Choosing a school in France can feel like the most stressful part of relocating with kids. Websites rarely tell you what daily life is really like, and every family’s priorities are different. This guide is focused on practical questions and a simple decision process — especially for families planning a move to Lyon.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, identify your non-negotiables. Many missteps come from trying to weigh every factor at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you might assume.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Decide Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Lyon, traffic can turn a good school into a daily challenge.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Important questions to ask schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate students who join mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost of routine:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that suits your family's actual schedule: its location, the support it offers, and everyday ease for your child — not the one with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you want help weighing priorities for Lyon (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +33 4 72 12 34 56.