Culture Shocks! I School in France vs the USA I Back To School France

[@amyhyde70]

I was put into a French school at 13. I think my mouth stayed open for a full month😮 I didn’t speak a word of French, the teaches were super friendly but also super strict. The lunches were outstanding!🏆 I learned French rather quickly, and was told I have an excellent Parisian accent. I think their education system is excellent! When I moved back to the states I was moved up 2 grades. GO FRANCE!🎉

[@Backrooms_Francais]

It was 20 years ago, now french system suck.

[@rhdrhd3255]

@@Backrooms_Francais yes but i can't imagine where the americans are now too 😅

[@TheTeccala]

@@Backrooms_Francais I wouldn't say suck. It's still free, but you're right it isn't as good as it used to be (no improvements more than regression, which is a regression I guess ?).

[@MrRyanSandberg]

As a teacher in Estonia, we have a similar schedule to France, and the periodic breaks are a God send. We need time to recharge ourselves, but also we mostly use it to catch up on work and prepare new lessons, or do other projects, etc.

[@iparipaitegianiparipaitegi4643]

You can’t compare the school pace in France and in the US. The school day in France lasts from 8 or 8:30 am until 5 pm. A long day. In high school it can lasts until 6pm sometimes. So the rhythm 7 weeks in, 2 weeks off is adapted to long school days.

[@tiffanymcknight7789]

In my city in the states, school is from 9/9:30am to 4pm. And we still don't get many vacations 😞 But we have after school programs that last until like 7pm.

[@amyspeers8012]

I have a school in my village. I love seeing the little ones playing. The teachers seem super sweet with them. There is one little guy who always calls out “ Bonjour Madam! “

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

😊

[@TourdionInstrumental]

My daughter, from the US, spent 6 months in France as an exchange student at the 5th grade level. She was in a private school in both countries. It seemed she was not given a whole lot of help at adjusting to a new language and trying to learn subjects in a new language (it was an immersion program). She brought home notebooks of dictée and even her handwriting changed to a very French style. She did great personally but was definitely not given special help and said she would not want to go to school in France every year-it was too hard! I found her to have developed a certain on -point french style while there, which was very cute while it lasted! And her spoken french was very good also.

[@mel9356]

what do you mean writing with a french style ? is there a difference

[@singingcat02]

@@mel9356 Typical handwritings actually change from one country to another. In France the vast majority of students write in cursive because that’s what they’re taught. In the US that’s much more rare. Same in Germany, they have a particular way of writing their r’s and they generally stick to script writing.

[@beatricemurgues5212]

Well, as you said it was an immersion program. Hence, not much help. You should have done your research before enrolling her.

[@singingcat02]

@@mel9356doubling down on what the person above me said, yes there is. The average handwriting is actually different from one country to the other

[@celinetorres1]

As a French person with 3 children currently living in the US, I wish school was mandatory and FREE starting at 3 y.o. here. Kids are resilient, especially at that age, they adjust quickly. It might seem tough now but you will most likely see your daughter make new friends very quickly and talk about the activities they do in class. You did not mention the "recreations" that break the day when the kids can spend some free time outside (much more often than in the US). Paris schools (2008-2009) used to have pretty cool field trips too, like going to the circus and visiting art exhibits. My children really liked their French elementary school and were about one grade ahead when we moved back to the US. Be prepared however to relearn how to do subtractions and divisions are they are taught differently in France and in the US. I feel that my children learned more in maternelle and elementary school about art in Paris than in the US, they were introduced to artists like Alexander Calder and Mondrian. I also really liked the cantine in France, kids had a well balanced hot lunch each day of the week. Both systems have their pluses and minuses. I wish I could have given my children the best of each system, the self-esteem boost and fun you get from the US, and the rigor and structure you get from the French system. Another difference, this might not be true anymore, is the absence of constant requests for donations for charities in France and the absence of "competitive fundraising" that can turn a bit weird sometimes in the US.

[@kling8460]

Nothing should be mandatory unless it’s a dictatorship. Liberté

[@poppyseeds439]

​@@kling8460school is mandatory in the US too. Get over yourself

[@2222titia]

​@kling8460 it is mandatory because, kids should have the same chances in life but kids do not have the same "parents", some do play and read to their kids, some do not even speak the language, some have addition troubles, 1/10 kids is abused. Having them in school as soon as possible do help reducing those inequalities

[@llamasarus1]

No one is entitled to anything that requires scarce resources

[@valma7702]

My daughter is in the same situation as yours since she was born in december 19. She's two and a half in a class of 28 kids, mixed petite section and moyenne section, so some kids are 2 solid years older than her in the class... At that age yes the beginnings are quite difficult (I had the reverse experience with my oldest who was born in january, and was 3 and a half when he started school, and it's really different, much easier), but you'll see they adjust quite fast and learn autonomy and so much more! I like it that in France we treat very young children as pupils who are actually able to learn, first how to behave in society, how to take care of themselves (at least for very simple things at first like putting their shoes on etc), then more scholar subjects.

[@acivilright]

I actually prefer the French education system over ours in the US. Part of the reason we have so many problems in the US system is because culturally we are so focused on indivduality and being unique, that the school system will end up being dictated by the most vocal and wealthy parents, for better or worse. The school system here is more about socializing and less about actual learning, so we end up with students who are great at sports and can talk a good enough game to run for Congress yet can barely read beyond the fifth grade level and have extremely limited critical thinking and evaluation skill.

[@Bellasie1]

The actual learning has decreased a lot in France, too. A former teacher wrote books about how school is really designed to create 10% intellectuals and 90% consumers. It reflects in how, exactly like you said, French youngsters "can barely read beyond the fifth grade level and have extremely limited critical thinking and evaluation skill". Exactly the same, it's by design.

[@Eli-tq8fj]

@@Bellasie1 You are right on the money

[@saga_oneil]

@@Bellasie1 i think the " limited critical thinking" side is actually wrong when it comes to France, but I agree on the fact that the learning has decreased A LOT and I'm sure it is actually happening in so many countries nowadays. Unfortunately or not, us French people are taught way too well how to express ourselves and have our own opinions, which is problematic since the school system often don't force students to learn that well anymore, and is still very strict about unnecessary rules

[@tatini7591]

I'm married to a Frenchman and the main reason for not living there is the educational system, I don't know a French person who doesn't have trauma from that period and the way they were treated, I know many who change countries exactly for that reason, what you described It doesn't happen in reality, I prefer an American school

[@yannrousseau5437]

Ça me fait penser au gars orange 😉

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

Wow, super interesting. It explains a lot how independent and confident I find the people, and kids, to be here in France.

[@isabella.c.a.]

I've just read a few comments as I always find interesting to see other people's reactions. First of all, thanks for this interesting video, it's nice to have the perspective of someone coming from another country. I am also a French teacher (just read a comment from a colleague) in France and I teach children from 3 to 11 years old. We have a master's degree in education to do the job, whereas in most countries, this is not the case as children from 3 to 5 go to kindergarten. The program is very well thought through and constructed in terms of cognitive development, language acquisition and other skills. As my colleague said, it is a good opportunity for children whose mother tongue is not French at home to not be left behind. So even though the children look like all they do is playing, they actually learn a lot through these activities, and their cognitive capacities can bloom from early incentives (if you're interested in children psychological development and neurosciences, check the recommendations from neuroscientists Stanislas Dehaene and Olivier Houdé, they have conferences and videos on YT). All that being said, our system is far from perfect. Regarding the mold you're talking about, I think it is true, I sadly had the experience myself being a single mom of a 5 year old who is not in that mold. I am not his teacher and was quite saddened to see the label that was put on him since he was 3 years old. Regarding the hours of schools, they indeed can change locally, as primary schools depend on the budget of the mayor of the town. There are meetings 3 times per year between the school director, teachers, mayor and counselors and parents' representatives who are elected (you can be a candidate if you are willing to invest time in your child's school life) to decide the school rules, including the hours. Most schools in France have a 4-day week from Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Friday but there are exceptions. The budget of the school also depends on the will and politics of each town's mayor. I have worked in schools where it was not the mayor's priority to invest in the school and the money was very short to buy supplies and books. That's why parents' associations and teachers try to organise events to raise funds. If you find that your child is too young to have a full school day and cannot sleep properly with her peers in the afternoon, you can ask for a derogation to the teacher and school director, they will explain the procedure, it is done quite often, a lot of children (not the majority though) only do half a day and then you can choose a nanny if you are working or some ask the grandparents to look after their grandchild, it depends on each family's situation. Regarding the holidays, they are a lot, but the children need those breaks, school is intense. Most cities in France, even small villages organise "leisure centres / holiday camps" for children whose parents work (the majority of course), they are usually inexpensive. Hope this gave you some insights, feel free to comment if you have a specific question.

