In Brief
- School attendance is mandatory from the age of 3, starting from the school year in which the child turns that age.
- Enrollment occurs in two stages: first at the town hall, then at the school with the issued certificate.
- Public school education is free, but fees may apply for lunch or extracurricular activities.
- Failure to comply with the obligation of education can result in a fine of €1,500 and, in case of repeat offenses after formal notice, 6 months of imprisonment and a €7,500 fine.
Who Needs to Be Enrolled?
According to official data from service-public.fr, every child must be enrolled in preschool from the age of 3. This obligation automatically applies from the start of the school year in the calendar year when the child turns 3. An exception exists only if the child is receiving education at home.
It is possible to enroll a 2-year-old child under certain strict conditions:
- The child must be potty trained.
- They must demonstrate a sufficient level of language skills.
- Admission is subject to available spots.
- Schooling may take place in a specific class with appropriate facilities and equipment.
For children enrolled in the first year of preschool (petite section), attendance hours may be flexible. Note that the schooling of children under 6 can also occur in preschool classes within an elementary school.
Which School to Enroll Your Child In?
The assignment rules depend on your geographical situation and your preferences.
1. Enrollment in the Municipality of Residence
In principle, you must enroll your child in the designated school, which generally corresponds to the closest establishment to your residence. The zoning is decided by a municipal council resolution.
If you wish to enroll your child in a school outside your designated area, you must request a waiver from your town hall. This request is not automatic, and the procedure varies by municipality. If the waiver is granted, you will be able to enroll your child in the chosen school.
2. Enrollment in Another Municipality
If you want to enroll your child in a school located outside your municipality of residence, you must obtain the approval of the mayor of the host municipality. Your request usually needs to be justified by a particular situation, such as:
- The absence of a school in your city of residence.
- Separated parents with children enrolled in different cities.
If the child is accepted in a host municipality, they can complete their entire preschool education there. Itinerant families must follow the same procedures.
3. Children Living in France Whose Parents Live Abroad
Your child's enrollment must be accepted even if you reside abroad. The child must be enrolled in one of the following municipalities:
- The municipality where you own a residence in France.
- The municipality where the person who has custody of the child resides.
- The municipality where an establishment specifically for children of French citizens living abroad is located.
Enrollment Procedures
Enrollment in public preschool occurs in two distinct stages.
Step 1: Enrollment at the Town Hall
The child must be registered at the town hall no later than June of the year preceding the school year. However, registrations generally begin in March. Some municipalities open registrations as early as the first quarter of the year preceding the school year. It is crucial to inquire at your town hall well in advance.
You will need to provide the following documents during this first step:
- A document proving your identity and that of your child (family record book, ID card, passport, copy of birth certificate, or sworn statement).
- A recent proof of residence (a sworn statement is acceptable).
- A document certifying that your child has received the mandatory vaccinations for their age or justifies a medical exemption.
Additional documents may be requested specifically for school lunch or extracurricular activities.
Once the administrative enrollment is completed, the town hall will issue you a registration certificate indicating the school where the child is assigned. If you encounter difficulties enrolling your child, you can contact the Departmental Directorate of National Education Services in your department.
Step 2: Final Enrollment at School
Upon receiving the registration certificate, you must present yourself at the school indicated on this document. The school administration will finalize the enrollment upon presentation of two documents:
- The registration certificate issued by the town hall.
- The document certifying the mandatory vaccinations or an exemption.
If the child remains in the same school throughout their preschool education, it is not necessary to renew the enrollment each year.
Costs and Penalties
Enrollment in public preschool is entirely free. However, fees may apply for ancillary services such as school meals or after-school care.
Compliance with the obligation of education is strictly monitored. If you fail to comply with this obligation, you risk a fine of up to €1,500. You are not subject to this penalty if your child is receiving education at home.
If you do not enroll your child in a school without a valid reason, you will receive a formal notice from the academic director of national education services (Dasen) to proceed with this enrollment. Failure to comply with this notice may result in 6 months of imprisonment and a €7,500 fine. Providing education at home without authorization also exposes you to penalties.
Official Source
The information above is extracted exclusively from the official sheet Enrollment in Preschool published on service-public.fr, verified on November 6, 2025.