Online enrollment for private preschool in Paris

Yes, it is now possible to register online at many private preschools in Paris. This digital shift has made the administrative process much easier for parents. Private schools, which are more flexible than public schools, have largely adopted digital platforms that allow parents to submit registration applications without having to visit the school in person at first. However, an in-person visit is generally still required to finalize the process.

Private preschools in Paris that offer online registration

Paris is home to many private schools that have modernized their admissions process by offering an initial online registration step. Here are the main schools that offer this option:

• 123 mon école – This private bilingual Montessori school offers an online pre-registration form for its five locations (Paris 15, Asnières-sur-Seine, Bois-Colombes, Courbevoie, and Boulogne-Billancourt)
• Paris Bilingual Montessori School – Online admission application form with the option to upload the required documents
• Jeannine Manuel School – Comprehensive online registration platform with application tracking
• International Bilingual School – Contact Form for Admission Applications with Document Upload
• The Bilingual Montessori School of Paris – Online Pre-Registration System
• Jeannine Manuel Active Bilingual School – Online Application Portal

Most private preschools in popular districts (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 15th, 16th, and 17th) now offer at least an online contact or pre-registration form, although some still use a more traditional process that requires an initial phone call.

The online registration process: steps and required documents

Online enrollment in a private preschool in Paris generally follows a multi-step process, which may vary slightly depending on the school but generally follows the same basic structure.

Typical steps in the digital registration process

• Pre-registration Form – Initial contact to provide basic information about the child and family
• Creating an account on the platform – Some schools use dedicated platforms that allow you to track the status of your application
• Submission of administrative documents – Downloading the required supporting documents
• Payment of application fees – Generally non-refundable
• Automatic confirmation of receipt – Email acknowledging receipt of the complete application
• Scheduling an appointment for a visit or consultation – Often through an integrated online calendar

Documents typically required

• Copy of the family register or birth certificate
• Recent proof of address
• A recent passport-size photo of the child
• Up-to-date vaccination record
• Previous report cards (if applicable)
• Report from the daycare center or doctor (optional but appreciated)

For bilingual schools such as École Privée Bilingue Paris XV (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten), parents may be asked to indicate the child’s prior exposure to the languages taught, although this is not necessarily a selection criterion for kindergarten classes.

Advantages and Limitations of Online Registration

The shift toward a digital registration process offers several advantages, but it also has certain limitations that should be noted.

The benefits of online registration

• Significant time savings – No more need to make multiple trips or schedule appointments during business hours
• Flexibility – You can complete the application at your own pace, in several stages
• Traceability – Tracking the status of the case and the history of communications with the institution
• Competitiveness – For popular schools, the speed of registration can make all the difference (the “first come, first served” principle)
• Organization – Automatic receipt of important information (calendar, supply list)
• Environmental Responsibility – Significant Reduction in Paper Consumption

Limitations to consider

• Delayed Human Interaction – First Impressions Aren't Made in Person
• An in-person visit is still required – Online registration does not eliminate the need for an in-person visit at some point in the process
• Potential technical issues – Download or compatibility problems
• Data Security – Transmission of personal information that requires confidentiality safeguards
• Loss of spontaneity – Fewer opportunities to ask off-the-cuff questions

Key takeaways: Online registration for private preschools in Paris simplifies the initial administrative steps but does not completely replace the traditional process. It saves time and helps parents organize their search efficiently, which is particularly useful for those wishing to apply to multiple schools at the same time. Visiting the school and attending an interview remain essential steps in finalizing admission.

After online registration: next steps

Online pre-registration is only the first step in a more comprehensive process. Here’s what parents can generally expect after this initial phase.

The tour of the facility and the interview

Even with a digital registration system, an in-person visit to the facility remains a crucial step. This visit can take various forms:

• Open House – Some schools hold group sessions where you can tour the facilities and learn about their teaching methods
• Personalized Tour – One-on-one meeting with a member of management
• Meeting with the administration – Discussion of family values, expectations, and educational philosophy
• Child Observation – In some schools, a short observation period may be offered

To 123 mon école, for example, after registering online, parents are invited to tour the school, where they receive a presentation on the educational approach and observe a class in action. This step allows families to ensure that the environment meets their expectations and their child’s needs.