[@siragrayspalmers4010]

As a dominican teacher with 40 kids and and with only half a day assistant in The k grades france sounds like heaven

[@aglaurendance]

As an American kid who spent part of childhood in England (and now an American elementary school teacher who student taught in England), I vastly, vastly prefer the British school calendar (which is similar to France, but goes through mid-July) over the more typical American school calendar.

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

I think you described the "frame" of the French education system perfectly. If you fit that frame exactly, their system is great and you will learn a lot (way more than in the U.S. for example) and be very successful. But as soon as there's anything about you that doesn't fit that frame, you're "laissé tomber", and there are not a lot of resources (and from what I've seen, not a lot of concern) to catch you if you fall. I'm sure it's not like that in every French school but that's what I've been exposed to through my French partner's experience and observing French classrooms.

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Same here. It's the feedback i get from older students that didn't quite fit the mold either!

[@gudetamaminiso513]

The teachers aren't that negative with young children. But anyway if the child can't fit the system for medical reasons, he can be taught at home by exception. And there's a lot of "périscolaire" time when you can pay for 1 to 1 care if you can afford. Anyway, trying to fit a mold is also a great way to learn about your differences and strenghen your qualities while realizing the others are not born to adapt to you. The most important thing is having supportive parents at home i think ;)

[@florianandre6891]

@@gudetamaminiso513 I've never asked myself this kind of question when I was a teenager because I was always the "first" in middle/high school. Then I went to preparatory classes (which are are much more brutal than school but still, are the natural go throught). The rank of everybody was put on wall twice a week and the amount of things to understang in a week was unbelivable (for me). That's when I understood my fellow friends who had difficulties in high school, because I was living what they lived in high school in preparatory classes. The school does not exist to train everybody to their futur life and full potential, only to choose the pefect ones to rule the futur of our country. Maybe that's why a 65 millions inhabitants country is still the 6th economic power in the world... But it's not the way to give everyone a futur ^^"

[@nissa.f3930]

In France, it's not mandatory to school your child if she/he turns 3 after September, so in the case of your daughter being from Nov she should have signed up the year after with no problem whatever. School isn't a Day Car & teacher are taught to be nanny and dress up, wipe or feed a child, that's the role of parents so I don't see the blame here or anything shocking. No child is OBLIGED to attend school if they are unable to meet those requirements, nobody is going to knock at the door of parents to oblige them. School is free in France, is not bad at all compared to other counties, probably one of the best and huge chuck of money is spent each year. If one requires more than 2 adults for 22 children well that's where the private school make a difference.

[@gudetamaminiso513]

@@florianandre6891 . Maybe you were above the level in your high school and just under in preparatory school... Anyway, like I said school is a way to know where your good and where you're not (intellectually). there are many ways to suceed in life. By the way, if not being hard worker and good at school, what should be the criteria to get the better job ? as far as i've notice, i don't prefer the way of selecting in other countries, in which it is often the original social background. Plus, in France being the best at school leads you to better job only in adminstration, there are a lot of better paid jobs in private companies which do not have such a requirement

[@sphinxx5322]

Hi :) I'm a french school teacher teaching 3 years-old kids so this video made me laugh a bit. I'm actually half english and I know the french school seems really weird from a foreign point of view! 22 children is actually a very small group of kids! You should be happy about it (lol). Also, l'école maternelle is usually quite positive and encouraging (compared to what comes afterwards) and very different from what you have starting from 6 and onwards. I'm sure your daughter will get used to it eventually. The reduced number of adults is made on purpose. That's why it is called school and not "kindergarden" or another name. And it wasn't compulsery until 2019. However all kids went to l'école maternelle regardless so you probably would have put your daughter in school anyway even though it wouldn't have been mandatory. Also, the teacher has the same level of education as any other teachers (elementary/high school) and it is usually considered a good way for kids from the immigration to be exposed to an adult with a good level of speach from an early age. The kids are taught to do basic stuff on their own and to socialise with other kids and they're usually happy about it although the first month can be stressfull for both kids and parents. Most teachers will help the younger one (november / december kids) and we give them special attention. I'm sure it will all work fine for your little Eleanor :) Bon courage ! The first weeks are the hardest! Also for the weird timetable... blame the president... It used to be school on monday/tuesday/thursday/friday with fixed hours. ^^'

[@isabelledelacotardiere9230]

I am getting old I thought it was only mandatory from 6 to 16...in my defense my kids are now 19, 22 and 24 so I guess things have changed LOL but as you said, mandatory or not, all kids went to school at 3 regardless 😊

[@Sadi_K]

Well, my daughter always had a fix timetable since 1st year (she's now in CP) : Monday, Tuesday, Thurday and Friday from 8h30 to 12h then from 2 pm to 4h30 pm and wednesday is free from school, I guess it depends on the school 🤔

[@janelc1843]

@@Sadi_K Same for me, for 8 years in elementary school I had the same schedule. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday : 9am-12am and 13:30-16:30 / Wednesday : 9am-12am. We had at least 30 min break in the playground outside every morning and afternoon. The parents could drop off their kids from 7am (and do activities inside until the playground opened about 1 hour before school started). And they could pick them up until 6pm (at least in my school which was always a problem with working parents who finishes work around that time)

[@marimva]

As a Brazilian, the amount of holidays in both countries shocks me so much hahaha. In Brazil, as students, we have a bit over 1 month of summer holiday, that starts just before Christmas and ends at the end of January (opposite seasons) and we have around 2 weeks during winter (July). That's it. Plus the usual bank holidays. Also every day is the same, Monday to Friday. :)

[@jenniferwightwick5158]

A great video! I hope that over the years as Eléonore goes through her education (primaire, collège, lycée etc) we'll get to hear your thoughts about each stage!

[@marionff9961]

Franco-American couple here with a kid from November who started school this year, and I am the same age as you 😉 I love your videos, we are very much on the same page on everything you share. 😊

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Ahhh hope it's going well Marion! Eleonore has finally stopped clinging to me like a monkey in the mornings until someone tears her off of me and I run out the door while she screams. Not the easiest start to our day so I'm happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel as it gets a bit easier for her!

[@enriquesanchez2001]

WOW! That schedule horrifies me! How's it been now TWO YEARS LATER? (Came here from Diane's YT!!) ♥

[@sevensongs]

There are so many different educational philosophies and I'm pretty convinced that they all work. The key to success for students isn't the philosophy (play only/student led/teacher led/direct instruction/project based...). The key is parents and how school is discussed at home. It's the larger culture of the parents in the area or at the school that will set the tone for the children and how they respond to what is being offered.

[@jamiaawilson]

Really interesting to hear. I was born (in the US) in October, and my Mom pushed for me to have the calendar year schedule so I could start early. I was always one of the youngest in my classes because the rule was usually that Fall babies had to wait another year--it meant I started college before I turned 18 and couldn't do driver's ed with my classmates on the same schedule. Funny to hear that this would have been normal in the french context because I was one of the exceptions in the US system.

[@frederickdvorak6502]

With the rare exception of some overseas territories and Corsica, most French kids start school on the same day (2 Sept. in 2024 for the academic year 2024-2025). And, all of them finish school and start their summer holiday everywhere in France and around the World where France has territories on the same day too (5 July in 2025 for the academic year 2024-2025). It's only the holidays in between that have different start and end dates by "zones" (areas of France), so that there is not too much rush on the roads ... except for All Saints Day and Christmas (which, for the vast majority of children are the same dates; in Metropolitan France, they are the same). This applies to to both private and public schools, as they generally follow the same academic calendar set by the Ministry of National Education.

[@guillaumejeremia8779]

Even of you didn't take a vacation in the summer you still know it's la rentrée... for collegues. So they keep asking how the summer was (you were at work!) and you have to say very nice, thank you 😊

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Haha totally. I remember this when I was an intern and couldn't take vacation in July or August. But for example in my company, you have to take three weeks between July and August so everyone had some time off before la Rentree!

