Navigating the French Education System: A Complete Guide for Indian Parents Moving to Lyon

Moving from India to France for your child’s education is a life-changing decision—exciting, yet overwhelming, especially when the French schooling system seems unfamiliar. This guide simplifies the French academic structure by drawing parallels with the Indian education system, and spotlights real school options in Lyon, one of France’s most student-friendly cities.

Understanding the French Academic Calendar

In France, the academic year begins in early September and ends in early July, with several breaks throughout (All Saints’, Christmas, Winter, Spring). This differs from India, where schools usually start between April or June, and end by March or April.

A key distinction is that French schools follow calendar-year-based age admissions (i.e., age by December 31), unlike Indian schools that may follow a June or April cutoff.

Age and Class Equivalents: India vs. France

To make the transition easier, here’s a simplified comparison:

École Maternelle (Preschool) – Ages 3 to 6

Equivalent to:

Petite Section: Indian Nursery (Age 3)
Moyenne Section: Lower KG (Age 4)
Grande Section: Upper KG (Age 5)

École Primaire (Primary School) – Ages 6 to 11

CP (Cours Préparatoire): Class 1
CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2: Classes 2 to 5

Collège (Middle School) – Ages 11 to 15

6ème to 3ème: Equivalent to Indian Classes 6 to 9

Lycée (High School) – Ages 15 to 18

Seconde (Class 10)
Première (Class 11)
Terminale (Class 12)

At the end of Terminale, students appear for the Baccalauréat, similar in importance to India’s Class 12 board exams.

Top Bilingual & International Primary Schools in Lyon

For Indian families moving to France, especially with young children, bilingual or international schools can help ease the language and cultural transition.

✅ École Greenfield – Private Bilingual School

Offers a mix of French and British curriculums. Perfect for younger kids adapting to a new language environment.

✅ West Point Bilingual School

Combines traditional French education with English instruction, fostering cultural tolerance and global awareness.

Secondary Schools & Specialized Institutions in Lyon

🔹 International School of Lyon (ISL)

Ideal for older children coming from IB or international schools in India. Offers a full IB curriculum from primary through to diploma level.

🔹 CSI Lyon (Cité Scolaire Internationale)

A public school offering multiple international sections, including English, German, and Italian. Strongly recommended for smooth linguistic and academic transition.

🔹 SEPR (Société d’Enseignement Professionnel du Rhône)

Offers vocational and technical training in arts, fashion, hospitality, and more. Suitable for students exploring practical and career-oriented education paths.

🔹 Collège Maria Casarès

Public middle school in Rillieux-la-Pape, known for its inclusive education and additional support systems.

🔹 Collège Gabriel Rosset

Located in Lyon 7, this public school focuses on strong community values and academic rigor.

🔹 Collège Georges Clemenceau

Situated in Jean Macé, Lyon, known for high academic standards and extracurricular opportunities.

Real-Life Examples to Visualize the Transition

✨ Aryan’s Journey from DPS Delhi to CSI Lyon

Aryan, a Class 5 student at Delhi Public School, moves to Lyon. His parents enroll him in Cité Scolaire Internationale (CSI), which offers strong English-language support alongside French learning. This allows Aryan to integrate smoothly into a new academic and cultural environment.

✨ Sneha’s Seamless Move from an IB School in Mumbai

Sneha, currently in Class 10 at an IB school in Mumbai, continues her education at the International School of Lyon (ISL), where she doesn’t have to shift curriculum or language tracks. The transition is academic and emotionally comfortable.

Planning Ahead: Admissions Timeline

Unlike Indian schools, where admissions typically begin 3–4 months before the academic year, French schools open admissions 6–11 months in advance. This is especially true for bilingual and international schools in high demand.

✅ Tips for a Smooth Transition

Start researching and contacting schools at least a year in advance.
Use school websites to understand the admission criteria, language support, and curriculum compatibility.
Consider bilingual or international schools for the first few years to help your child adapt to French education and culture.
Connect with Indian expatriate communities in Lyon for recommendations and local insights.

Conclusion: A Global Education Awaits in Lyon

By mapping the French school system to what you’re already familiar with in India, the move becomes far less daunting. Lyon, with its multicultural vibe and high-quality educational institutions, offers the ideal launchpad for your child’s global academic journey.

Start early, choose wisely, and welcome to Lyon—a city where your child’s bright future begins.

📝 Stay tuned for more such informative blogs and articles to help you navigate life and learning in France with confidence.

📞 Need More Guidance? We’re Just a Message Away

Whether you’re in the early planning stages or already living in France, L’Association Frehindi is here to walk with you every step of the way. Our mission is to help Indian families feel at home in France—academically, culturally, and emotionally.

📬 For personalized advice and school recommendations, feel free to connect with Mr. Haru Mehra, President of L’Association Frehindi, at haru@frehindi.com.

📲 Stay Connected, Stay Informed

Connect with us on WhatsApp (+33 6 27 92 43 98) for regular India-in-France insights.
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🇮🇳🤝🇫🇷
At Frehindi, we make navigating French life easy—one Indian at a time.

Warm regards,
Haru Mehra
President,
L’Association Frehindi
(A not-for-profit organization established under the 1901 law of France)

haru@frehindi.com | +33 6 27 92 43 98 | www.frehindi.org