Confirmation of Admission

Following the interview and the visit, several scenarios are possible:

• Immediate admission – The school confirms acceptance of the application
• Waiting list – Application accepted but awaiting an available spot
• Conditional admission – Acceptance subject to certain conditions (e.g., a probationary period)
• Rejection – The school believes that its program does not meet the child’s needs

Final administrative steps

Once admission has been confirmed, there are several steps to complete in order to finalize your registration:

• Signing the Enrollment Agreement – A legal document between the family and the school
• Tuition fees – Typically between €500 and €1,500 per month, depending on the institution
• Payment of the tuition deposit – Often, one month’s tuition is required in advance
• Selecting Options – After-School Services, Cafeteria, Extracurricular Activities
• Information Session – Detailed Overview of How the School Operates

At schools like 123 mon école, a one-on-one meeting with the classroom teachers is scheduled before the start of the school year to discuss the child’s habits and help them adjust.

Tips for Optimizing Your Online Registration

To maximize your child’s chances of being admitted to the private preschool of your choice in Paris, here are some practical tips:

Timing and preparation

• Planning Ahead – Registration typically opens one year before the desired start date, and sometimes even earlier for the most popular schools
• Active monitoring – Check the websites of the targeted schools to find out when registration opens
• Documents Ready – Prepare all necessary documents in advance (digital copies)
• Cover Letter – Even if not explicitly requested, a personalized letter explaining your choice can make all the difference

Multi-site strategy

• Multiple Applications – Feel free to apply to several schools at the same time
• Clear Priorities – Create a prioritized list of your preferences
• Local schools – Choose schools near your home or along your commute
• Diversification – Include lesser-known but high-quality schools where admission is more accessible

Follow-up and reminder

• Confirmation of Receipt – Please verify that your application is complete in the system
• A polite follow-up – If you haven’t heard back after 3–4 weeks, a follow-up may be appropriate
• Flexibility – Being available for scheduled appointments
• Responsiveness – Responding quickly to additional requests

Frequently asked questions

At what age can my child enroll in a private preschool in Paris?

In most private preschools in Paris, children can be admitted as young as 2 or 3 years old for pre-preschool. At 123 mon école, the pre-preschool program accepts children as young as 2 years old in Paris’s 15th arrondissement and as young as 20 months in Bois-Colombes, Asnières-sur-Seine, Courbevoie, and Boulogne. The preschool program itself is for children ages 3 to 6.

What are the class sizes in private preschools?

Class sizes are generally smaller than in public schools. At 123 mon école, pre-kindergarten classes have about 15 children (13–18 children per class in Paris), and kindergarten classes have between 15 and 20 children (22–23 maximum in Paris).

What is the staff-to-student ratio at a private preschool?

In high-quality private schools, there is more support. At 123 mon école, each class has two experienced full-time teachers (one French-speaking and one English-speaking), which allows for personalized attention and complete language immersion.

Does my child need to already speak English to enroll in a bilingual school?

No, no prior knowledge of English is required to enroll in the bilingual preschool classes. The program is designed to facilitate natural English language acquisition, regardless of the child’s initial level. At 123 mon école, daily immersion with a permanent English-speaking teacher facilitates natural language acquisition.

What is the average tuition at a private preschool in Paris?

Tuition fees vary considerably from one institution to another, ranging from €400 to €1,500 per month. In addition, there are application fees and, in many cases, an advance payment toward tuition. These fees are generally non-refundable if you withdraw.

Does online registration guarantee a spot at the school?

No, online registration is the first step in submitting an application, but it does not guarantee final admission. Admission is subject to availability, an interview with the school administration, and, in some cases, whether the school’s educational philosophy aligns with the child’s needs.

What teaching methods are used in private preschools in Paris?

Teaching approaches vary: Montessori, Freinet, traditional, or a combination of these. At 123 mon école, the Montessori method is adapted for children ages 2–6, with a focus on independence and self-confidence, while adhering to the national curriculum.

Is there a specific time frame for online registration?

Registration for the fall semester typically opens between October and January of the previous year. However, some highly sought-after schools may open registration up to 18 months in advance. It is recommended that you check directly with the schools you are interested in.