[@Lxuren_lo]

This is so interesting. I’m a teacher in England and we have a similar system to the French by the sounds of it. School here is free, but parents can pay to put their children in private schools. The main difference between public and private schools in England are the class sizes. Public schools have up to 30-36 children per class, sometimes with no teaching assistant whereas private schools have half as many children and twice as many staff. All schools in England have terms that last between 6 and 7 weeks long with regular breaks (some breaks are 1 week, some are 2 weeks, summer is between 6 and 7 weeks) and these breaks are so so important for teachers self-care and for us to keep on top of work load! We teach a very specific curriculum for every year group, all things on the curriculum must be taught by the end of the academic year. I imagine it’s the same in France. We also are trained to support and guide children in their social and emotional developments and encourage individuality, alongside having high expectations for achievement academically.

[@bridgetleonard6702]

I interned in an American elementary school in 2015-2016 and then I was a language assistant in a French elementary school 2018-2019. I was surprised by how much less fun school looked for kids in France versus the U.S. It didn't seem like the American elementary students were learning less the teachers just made what they were learning more fun.

[@mgparis]

In France, school is definitely not supposed to be "fun"...

[@kg8063]

@@mgparis that is depressing. The early years are so formative. It really should be a fun, loving, playful time for toddlers.

[@mgparis]

To be honest I may have been thinking more of primary school and onwards... I don't remember that much about kindergarten, but I do remember that there were definitely rules (alhtough that makes sense too)

[@TheResidance]

Oh no, no positivity, ever. I remember when i went from the US to french elementary, i asked why they used a punishment based system instead of a rewards based system and they looked at me like i had antlers.

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

hahaha i'm not surprised by this!

[@sphinxx5322]

Except it's not elementary school we're talking about in this video... I mean, I understand your point on the french education but you should compare things that are comparable. L'école maternelle and l'école élémentaire are very different.

[@TreenaBeena]

French school schedules have always driven me bonkers. I remember seeing students’ schedules when I was a language assistant and I used to ask myself, "how do they remember all this? It’s a completely different schedule every day.” Not only that, but the schedules were pretty vague too. They just had the hours (8 AM, 9 AM, etc.), but the classes didn’t start on the hour. They had to refer to the school bell schedule to know the precise time. It was the same for me on my emploi du temps.

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

I was surprised when i taught at a lycee to see how different the days were. In high school, i basically had the same schedule every day for the quarter or semester and then it changed, but not on a daily basis.

[@noefillon1749]

As a former high school student (until 2019), it was actually not that hard. In one month I used to know my time table by heart (and it didn't change during the whole year), and before that, it was not very hard to refer to the paper that was given to you at the rentrée. The transition between primary school and secondary school (collège) can be difficult for some though. It's quite brutal. Also where I was in school, the exact time of the bell was written on the time table, but may be it depends on the school. As a student in higher education now, I can tell you that it's not at all as easy as in high school. Our time table litterally changes every week and we have to refer to the school/university's website (after logging in with our personal codes) to know every day what is planned (usually the planning is uploaded months in advance, but not always). My mother told me that it wasn't always like that though as it wasn't possible to let the students know the time table every week without the Internet. It used to work quite like high school except that it changed every semester. I have a question : How it it possible in the US to fit all the subjects you may have in one day ?

[@BB-un2ts]

Never had any problems with my schedule. I loved the fact they changed everyday. You had good days, bad days but it wasn't monotonous. Usually, you learnt them quite quickly.

[@TreenaBeena]

@@noefillon1749 every high school is different. Some have the same subjects every day, and some don't (called "block scheduling"). My high school had the same classes every day. Classes were 50 minutes long. We had 5 minutes in between classes go to the next class. My senior year schedule was Psychology, French, Astronomy, lunch, English, Pre-Calculus, and European History. School started at 7:20 AM and ended at 2:10 PM.

[@noefillon1749]

@@TreenaBeena so that means if you had one subject, you had to have at least 50 minutes of it every day, which means 4h 10min a week. Because in France, most of our subjects are given less than that (for the students that chose a science oriented planning, we had 3h a week for history and geography, 3h for philosophy, 2h for English, 2h for a 3rd language which for me was Spanish, 2h for sport etc... If I understand well the differences with your system (I'm not totally sure of that, I can't learn everything about the American high school system in one KZbin commen), I think the reason why the weekly time table is chosen in France is because, despite being more complicated for the students, it gives more flexibility to adjust the amount of time for each subject and a larger variety of subjects. That's especially the case in middle school where we have a lot more of them like biology and geology, technology, physics and chemistry, arts, music, sport, English, Spanish and of course, French, mathematics and history & geography. All these definitely cannot fit in one day. Correct me of I'm wrong.

[@micheleparisio6573]

Hi, I just came across your video. When my children went to school in France the Maternal wasn’t obligatoire! This is very recent, sending your child to the maternal at 3 years old. For my daughter I just took her in the mornings and she had lunch at home and a nap. My son went just two full days for the first year. School actually starts in the CP, this is normally when the children start to learn to read and write. I was fortunate enough not to have to work, just as well with the children off on holiday every 6 weeks. It’s a choice. I couldn’t face other people looking after my children, crèches, études before and after school, garderies, centre de loisirs etc. Wednesdays when there was no school my children played sports. Being British not working for me was my option ( private catholic school) and all the other expenses were more than a smic per month! The French education system is amazing, culturally and educationally superior to the education I received in England. Education for me is everything. Knowledge is all ! I wish you the best of luck. Everything revolves around your children in France. Mxx

[@missb8510]

Just to let you know, children start to read and write in maternelle not CP. Which is why it's important to send your kids to maternelle 🙂

[@sidobern4374]

@@missb8510 Yes. My grand daughter learned to read at 4 yo in maternelle. Well, she could read child books alone at that age, and new books never seen before... So, they need to go to school early than CP.

[@skanderskand8213]

as a frech young man i can give you a few tips for how to keep your child during vacation when you'r at work its called centre de loisirs its literally daycare during vaction and every wednesday off the year (cause most kiddo's dont have school on those evenings) so look with you daughters school they can give you some really good options here

[@TheWinnipegredhead]

Canada seems to be a combination of France and USA. Two month break in summer, two weeks at Christmas, and one week at March Break. And kids start based on calendar year. School hours tend to be 9 am to 3:30pm.

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Sounds like a mix!

[@deetee9272]

And also, education falling under provincial responsibility, so some variation from province to province as well. Quebec does it more differently than the other provinces (quelle surprise!), for example, with a longer Christmas break and the "March break" being in February. I'm not even sure what the break is called in French but nowhere in Canada do we refer a February or March break as a "spring break" since is is generally not spring in Canada at that time of year!

[@LePhil79]

@@deetee9272 in Québec the break is in the end of February / beginning of March and is called "semaine de relâche" (break week).

[@theMad155]

The rules about attendance are a big topic of discussion in my house. I, American, grew up in a family where my parents would 1. Give me a mental health day once a semester that I could take with no justification and 2. take us on vacation during school time at least once a year in elementary school since it was cheaper 😂 most of my memorable learning experiences at that age came from things I did outside of school. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge supporter of public schools! :) but my French husband is horrified that I could just miss school.

[@Eniphesoj90]

About the strictness, I do understand your concern. I was a bit older (12) when I came to France from the Netherlands. People always find this weird, but I found the strictness reassuring. My Dutch teachers all had their own rules, some were OK with being called by their first name, others weren't. In France, the rules were homogeous and very clear. It gave more structure and routine, which I liked. So don't be too put off by that, it is not that bad.

[@elcoeda]

School has been mandatory at three for only 2 or 3 years. Before that 95% of three year olds went to school, but they usually only went on mornings for the first trimester. The cost of "périscolaire" dépends each town, and on how much you earn.

[@adrienhb8763]

As usual interesting. The rentrée is really a fresh start. You've had a long break, your June problems seem so far away. In January you're exhausted because Hollydays season is exhausting. And December is too close you don't have to to forget what happened. Your school schedule is difficult because Paris has classes on Wednesday morning. I am not sure you can do that in Paris, but in other cities with different schedule, you can send your child to school only the morning in Petite Section (your Éléonore's class). Yes kids must be potty trained but if accidents happend (and they DO happen) the teacher and her assistant will take care of it. Yes it is kind of strict, not very friendly to parents, yes there is much room for improvement. But one year difference in a class is not big deal. Not only can it be interesting for older kids to be with younger ones (especially when there are two classes into one), but it doesn't mean that the younger one will have difficulties to follow up with the older kids. School start this young to try to narrow the the gap between kids whose parents have little education and/or less time to be with them with kids whose parents are educated and/or have time to open them up to culture. It is not always enough and the way the parents are with their children (voluntarily or not), alas often continues to make a difference.

