What do they call high school in France?
You know how in the U.S. we have “high school” for roughly ages 14–18? I’m researching the French education system because my cousin might move their family to Paris soon, and her daughter is about to enter that age range. We’re trying to figure out the French equivalent—like, do they call it “high school” exactly, or is it a different term? Also, I’ve seen references to “lycée” but isn’t that just for the older grades? Can you clarify what the specific term is for the entire secondary education stage before university?
In France, high school is called the lycée.
The French education system is structured as follows:
- École maternelle (preschool, ages 3–6).
- École élémentaire (primary school, ages 6–11).
- Collège (middle school, ages 11–15), covering the final four years of compulsory education (from sixième to troisième).
- Lycée (high school, ages 15–18), which includes:
- Seconde (10th grade, the introductory year).
- Première (11th grade).
- Terminale (12th grade), culminating in the baccalauréat (baccalaureate) exam.
The lycée offers three main tracks:
- générale (academic),
- technologique (technical),
- professionnelle (vocational).
Education in the lycée is state-funded, and students receive a baccalauréat upon successful completion, which is required for university admission or vocational training. The term "lycée" originates from the Greek "lykeion," referring to Aristotle’s school in Athens, and has been used in France since Napoleonic reforms (early 19th century).