The education system of the Principality of Monaco conforms to that of France, but differs in some of the obligatory classes. All public and private educational establishments under contract to the Principality are recognised as approved French schools abroad.
The Principality is able to offer places to approximately 5,800 school children and employs about 450 teachers.
Schooling is obligatory for children aged from six to sixteen years. In addition, children can attend nursery school from the age of three.
The school year is divided into 36 weeks, from September to July, separated by four holiday periods (Autumn half term, Christmas, February half term and the Easter holidays). Typical holidays are All Saints’ Day holiday, National Day, Immaculate Conception, Christmas holidays, winter half-term-holidays, Easter Monday, Spring half-term holidays, Ascension, Whit Monday, Monaco Grand Prix, Corpus Christi and naturally the Summer holiday.
State education is free of charge for all residents, and within the state education system in Monaco, there are six nursery and primary schools.
There is a collège (secondary school) for children aged 11-15, and there is a general and technological lycée for pupils aged 15 years to 18 years, and a vocational lycée.
As your children progress through their schooling, there are options to enrol in local or private schools as well.
Lessons are taught in French, however, most schools offer a multi-language education, which can help non-French speaking pupils to better integrate into their school.
The timetables, teaching programs and diplomas correspond to those of the French national education system. For examinations, the Principality’s educational establishments fall under the aegis of the Nice education authority.
The Principality of Monaco offers a high-quality standard of teaching in small and children-focused classes. Numerous options are available to pupils throughout their schooling to suit individual needs and aptitudes, and there are various international classes available.
Interestingly, English is taught from the age of three, and children can learn to swim from the age of five. Also fascinating is that children can learn the Monégasque language as well, which is taught in both primary and secondary schools.
Religious instruction is included in the curriculum, unless parents expressly refuse it. Students are taught Monégasque history and language, and great importance is attached to artistic and cultural educational activities.
When the time comes for university, the International University of Monaco offers well recognized educational and MBA programs.
Finally, the education system in Monaco places an emphasis on mastering the English language.
Having a knowledge of English is highly important for the future of your children; the environment where we live strongly influences us. The Principality offers a truly multi-cultural environment where many successful people allow you and your children to learn from them, and to get inspiration to move forward and to achieve their own ambitions.
When you make your foothold in the Principality of Monaco, you will see that Monaco deeply appreciates creative people, new ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. You can find in Monaco the combination of all the qualities and attributes of other people you may admire. You will see that your children will be able to develop habits that will help them to be competitive, successful and motivate them to achieve their deepest desires and goals.