[@mmercer93]

I was about to comment the same. We live in the south of France and our kids only have school 4 days a week. There is no school on Wednesday. Last year, our son was in petite section and only went in the mornings. We were much happier with this arrangement and it allowed him to get used to the structured setting at a much more reasonable pace. He has no problems going full days this year. Our school schedules are the exact same every day. Thank goodness, because otherwise I would be lost. Lol

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Lucky you with the same schedule every day! Ours literally changes every day and i'm always so lost!

[@doroFee]

Interesting video! About the potty training I red there was a law novelty in france: it is no more mandatory for kids to be “propre” at the age of 3. But there is of course the social pressure I can imagine… Here in Germany kids go with age 3 to the kindergarten. The groups are bigger than at crèche. But it is way more playful approach than school. I can remember from my kindergarten-time, that there were special preschool courses for the oldest. But again this was just learning to write your own name or something. I would’ve been interested in learning reading at an earlier age. But each system has it’s downsides or advantages!

[@noefillon1749]

In France you don't really learn how to read until 6. The approach is really more playful and really different between 3 and 6 than after. What they learn as real knowledge is usually how to count to 30, how to hold a pencil (by coloring and drawing) and the alphabet. You can't ask 4 years old children to solve differential equation !

[@CherryFlower24]

Just for information. I'm french and live in La Réunion (french overseas territory) and our "rentrée" doesn't have the same dates as mainland France and same goes for other french overseas territories. Here we starts school back in mid august (our july vacations are shorter because season are reversed in south hemisphere) and in january we get a month and a half (it's our summer)

[@jasminmatula2863]

Gosh thanks for sharing, it’s nice to hear some of my own thoughts voiced. Also recess in France is only 15 minutes a day in the US it’s 30 minutes all through elementary and even longer in preschool years. And France schools have very limited playground equipment. This shocked me , some schools just have an empty fenced dirt floor parking lot sort of. It’s not their fault- they aren’t funded well enough in my option but I guess that’s one sacrifie made for making school free for everyone from age 3. Another shock in a good way was the quality and variety of their school meals. Definitely better quality food in the cantine than in US cafeterias.

[@iparipaitegianiparipaitegi4643]

The sooner kids learn social rules, the better. Less pampers kids, less helicopter mums, less king kids.

[@sylviekempler797]

So true !

[@beatricemurgues5212]

Fewer pampers kids, fewer helicopters mums, fewer king kids. Basic grammar!

[@ilovemovies725]

​@@beatricemurgues5212He put a period before starting the "less" sentences. It's correct. Yours would be "the sooner...the fewer" . The only mistake I see in both his comment and your reply is : less pamperS kids. I think you both meant : pamperED kids.

[@ClaudiGomez]

I was born in the United States, but my parents taught me to write my name and read before preschool, because that's how it originally worked where they were from. Parents should be involved in this from day one. When I was a teenager I was sent to their hometown to learn their mother tongue perfectly without an accent and let me tell you the school system is hard 😭 I was humbled and went to a private school. In order to be considered for the private school, I have to learn all the history and culture 😭 and also be up to date with my studies as when I get back to the States it will be approved as well. It was a headache. I felt very behind and it opened my eyes to how other countries prepare students without any sensitivity, they told me. In “America” we are very spoiled… being able to attend 2 school systems allows me to prepare for the real world. I understand your frustration, but your child will benefit greatly ❤

[@ineslamloum5402]

Missing school at la maternelle it is not a big deal . It is mandatory at 3 but there are in some places jardins d’enfants that can replace school and where the atmosphère resemblance more day care but they are not free . Regarding potty training. They are really flexible on that especially at the beginning.

[@marianneldn6155]

When I was the same age of your daughter, I only went half a day to school for the first few months and then the all day after Christmas break. Being diaper free was also a rule when I was little. I am not surprised. For those who were not, they could not go to school. And some were starting the "petite section" in January then. I don't know if it's still possible or not...

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Its mandatory now, so you need to go and you need to be "propre" :/

[@mallory_t6513]

this was extremely educational, thanks for sharing! The variable weekly schedule and the 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off sounds stressful for taking care of the child. But if I were coming from a kid's perspective, especially an older kid, they would probably really like the regular breaks!

[@kuramakyubi9935]

pre kindergarten in France is from 8 AM to 4 PM every day but there is no school on Wednesday for pre kindergarten to kindergarten.

[@paulinez4336]

Hi ! I don’t know where you live in France but I grew up in Basque Country and our director in elementary school did not care if we missed school to go on vacation for example. He valued it as still learning. Usually the teacher or a friend in class would get us the homework we would do before going back to catch up. I guess it depends on the region since we have quite different way of thinking about life here ? We were independent very young and living close to the beach, I could go there alone with friends during the summer at age 10 I think (CM2). And for the vacation, we used to go one week to our grandparents on my father’s side and one week on my mother’s side ! Grandparents and family in general is, I feel, a big part of growing up in France. We had a nanny usually in the summer since my parents worked in a summer touristic area. Also, check out « centre aéré » or « centre de loisir » when your daughter will be older ! Lots of kids, including us, went at least once in our life. Kind of like a « colonie de vacances » but just during the day time.

[@deetee9272]

Give your little one extra hugs and snuggles (I'm sure you will). I totally agree with you about a not-even-3-year-old being subjected to such rigidity being more of a bug than a feature of the system. (And, if you have any mind tricks you use for remembering féminin/masculin, try to find one for "la rentrée" (féminin) -- maybe just remembering the spelling with the extra "e" at the end?)

[@flirtinggracefullplatypus8496]

on the small holidays my kid would go to daycare which occcured in school so basically i would send him to school and he would just play all day with his buddies so no change of rythm for toussaint, winter or easter..

[@mdte5421]

I went to a lycee francais in Africa ! When I moved to the states I literally felt freedom after 15 years ( jardin d’enfant to 3emes). US school system was a breeze and your teacher is like your friend ☺️

[@HeManSean]

Of all the things you mentioned the only one that I believe is objectively a bad thing is that our children have to start school at 3 years old. My family with four kids (ages 5mo-8 years) moved to France last year and have already gone through a school year, and our world has been turned upside down by the strictness of the school system. The expectations for little French babies to fit into a rigid French mold has been the most stressful part of our new lives, and while it's not the end of the world and our kids will eventually adjust, it's been pretty hard. Regardless of if your children go to daycare or have a parent home with them, at 3 years old they need personal and affectionate care, not "éducation" (the cultural training). Anyway, I really appreciate your videos! You helped make our understanding of French culture a little easier before we moved and after too. Keep it up!

[@isagrace4260]

Good luck Sean! The shifting schedule also sounds like a nightmare if you don’t have a nanny / help / one parent with a flexible/no work schedule

[@noefillon1749]

Well it's said that starting school at 3 drastically reduces inequalities regarding the school performance in the future, essentially caused by huge differences between parents in the level of education.

[@HeManSean]

@@noefillon1749 I know that's the stated reason in France for the mandatory schooling at age 3, but functionally, when all the kids are doing is being taught "politesse" and learning nursery rhymes, I'm not so sure how that would affect their academic performance later in life (other than knowing how to sit down, shut up, and recite memorized instructruction). Either way, I'm not the arbiter of what's actually the right way of educating children, but I do believe that 3 seems a bit young to cram them into an understaffed school for seemingly little purpose

[@xouxoful]

Well it’s recently been mandatory but clearly for the petite section (first year) you’re welcome to keep your child half-time at home.

[@noefillon1749]

@@HeManSean Children learn a lot by what they see and hear. Studie have found out huge differences in the way they tell stories at the age of 5. Only 5. At school, they are told stories, they learn the language more properly, the gain more vocabulary, their curiosity is risen on various subjects they wouldn't see at home etc... Mastering the language and being introduced to various subjects are essential for future academic performance.

