What to Expect in a French High School
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Wondering about the differences between the American and French school systems? How old French high schoolers are, the food served for lunch, and even the unique grading scales offer a fun glimpse into French culture.
If you’re considering participating in our high school abroad in France program, here’s what to expect in a French high school when studying abroad!
1. School Names and Grades in France
In France, high school is called Lycée and it’s attended by students ages 15 to 18. And unlike American high schools that have four grades, there are only three in French high schools!
However, one thing French high schools have in common is unique names for each grade. Instead of number grades or the American freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior that we use in the U.S., the different years are called Seconde (10th grade), Première (11th grade), and Terminale (12th grade).
2. School Year and Holidays in a French High School
American and French high schoolers start school around the same time, in early September, but in France, school ends a month later, in late June or early July. That means summer vacation is nearly half as long as in the U.S.! But where the French lack in summer vacation, they make up for with more frequent breaks throughout the school year: four two-week breaks to be exact.
- All Saints holiday (2 weeks break)
- Christmas (2 weeks break)
- Winter Break (2 weeks break)
- Easter (2 weeks break)
Compare that to longer semesters in the U.S., where students typically only have one week off for spring break and one week off for Christmas outside of summer vacation.
It sounds like a pretty good tradeoff, doesn’t it?
Are you interested in spending a shorter time studying abroad in France? Check out our French summer programs for high school students.
3. Daily High School Schedule in France
You may think the school day feels long in the U.S., but it’s even longer in France! French students go to school between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, which is about two hours longer than here in the U.S.
Class periods in French high schools are also typically longer, allowing students to focus on fewer subjects throughout the day. Although the French school day is about nine hours long, students enjoy a nice one- to two-hour lunch. That’s a long break compared to the typical 30-minute lunch period in the U.S.
4. Common High School Subjects in France
In the U.S., high schoolers study a curriculum covering a wide variety of core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies. Students are also free to choose electives to study topics they enjoy or are more interested in.
In France, high school students also study general subjects, but only for their first year. For their second and third years, students must decide how they’d like to spend the rest of their high school studies by choosing one of three paths: general (générale), technological (technologique), or vocational (professionnelle). Those who choose a more focused path will study a single subject for the rest of high school and into university.
Do you already know what you want to do when you finish high school and head to college? French students are expected to choose at 16 years old!
5. French High School Grades and Scores
Imagine this: you’re attending a French high school and get a grade back on a paper you turned in last week. You’ve received a 15, and you’re pretty happy! If you’re a little confused, it’s because in France, students are graded on a scale of 1 to 20, with 20 being the best and near impossible score to get.
| French Grade | Description |
| 18-20 | Considered “outstanding.” A 20 is the highest possible grade but is almost never given, and 18 and 19 are rarely attained. |
| 15-17.99 | Considered “remarkable.” These are seen as very good grades in France. |
| 12-14.99 | Considered “good” |
| 10-11.99 | Considered “sufficient.” A 10 out of 20 is the lowest passing grade in France. |
| 0-9.99 | Student has not demonstrated sufficient mastery of content or skills |
| “N. Not” | Not graded |
| Abs. | Absent |
The American grading scale is a lot simpler, with only five different letter grades that typically correspond to a percentage.
6. French High School Culture
Now that the basics are covered, you may be wondering—what is it really like to attend a French high school? For starters, students are expected to have a strictly formal relationship with their teachers. And not only do French students enjoy a long lunch break, but they also enjoy a nutritious meal with multiple courses that include a leafy green, a warm main dish, a side of bread and cheese and dessert.
One very unique aspect of U.S. high schools is school sports, clubs and activities. However, most schools in France do not have these co-curriculars and instead students must join private or community sports teams or clubs outside of school. The tradition of homecoming and prom is also very special to the U.S. and does not take place at French high schools.
Can I Study in a French High School as a U.S. Student?
Our high school semester abroad programs allow you to experience life as a regular student enrolled in a local high school. You’ll have the rare opportunity to be immersed in the language and culture in a way you couldn’t with a simple trip to another country.
For personalized help about what you can expect at a French high school, schedule a call with a CIEE Enrollment Coordinator.