Primary education

Schooling is obligatory for children from 6 to 16 years of age – children can attend nursery school from the age of three.

Primary education comprises nursery school, for children aged 3 to 5, and primary school, which caters for children aged 6 to 10, covering CP (Cours Préparatoire) [Year 2] through to CM2 (Cours Moyen 2) [Year 6].

The Principality offers a choice between:

• State education
• Private education under contract
• Private education

See the factsheet: "The Primary and Secondary Education System in Monaco".

The schools of the Principality are approved as French educational establishments abroad. The timetables, teaching programmes and examinations taken are in conformity with those set out by the French national educational authority.

Primary classes are taught by a primary school teacher for general subjects and specialist, qualified teachers for English, Monegasque, physical education and swimming.

Some aspects of education are still specific to Monaco:

• Religious instruction, which is included in the number of subjects taught, subject to parental approval
• The history of Monaco
• The Monegasque language, which is taught in primary and secondary schools
• English is taught from the age of three

State Education

"École des Carmes" is a nursery school.

"École du Parc" is a nursery school.

"École de la Condamine" is a primary school; it offers an adapted timetable to accommodate a music option.

"École de Fontvieille" is a primary school.

"École Saint Charles" is a primary school, it has nursery classes for children aged 4 and 5 only. The school offers special education classes, as well as a section where French is taught as a foreign language.

"École des Révoires"is a primary school.

"École Stella" is a nursery school.

In the state sector, the school your child will attend is dependent on the area in which you live. If you would like your child to attend a school in a different area, you will need to apply for a dispensation.

Education under Contract

"Cours Saint-Maur" is a Catholic primary school under contract.

"Établissement Saint-François d’Assise Nicolas Barré" school caters for children from nursery age to Year 13.

Private schools

The International School of Monaco is a private school offering bilingual education, which falls within the competence of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), whose headquarters are in Geneva. The ISM caters for children from nursery age to Year 13.

The British School of Monaco is based on the British education system. The school offers a primary school education (Year 1 to Year 6), and also offers online courses to prepare students for A-level examinations (the qualification marking the end of secondary school studies in the British education system.

Click here to view contact details for the schools.