[@miriammckibben]

NYC public schools have the same rules according to the calendar, you can start kindergarten at 4 if you turn 5 by 12/31.

[@aeolia80]

My French classes follow the vacances scolaires schedule, though we don't start till the end of September (they do this because the instructors usually have kids and don't wanna stress them out in the beginning of September). As for age of starting school, in California when I started school, the cut off date for kindergarten back in 1985 when I started was December 1st (interpreted as those born Dec 2nd and after), I was born in the middle of November, and at least when I started you were 5 years old in kindergarten, so yeah, for my first 3 months I was 4 years old. I never skipped nor was held back (though it nearly happened twice more because of my age not my academic scores and stuff), so I graduated high school at 17 years old, that also meant I had to have my parents sign off on everything for me for legal stuff like junior college and the like for like 5 months after finishing high school 😂😂😂😂 I don't understand the class sizes here, if it was the US I'd understand, but not here, they have the funds. When I was living and teaching in Korea in the schools I was in and the from observing the Montessori school a block from my place, class size for that age was never bigger than 10, but ideally 6 per teacher. But also school at that age wasn't mandatory, actually I think school isn't mandatory till 1st grade in Korea. And in Korea the structure and things they learn in elementary are more student centered and not a whole lot of rote learning, it's quite the opposite for middle and high school there, but I've always said elementary school like in Korea is what I would like to grow up in, not a lot of vacation time, but school time is short (typically 9 to 2:30 from 3rd to 6th, and 9 to 1 for 1st and 2nd), the schedule easy to follow, the classwork engaging, rarely any homework usually, best school lunches of any country (even France, I've seen the school lunch menus for the schools in my area, Korean ones have them beat by a 100, lol,) teachers aren't super strict though can when needed to be, and back when Moon Jae-in became president they got rid of corporal punishment, (that's a long story but let's just say I have experience witnessing it in Korean schools). We don't have any kids, but we had talked and we said we didn't want to raise them in the States because education there can be all over the place and probably not well-rounded and it depended solely on teachers and stuff, but now I don't know if I wanna raise a kid in the French system just for the environment, sounds horrible. I don't even know if I was potty trained by 2, all I remember was my mom telling me I had to stop sucking my thumb before I started school

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

Agreed. French school sounds HORRIBLE.

[@sabferbou9559]

Interesting for me to listen to your vidéo. As a French person who has been living 20 years abroad between the UK and Germany and having experienced childcare and schooling in these 2 countries. I wouldn't say that the reason for such a low ratio of adults to children is due to the fact that it is free. As a comparison, school starts at the age of 4 in the UK but before then there is simply no state owned or subsidised childcare. So in the UK, you have to use privately run childcare for a serious amount of money, 4 years ago when I used to live there, we paid about 1500 euro per month for 12 months (did not matter if you were away), frankly for nothing special but one adult looks after 3 kids. Having moved to Germany when my child turned 3 we got to experience the German Kindergarten otherwise la maternelle. It is state run but not free. A lot cheaper than the UK obviously for about 350 euro per month. Similar approach to the French maternelle in the sense that children are encouraged to just get on with it. I know your feeling that a 2 year old needs help. I felt exactly like you but give your little one some time and you will be impressed by how much she will be able to do herself. Kids are much tougher than us mothers are able to see, which is normal as your natural instinct is to always be there for them. Now the big difference between a German Kindergarten and a French maternelle is in the philosophy of what's meant to be achieved during those 3 years. In Germany, it's zero academic and structured learning and rather learning through play and being outdoors as much as possible. Germans see childhood as a sacred time for play and no child is taught how to read and write before the official start of school at 6. All in all, the German system gets the thumpd up from me. The French system is however the best for your finances. Good luck with this new phase in your life.

[@MrMf92]

mommy is so anxious!

[@steprich]

I am from December, so lived all of my education as being the youngest (or at the very least among them). I actually liked the setting, the difference is not lived that much as a kid, but it is there and probably does push you a bit. The one exception being sport classes, not only I am from end of the year, but did not exactly grow early, so I found the level to reach to be equal to the others totally unfair for a long time: try to beat someone who's leg are twice yours in a sprint!! Ok, a bit of an exageration, but pretty much felt like that. But for the classes that needed only what's in your head, I think being young in the class is a plus, at least I have lived it as one. Also, teachers do know you are younger and pay attention to it (at least it was the case in my experience... a few dozen years ago). As for the schdule, get used to it, it gets worse as you progress through the school years... Good luck to your daughter for her first year, she's a kid, she'll adapt probably better than yourself!

[@LadyInoui]

Oof…you and I should talk (American kid thrust into French public school for one year in 5th grade). All I can say is that a the French are stern with their children…all those rules…that’s exactly the environment your child is in. I’m told that ‘La Crèche’ is gentle, but when they start school, they’ll already be reading and writing in cursive. My sister was in 2nd the grade and only knew how to write in print. The French teacher couldn’t handle my sister’s lack of penmanship, and she was sent to a different remedial classroom. My French teacher was more welcoming of the non-French speaking American, and I spent fifth grade with the general neighborhood French kids. By Christmas, the Parisians couldn’t tell I wasn’t French when I spoke. But French school is HARD core. It was the most stressful year of school I ever experienced (when I came back for my year abroad, French University was EASY and a completely different way experience). In CM2, when the teacher handed back our assignments, he announced the grades to the whole class, starting with the top grade. The lower the grade, the more public shaming the student received. You did NOT want to be the student with the lowest grade. School was such a stressful environment that I was physically ill the entire year, and those two weeks off were desperately needed. As to the child care situation: if you ask around, you might find out that a lot of families where both parents are working have a ‘jeunne fille.’ France issues student and nanny visas. If you offer room and board the the student, (probably small pay as well…not sure). Basically, you pretty much want live-in help.

[@mlu007]

The French school system is definitely not big on positive reinforcement. Getting a compliment from a French teacher is a quasi-impossible mission. I live in Canada and many of my colleagues are French immigrants. One of them was visibly shocked on the day after his first parent-teacher meeting. For the first time ever, he heard his son's teachers say positive things about him. I had to explain to him that teachers are trained to detect weaknesses but are also encouraged to point out strengths.

[@msan-ux2re]

When I got back from Asia I was shocked and relieved that there is some strictness in class… Maybe it was my university omly, but I got shocked that people were eating and snacking in class! Back home I wouldn’t even think of it and teacher would kick me out not only from the classroom, but from the whole building 😂😂 (unless you got diabetes, than you can get a snack in class to check your sugar level) but other than that it is a big no no no…. Also people were like full meal, sandwich, coffee, tea whatever, chips, chocolate, and focusing on class can be annoying from all chewing, wrapers, sounds just like wtf people eat before or later, you have time, you live on campus, be late to class, come to class, go out for 5 minutes and eat your food, just no eating in class

[@johnjeanb]

Hi. France is a state not a federal union like the USA so back-to-school (la rentrée des classes) is decided at the state level for écoles primaires and highschool. Except for this date, key holiday dates are slightly different for each of the zones (3 zones). This is to avoid having a big traffic rush (everybody having the same holiday dates). So to re-use your analogy, France and Germany have different back-to-school dates like Geogia and Kansas. Universities in France have different starting dates (start a bit later). US vs FR rythm of holiday. Like the US had a strong agriculture and so there were 3 month vacation because of this but not any more. Why? Because women use to stay home to manage children, now, often both parents work and they cannot afford to entertain their children for 3 months in one go. US all year round vs FR 2 weeks holidays: in highschools the program is very intense with loads of home work (that will spoil a part of your week end) and exams call for preparation. Because of this intense rythm in France, there is a need for periodic breaks. Also these exams (by tremester and by subject (math, French, English, Physics, etc) will help decide if you can pass to the next class, "redouble" (re do the same class again) or be expelled (if you are really bad). So why enforce this system to "smaller classes" (pre-highschool or Kindergarten)? This is because, often parent have more than one child and having them with the same holiday dates make things easier.

[@mirthacacho]

Great video thank you, as a 2 years old do they allow you to homeschool till she’s old enough?

