Vibrant, elegant and surrounded by a horizon of vineyards – is it any wonder that Bordeaux and the Bordeaux region is tempting for those buying luxury property in Dordogne? From the UNESCO city lining the romantic Gironde River, to the lavish country estates, Bordeaux is perfectly placed for the good life. Children have the space to run wild through tangled vines, to play on the nearby surf whipped Atlantic Coast and to soak up plenty of culture. One of the first questions families have when considering buying Bordeaux property is; where will my children go to school in the Bordeaux region?
There are several options for parents looking to place their children in education when moving to the Bordeaux region.
International Schools
For families with older children who may feel a little overwhelmed at the idea of starting from scratch, international schools in Bordeaux can offer a high standard of English taught education (as well as the UK exam curriculum) alongside the ease of fitting into a well-established community. Fees for international schools tend to be high, but for families with older children or those close to exam age, or families who don’t plan on staying native in France – international schools in Dordogne are an excellent option.
Private Schools
Private schools in France are often catholic schools, but as France has a law that untangles religion from state, children can still be admitted regardless of their background. Costs for private schools in the Bordeaux area are moderately low and education standards are high. There is a larger emphasis based on bilingual study – which attributes to the high number of international students often found behind the doors of the ‘écoles privées’.
State Schools
85 percent of French children attend public schools in France, and for families looking for complete French immersion for younger children, this can be a viable option. Choosing local state schools is popular with those who plan on staying long term in France and want their children to integrate fully. Remember that most teachers in France will speak some English which will ease the settling in period.
Buying Bordeaux Property & Attending Bordeaux Schools
Bordeaux boasts some of the best schools and academic institutions in the whole of France, especially for those with an international tongue. We have picked the crème de la crème of Bordeaux’s schools to help your children thrive…
Bordeaux International School
The Bordeaux International School is an exceptional choice for those buying Bordeaux property and moving to Dordogne. If you are seeking a small school in the heart of the city, this school offers a unique bilingual program. With only 130 students, you can be sure that your child will get the attention they need. From pre-school to A-level there is an emphasis on core subjects across French and British curriculums being taught in both languages. Parents adore the BIS as it delivers that much needed second language confidence in their children. Children love BSI as it features a fabulous music, art and drama program and offers lots of trips across Europe.
L’Ecole Privée de L’Assomption
Those who prefer to avoid international schools but don’t feel completely confident immersing children in a state school can select a private catholic school. This school boasts both an elementary and high school section and has enjoyed plenty of positive attention across France for its exceptional academic reputation. The ‘Ecole Privée de L’Assomption‘ is also beloved for its warm and friendly teaching staff who go above and beyond to help American or non-French native speakers settle in quickly. Those who are curious as to how Catholic the school is – remember France ensures that state schools conform to non-sectarian requirements.
Ecole Sainte Marie Grand Lebrun
One of the top schools in the beautiful Bordeaux area, those looking for a place at Lebrun should be sure to apply early or straight after investing in Bordeaux real estate. Throughout the school year, students from abroad can enjoy all the benefits of the ‘French as a foreign language program’ to help them master the art of immersion. The ‘Ecole Sainte Marie Grand Lebrun’ takes pupils from as young as 2 all the way up to 20. Being plunged into a French environment with 8 hours of speaking and writing, alongside 4 hours of cultural studies ensures that students will be living carte blanche in Bordeaux in no time.
The Old School, Le Lot et Garonne
Less than two hours from the heart of Bordeaux, perched between Bergerac and Marmande, you will find the Old School in Le Lot et Garonne. A two-hour daily commute may not be at the top of your wish list, but fear not as the Old School offers optional weekday boarding with bilingual families for children who live further afield. The non-profit school offers its curriculum in English alongside improving proficiency in French, making it a great choice for youngsters transitioning countries. From 11-19 years old, the children cover a range of subjects under the umbrella of the English National Curriculum. There is a huge emphasis on modern and creative learning and plenty of attention on nurturing emotional wellbeing alongside academic success. Alongside everyday studies, the Old School also boasts its own theatre school and a distance learning program.
Lycee Francois Magendie
Parents buying Bordeaux property and seeking a typical French school, but still wanting their children to have the ease of learning in their mother tongue can find the best of both worlds at Lycee Francois Magendie. The Bordeaux based French high school has its own bespoke international section, delivering the American OIB. Many of the teachers within the OIB sections are Americans who have relocated to France. The OIB program covers literature, history and geography and the OIB section of the school is said to have a very strong camaraderie spirit among students, alongside offering many opportunities for international travel.
Ecole Notre Dame, Eymet
In the pretty little village of Eymet in the Dordogne, with its honey colored stone buildings and peaceful courtyards, the private Ecole Notre Dame offers a bilingual education program to help integrate English speaking children into the French school system. As a result, there are a large number of international students in the small school, as many as one in three children. English is so well practiced in the lessons that even the younger French children have a strong grip on the language.
Whether you are buying Bordeaux property for longer, sweeter summers, or to spend the whole year in the heart of vineyard country– there are many variants to help your young ones slide seamlessly into the education system.
Interested In Buying Luxury Bordeaux Property?
If you are interested in buying a luxury property in the Bordeaux region and surrounding territories, this link takes you directly to the property search page.
Alternatively, if you are interested in buying a Bordeaux vineyard (winery) here is our vineyard search page: https://vineyardsbordeaux.com/vineyards/
And as ever, we are delighted to help you with your property or vineyard search, please contact us at: info@maxwellbaynes.com or call us on 00 33 (0)5 57 84 08 82