opportunities – A bilingual education opens doors for higher education in top universities worldwide.
- Tailored Learning Approaches – These schools often provide personalized learning paths suited to expatriate children and international families.
How to Apply to a Bilingual or International School
- Contact the school early – Admission processes vary, and spaces can be limited. Most programs have applications before Christmas.
- Check language requirements – Some schools require students to have a certain proficiency level in French or English before enrolling.
- Prepare for assessments – Many international programs have entrance exams or interviews.
Montessori Schools
When selecting a Montessori school, consider factors such as the school’s adherence to Montessori principles, teacher qualifications, bilingual offerings, and the learning environment. Visiting the schools and speaking with educators can provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision for your child’s education.
If you’re considering Montessori education in Versailles, France, here are some notable options:
École Bilingue Maria Montessori (EBMM) – Versailles (Montreuil)
Established in 1988, EBMM offers bilingual education for children aged 2 to 11. It adheres to Montessori principles, has multi-age classrooms, and focuses on individualized learning.
We Love Mômes Montessori School – Versailles (Porchefontaine)
Located in the Porchefontaine area, this school provides bilingual Montessori education for children aged 2.5 to 10, emphasizing eco-friendly values with facilities like an urban garden.
A bilingual Montessori school near Versailles, offering programs for children aged 2 to 6, focusing on hands-on learning and independence.
Founded in 2018, is a bilingual and multicultural Montessori school for children aged 2 to 11, offering a nature-connected learning environment.
You can use the map below to discover the location of the schools mentioned in this article.
Neighborhoods and Schools: Where to Live?
When choosing a school, proximity can play a significant role. Families often select their homes based on access to schools and transport:
- Notre Dame and Saint Louis: Central, walkable neighborhoods with access to great schools, markets, and cultural spots. Popular with families for their convenience and charm.
- Montreuil: A quieter, family-friendly area with well-rated schools and good transport links.
- Chantiers: Opinions vary. Some find the area near the station practical and affordable, while others recommend avoiding parts further south.
- Glatigny: A bit further from the center, but quieter and more residential, making it ideal for families with cars or bikes.
Extracurricular Activities and Family Life
Versailles provides ample opportunities for children to engage in sports and cultural activities. Many schools incorporate swimming, judo, and yoga into their programs, and the city itself offers playgrounds, public pools, and seasonal events for children.
Additionally, the vast gardens of the Château de Versailles are an unmatched resource for outdoor play, whether it’s biking, scootering, or simply exploring nature.
Living Without a Car
Many families in Versailles live comfortably without a car, thanks to the city’s excellent public transport system and direct commutes to Paris. Neighborhoods like Notre Dame and Saint Louis are particularly pedestrian-friendly, with quick access to grocery stores, markets, and parks.
Conclusion: Tailoring Your Choice
Ultimately, the best school for your child depends on your family’s priorities—be it bilingual education, academic rigor, or a strong community feel. Versailles offers a diverse range of options to suit different needs, and its compact, well-connected layout ensures that wherever you live, quality education is within reach.
If you’re new to Versailles or considering a move, don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly expat and local communities for advice. For questions or advice join our active Facebook Community here. Whether it’s navigating entrance exams or finding the perfect quartier, the shared wisdom of other parents can be invaluable.