[@clairebr1127]

Just a little nuance to take into account: education is mandatory in France until the age of 16, but school is not. So French parents can choose to send their kids to public schools with the system described in this video. But they can also choose to home-school their kids or send them to private schools (the fully private expensive kind with zero state funding). Parents usually choose the latter when they disapprove of the teaching methods in regular state schools. However private schools and home-schooling are a lot more state regulated in France than in the US and must undergo quality controls. Every year this raises controversies because of kids who do not reach the required level of education. I think it can be summed up in this concept that education is as much a right as it is a duty.

[@brigittelacour5055]

Homeschooling in France is very restricted. You should ask permission to the region head of education ( inspecteur d'académie) It's now given for medical purpose, distances,... And it's controlled. For this cases you can depend of the CNED ( state school "online" ). For the type of school, there are the free state school, the private one with a contract with the state ( teachers could be state teachers or private teachers) and private school without state contract ( only private teachers). The state controls the third type of school too, to check the teaching ( level and "good way") and to avoid some kind of "brain washing" ( derives sectaires)

[@singingcat02]

You forgot to mention that there are two types of private schools in France. The vast majority are under contract private schools. Their teachers are paid by the state, they have an obligation to follow the state programs, and they don’t cost that much. The high school I’ve been to was 3000€ a year (they have scholarships if you can’t afford it) and that’s about the average for private schools in France. Most parents put their kids there when they want to avoid the public system, because their academic level on average is much better. The "fully private expensive kind with zero state funding" you described are called out of contract private schools. They’re more rare, can get hella expensive (40000€ a year), and they can teach absolutely anything they want. Those are the ones that raise scandals in general. You can’t home school your kid just like that in France, however. You have to give proof that you have a good reason to do so (health issues, world tour…) and the teaching at home gets checked regularly by an inspector. Otherwise the CNED won’t accept you and you can get in trouble. Finally, a lot of people also stop school around 16 and start an apprenticeship

[@Lemonbowl1000]

As an Australian, American and French systems sound like a nightmare lol We had four terms of max 10 weeks each, with two week breaks in between and then a longer break over Christmas (summer for us). But we didn’t get more breaks because we had longer days - school was still 9am-3pm… I feel like we learned enough 💁‍♀️ not sure what France is doing with those extra hours every day and extra years as a child but it sounds awful lol

[@ybreton6593]

You are Australian; OK ! you say that the American and French education systems are nightmarish? I wouldn't talk about Americans. in France, pupils from primary to terminale have three months of vacation: 2 months in summer July-August, then 15 days at Christmas and 15 days in spring. During the school period, classes start at 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., generally devoted to subjects: math, physics, science. after a midday break from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. French in primary, secondary and high schools foreign languages: English, German, Spanish spread over the week students can choose: German Russian and others in first languages. given that English is imposed in secondary students are generally refractory to this language (well the French hate everything that represents Great Britain). then the lessons continue on general culture, music and Wednesday afternoon is devoted to sports of the students' choice. what you need to know is that higher education students in medicine, law, letters, polytechnic political science, HEC, Sup-elec, etc. are free. of course, students are admitted by competitive examination. the students whose family does not have the means can make higher studies, contrary to the Americans, the French students are not indebted by appropriations. When it comes to teaching methods, that concerns each country. education concerns school, colleges and high schools, when it comes to the education of children, it is the parents who are responsible

[@lorettaknoelk3475]

I was born in in 1981 in America. When and where I went to school, the rules were closer to that of France from what you just said. Hall pass to leave the classroom. No missing school unless you are sick Fail if you miss more than x amount of days regardless. No time for that neurodivergent stuff. If you have too many problems, it's special bed or line you up with a tutor. I've heard heard certain schools now can't even fail you. Or will duck out due to fear of being sued. So if it seems like people are getting stupider, that's why. There are pros and cons to both sides of course But the point is I think it matters how old you are and where you live.

[@pickypick5815]

Our school is different, our kids come home for lunch and nap time can be at home and Wednesdays no school.

[@jamiekeedy8577]

So interesting… we are in New England (U.S.) and we start around 1st week of September.. 1 week feb vacation another spring vacation in April and then mid June off for the summer, and of course many single days off for various holidays. I like the idea of 2 weeks off 6 weeks on but if I worked full time it would be frustrating.

[@shbhchwh]

This is so interesting. As a retired educator in the US, I am curious about what happens when that 2 year old is not potty trained, or cognitively or behaviorally ready? There are so many more options for parents in the US. Not a better system than France, just different. Home schooling, online schooling, school of choice (if space is available, you can go to another school in your area), charter schools (smallish public schools operated like a private school), magnet schools (public schools for advanced learners), private schools, and of course public schools. My head is spinning as I am listing these-this is part of the problem. Our US system is very inconsistent. Of course with all the options we have, we can sometimes offer a creative, dynamic approach to education, which is a positive. Giving options to families has become part of our culture (where individual needs are emphasized). And there are excellent educational opportunities to be had in the US, but the standards vary and are based on location.

[@katinkalaval2388]

I am currently in training to become a teacher. Maybe I can explain some things. Thus, it is not the school which is obligatory but the instruction. You can choose a private education for example, even if it is sometimes expensive. If the school became compulsory so early (this is only my opinion) it is also to open up this possibility to the private sector for 3-6 year olds to obtain subsidies. However, most French children already went to school at this age. Indeed, it is the school of first learning (socialization, language, learning to become a student, having a common cultural base, etc.) The fact that all children have the same opportunities as soon as possible is very important for the French: Equality. As for the children who are not ready, who are not "clean", who do not fit into the framework, in reality the school is benevolent and welcoming. The back-to-school meeting for parents is very strict to make them understand the importance of punctuality, the presence of children and parental obligations. It is to fight against a phenomenon of recurring absenteeism. Some families need to learn to become "parents d'élèves". But kindergarten is much more flexible than elementary. Do not hesitate to talk about your apprehensions to the director or your child's teacher in case of difficulty. The school will do everything in its power to support you. I could talk for hours but I'm already way too long. Have a good day.

[@ybreton6593]

En France les études supérieures sont gratuites : médecine , droits , lettres mais il faut savoir en première année que des sélection surtout en médecine a lieu tous les trois mois nous appelons ça les partielles. pour les Grandes Ecoles polytechnique , Sup Elec , Science Politique , HEC ,ENAC , ESMM etc. après une ou deux années de classes préparatoires au grandes écoles , l'accès est sur concours . Ce qui permet à tous les élèves des différentes classes sociales de faire des grandes études et de ne pas s'endetter . quand aux élèves qui ont eu des difficultés aux collèges ils sont orienter vers des lycées professionnels et apprennes le métier de leurs choix de toutes façon l'école est obligatoire jusqu'à leurs majorités à18 ans . pour les étudiants les hébergements et nourritures sont a la charges des parents ils doivent subvenir jusqu' a la fin de leurs études . dans la théories car dans 99 % des cas les étudiants travaillent pendants les vacances et le samedi dimanche

[@adrienhb8763]

French schools can be difficult for don't fit the mold kids... Not always but it can be. But from a French perspective the fact that it si so easy to home school in the US is part of the problem the US is facing. Sure every county has some political bias in the school programs, but among the Western countrys I can't think of a country where the political bias go so much against education than in the US. And letting parents teach wrong things is just crazy.

[@shbhchwh]

@@adrienhb8763 I completely agree. We allow the parent to make basically all the decisions about where, what, how and even if their child is learning. We even have a movement of people who believe in unschooling. Yes, parents are even allowed to do that.

[@shbhchwh]

@@katinkalaval2388 Thank you for this explanation, Katinka. Can a parent ask for a delay in starting their child, if a child was born on Dec. 31st perhaps? Or is there absolutely no wiggle room with age? I know there has to be a line somewhere.

[@e.machocolat775]

I know it must be overwhelming to you but you'll see once it all gets going and you are used to the days and times. You will see Ellenor flourish and enjoy being busy. i was a NYC teacher for over 25+ years in early childhood. prek- 2nd. Kids adapt yes, there will be those who have a little difficulty in the beginning but with good teachers and parents to encourage them they will be fine. I wish when my kids were young they had a school that was free starting at 3. Childcare and nursery school are so expensive. Did you have a NOUNOU for your daughter when she was young? or a Crèche? my niece said they were reasonably priced. In NYC its way out of range for most parents and though there is Headstart its usually only 2-3 hours a day. good luck

[@2222titia]

First year of pre school is pretty much like daycare, it is playing and nap that s it, also you are allowed to put your kid in school only in the morning. Also because I left my child only the mornings my child did wear diapers during her entire first year. Teacher gonna ask you to try but if its not working they will adjust.

[@pickypick5815]

Also a big problem in france is there aren't enough teachers so I know that teachers in my kids school for the maternal just had a months training...

[@teona4279]

The rhythm of the school year, and the end of school day variance is probably why au pairs are a thing, because FR isn't the only European country that does that (or some variation of it).

[@Leopold_van_Aubel]

To be precise, overseas regions of France don't have the same school year as the Metropole, because seasons are different.

[@Shinymudkiip]

A little fun fact i didn't see mentioned in the video is that France is divided into 3 zones when it comes to school (I've never known who is in what zone exactly ) but that means that depending on the zone, vacations starts and end at different times for winter break and spring break

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Yes great fact to add!!

[@08taw94]

You are right about the 3 zones but we are concern about that only for "short holidays" (opposite to Summer break).

[@Shinymudkiip]

@@08taw94 I know that, that's why my comment specifies that it's about winter and spring break

[@lolohellokids3211]

This is because tourism is our main industry. It has to have clients all year round, and families are clients.

[@Ellinillard]

It’s been a year now : do you still feel so anguished about what happens to your kid « out there » ? Has she adapted smoothly, despite of course the crying when you leave her there in the morning ? We lived in Greece for 3years, our daughter was only two when we dropped her at kindergarten, she didn’t even speak the language. She adapted smoothly and spoke better Greek,than us. The only advice we could give : don’t fret, Eleanor will feel your anguish and,it’ll then be a self fulfilling prophecy of problems.

[@noefillon1749]

According to my parents, France used to have about 3 months of holidays in the summer for the exact same reason than the US, but they progressively reduced it to 2 months (9 weeks I believe) and put some of these weeks of vacation in the "petites vacances", those that are spread during the school year. But in Europe, France is one of the countries that have the longest summer break, and this is known as one of the main reasns why French students are not as successful as those of the neighbouring countries, because they forget what they learn during this long break (I experienced that with a 2 month long break, and I can't imagine what it is with 3.5 months). I don't know if you heard about "cahiers de vacances" ? School being mandatory from 3 is in fact quite recent (3 to 5 years old, I don't know exactly when) and I find it great, but the teachers being strict because they are only 2 for 20 to 25 children is not necessarily a cultural thing. You are now facing the traditional French "manque de moyens" : there are rules put in place by governments but it's too expensive/too difficult to make them "work" properly so the same governments don't provide enough teachers/equipment... for the law to be applied in good conditions.

[@ybreton6593]

Vous dites : c'est connu comme l'une des principales raisons pour lesquelles les élèves français ne réussissent pas aussi bien que ceux des pays voisins, c'est la longueur des vacances . d'après , ayant été dans de nombreux pays de la planète mon expérience dit que l'élève français est égale au pays Européens , britannique , pays du Commonwealth et USA , sauf la Coré . sur le plan de culture générale les élèves français sont meilleurs ? il faut arrêtez ce dénigrement permanent de certain français envers les institutions , vous seriez aux USA vous payerez la scolarité de votre enfants selon l'école où vous le mettez en Grande-Bretagne pareil

[@adrienhb8763]

@@ybreton6593 Ce n'est pas dénigrer que de regarder en face l'affaiblissement du système éducatif français. Les comparatifs internationaux le prouvent, les profs, les élèves et les parents le vivent au quotidien. Bien sûr ici ou là ça se passe bien et la France continue d'être très bonne pour former ses élites. Mais en général le tableau n'est pas flatteur. Ca ne vous interpelle pas que, par exemple, les facs, les grandes écoles et les employeurs se plaignent de la baisse de niveau des jeunes qu'ils récupèrent, et ce pour des choses aussi évidentes que d'écrire sans faire de faute de français?

[@ybreton6593]

@@adrienhb8763 Es stimmt, dass ich im Französischen immer wieder Fehler mache, aber Rechtschreibung, Grammatik, Konjugationen, Synonyme und Homonyme sind so kompliziert. Ich bin Deutscher aus Konstanz in Baden-Württemberg. Meine Frau ist Französin und Bretonin, wir leben in der Bretagne. Wenn ich die Bildung in Frankreich mit anderen Ländern vergleiche, haben die Franzosen anderen Ländern nichts zu beneiden; Abgesehen von Korea und Japan besteht das Problem in diesen beiden Ländern darin, dass sie formatiert sind und sehr wenig Urteilsvermögen haben - im Gegensatz zu den Franzosen, die in der Lage sind, ihren Lehrern oder Vorgesetzten zu widersprechen. Frankreich ist das einzige Land, in dem sich die Einwohner trauen

[@noefillon1749]

@@ybreton6593 Au temps pour moi, selon les enquêtes PISA, la France n'est pas vraiment mal classée, en compréhension de l'écrit, maths et sciences (à peu près dans la moyenne des pays de l'OCDE). Ce qui m'étonne c'est que j'ai toujours entendu le contraire (d'ailleurs de mémoire il y a peut-être 2 ans, l'enquête TIMSS sur le niveau en mathématiques en primaire au niveau européen cette fois-ci n'apportait pas de bonnes nouvelles pour la France). En revanche, il a diminué ces dernières décennies, en particulier en mathématiques (mais ce n'est pas du tout ce que je disais dans mon commentaire). C'est également un pays où les inégalités de niveau entre les élèves issus de classes aisées ou défavorisées sont assez importantes. On arrive à former très efficacement des élites mais très mal à faire réussir ceux qui partent avec un désavantage ("l'ascenseur social en panne" comme on dit). Ceci dit, je ne dénigre pas. Reconnaître les défauts d'un système n'enlève rien à ses qualités, notamment la possibilité d'accès à l'enseignement primaire, secondaire et surtout supérieur quelques soient ses revenus (sous réserve d'avoir le niveau, cf. inégalités sociales).

[@adrienhb8763]

@@ybreton6593 Hey Thanks to you I realized I didn't forget that much of my German! Anyhoo.... yes the French school system has its positive here and there. But on a larger scale... there is much to be done.

[@anessamo5011]

Oh , hi! I completly agree with You , the rules in maternelle are crazy ...and the food was wrylly not for little people ... like sos vinegree with salad...most of the children didn’t eat this food ... we talked to the director and asked for more simple dishes but it didn’t work unfortunately ... well , good luck!

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

The food is actually one thing she loves! But totally agree the french don't serve "kids meals" a lot, but i think that's really great for them to learn to eat more adult food early? Thought maybe stressful if your kid is refusing that food?

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Yes, my French partner really struggled with the food. His case is particular because he is on the spectrum and has really strong food aversions (even the smell of vinegar gives him physical pain). In primary school he often refused to eat his lunch and one time one of the teachers (a remplaçant, but still) kept hitting him in the face because he refused. And this was in the 90s, not the 50s.

[@gurikuri1595]

Class is mandatory, not the food. Then it's not the school directors but the mayors that organize the school lunches.

[@marshahollings]

21 yrs ago, in order to go to a Headstart Preschool in The United States, students as young as 3 had to be potty trained with being able to wipe and pull up pants.

[@sams3015]

Interesting video. We have the same school holiday system in Irish school. Plus there was often a bank holiday too. We were almost entirely agricultural country until a few decades ago. Is it would make sense. The only thing is we start between 4-6 yo

[@pinkypinky2975]

It's normal to ask the child how your return to school went! the child dreads a new class, new friends, he may be in a different class from his friends, new teacher....

[@messinalyle4030]

It sounds like the school day in France at least overlaps a little more closely with the work day. In the US work is "nine to five" but I remember having to go to school at stupid-oclock AM in high school, like six-thirty or seven. So if you had kids that you had to get to school, that meant that your day basically started as early as theirs did. As a former outside-the-box kid and a current outside-the-box adult, I don't think I would have fit in in the French school system. I had a hard enough time in the American school system. Maybe the Netherlands would have been more my speed.

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

I do agree with the stupid oclock start dates at high school. First period 7:10 am. Like wtf?

[@messinalyle4030]

@@UnintentionallyFrenchified I know, right?

[@melaniebrown25]

i live in france and the school is very difficult ! i wake up at 6 am and i’m at home at 7 pm it’s very hard .. idk if it’s english

[@ancabarbulescu2330]

You make me be scared to have a baby here in France… I wouldn’t like to have my 3yo in “school“ already….by the way, I am a professional with over 12 years experience in my job and I still get schooled by some of my college in Paris. I am horrified sometimes…

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

There are so many really great things about having a child in France, but the madatory school at 3 for my specific situation, isn't something i've enjoyed. But it's the beginning of the year, so we'll see. In any case, it's all a balance and i promise i don't regret having Ele here at all!

[@Lagunainkspot]

Can you homeschool if you want to in France? I've been homeschooling now for 3 years in California. Our schools are overcrowded and not so good here. It's made a huge difference in my grandson's life. Do they have any flexible programs to fit children's different learning styles?

[@SuperLn1991]

Yes you can but it's quite regulated, you can have up to one inspection per year: a government worker will visit you at your home and make sure you follow the general curriculum guidelines (they'll test the kid and ask him questions, look at your house, the books, note books, art etc.., that your kids have enough PE, socialisation etc and it can be quite strict and intrusive depending on the worker. And you need to know that the current president is not in favor of homeschooling and used to talk about stoping it. He has more important things to do so he never did but... it's a ris.

[@michellebrooks1060]

Wow, 2 and 3 years old? That’s. Kind of crazy, they’re babies.

[@pr6369]

Being potty trained is a big one for the 1st year. Missing a day is not a big deal, just say that she is sick. Honestly when I look back at my time in maternelle (pre-school) I think sometimes it was too much. We over-estimate some little things that are not such a big deal, just like the fact that children can be tired. I agree with the concept of positivity at that age. Although the thing in France is that we start we the ugly: the mandatory stuff, the not so much fun stuff. So in September it might look quite rough for you. Very in your face, not so welcoming, especially because we are not people pleasing (the least we can say). Then, you'll see it will be easier, fingers crossed ;)

[@antoinebuisson7149]

Really Liked your video. That’s your first « rentrée » and discovered What every French parents as to deal with. But don’t worry… you’ll soon be used to it and find way to deal with all this issues. French school system isn’t perfect but i guess it’s One of the best😜

[@mylenebellet3441]

L'instruction est obligatoire pour tous les enfants, français et étrangers, à partir de 3 ans et jusqu'à l'âge de 16 ans révolus. Vous pouvez choisir de scolariser votre enfant dans un établissement scolaire (public ou privé). Vous pouvez aussi demander l'autorisation d'assurer vous-même cette instruction.

[@skatfan]

Lots of US schools use calendar year age - growing up in CA that was common

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Interesting! We didn't have a lot where I was from in Illinois.

[@destinydeems]

Hey! Please let us know the lunch menu for your daughter. Thanks!

[@jofelux7359]

I know it's crazy proper school meaning sitting at desk and start writing at barely 3! It's crazy. Fortunately she is a girl and girls tend to adapt faster to school environment, maybe because the whole educational system worldwide is a feminised sector. My boys at 7 found it hard to sit at desk and do writing exercises. Courage!

[@GorgieClarissa]

You are nuts. Kids at 3 aren't sitting at desks doing writing assignments. I think you've got some wackadoodle notion of what is or isn't happening just so you can blame the "feminised sector" just because Kids are getting an education younger doesn't mean they are starting them out with middle school material. They learn to play and have fun. Maybe even use scissors and glue eventually

[@jofelux7359]

@@GorgieClarissa what is it? Sensitive subject? I got your nerve? To the point that you start to insult people online? Do your homework first before you speak AND get some experience on the subject then you can be a credible partner to talk.

[@noefillon1749]

Not at all. No children is asked to learn reading and writing at 3. Between 3 and 6, they are progressively introduced to the alphabet and numbers, but they properly learn how to read from 6. They have manual activities, they are told stories etc... and they try to develop some skills by playing.

[@sphinxx5322]

Kids don't write at the age of three. If they do, the teacher is not respecting the curriculum!

[@pickypick5815]

My daughters both started at 2 cause they turned 3 before January. What I find annoying is that she's expected to be more grown up and act more sensible than her friend in the class before born January 1st...

[@simonledoux8519]

It's so interesting learning about theses cultural differences. Not to be too picky but it sounds like you are saying "Le" rentrée when it definitely should be "La" rentrée.

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Yes i think i was, thanks for the correction!

[@soapbeit5952]

Farmers plow their fields in spring and harvest in summer...just saying there is a difference :)

[@serenite1011]

J'apprécie la vidéo mais c'est "la rentrée"

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

Merci!

[@isabelledelacotardiere9230]

Just for your info school is only mandatory in France from 6 to 16 years old. Maternelle is actually optional. Of course if your kid doesn't attend maternelle where they actually start to learn their alphabet and put the foundations for further reading and calculus and isn't home schooled it might be tough to only start at 6 in the CP class. To be honest I think it's a great opportunity for kids and as you said it's free, unlike day care .. Your daughter will love it. Don't you worry. And 22 kids is a very good number of kids for a clasd

[@r.s5918]

The law changed in 2019, "maternelle" school is no longer just an option. School is now mandatory for children from the age of 3 to 16 :)

[@heliedecastanet1882]

@@r.s5918 The education is mandatory in France. Not school. You can keep your children home if you want. You just have to ask to the public services the permission.

[@r.s5918]

@@heliedecastanet1882 I agree with you, but the 2019 law also strictly limited home schooling, allowing it only for specific reasons (such as medical problems)

[@marinelab]

School is not mandatory, education is. Kids are not obliged to go to school if parents can provide proof of other types of education. The biggest home school reference is the CNED. L'école maternelle is not mandatory, my mom didn't attend maternelle (she really regret it because when she arrived at elementary she was completely lost...)

[@metalblind95]

I was about to say it ^^

[@SuperMerryc]

Not anymore! Starting 2022 school is mandatory

[@carnleycarnley1984]

@@SuperMerryc Yup ! Also home schooling must be approved locally and one must be inspected yearly!

[@UnintentionallyFrenchified]

It's totally mandatory now with the new laws. I say this confidentially because the school reminds us 1500x a day :)

[@metalblind95]

@@UnintentionallyFrenchified damn you're right, since 2021! As part of the law "contre les séparatismes"! Wtf.... 😑

[@visualk382]

I feel like there is a negative bias towards every analysis you make when comparing French and the us (even though you politely sometimes pinpoint the advantages of the French system). I think it’s because you compare France with not the US experience in general, but the US experience of a privileged (white) person. When I read comments on American parenting boards, I understand that for a lot of moms in big cities, the cost of daycare is close to 2000 dollars a month per child. And you would have to pay that for 6 years ? I don’t understand how the benefits of mandatory free school for all can be seen as so low in your value system. Not trying to hate, Im interested in your analysis which is why I’m subscribed but I feel like it’s a very narrow way of looking at things.

[@jeanpaulfilippi8964]

At 2 or 3 years old the kid is in "maternelle". Since when the "maternelle" is mandatory?

[@Sorel366]

Couple things : it's proonounced LA rentree, not LUH, it's annoying to hear. There is no "federal level" in France because France is not a federation there is just one state. There are not 30 million school kids in school in France, not even remotely close !

[@polapoliczkiewicz7590]

Oh yes! I am in shock right now. Really such little kids must go to school with all those restrictions and rules at age of 3??! Children enter a kindergarden at that age, where they play and start developing social relations, slowly. You are completly right, Kate, having all these doubts. Take care!

[@lijohnyoutube101]

Private and good educational daycares that cater to the upper income levels are similar to French system but with more empathy/fun.

[@catherinelacassagne794]

En France l'école n'est pas obligatoire mais le programme scolaire décidé par le ministère de l'éducation l'est. Ainsi vous pouvez prodiguer l'enseignement à la maison, seul ou en collaboration avec d'autres parents, sous un contrôle du ministère.

[@crystalhughes6446]

Hi! I am from California and my son is 4 years old and is diagnosed as being on the spectrum. He receives amazing services here in the US. I am curious to know how France supports children with special needs in your experience? xo from LA

[@dancing0nthe3dge]

Wow this is one of the only reasons I prefer the us now. What if you want to be a stay at home mom? Two years old is way way way way too young for so so so much. I'm going on 4.5 years of being a stay at home mom with a part time preschool (like 3 hours 3 days a week).

[@KoHokCheung]

Regardez le classement Pisa pour la France. Pas de quoi pavoiser!