International Schools In Monaco

Monaco's school landscape

Monaco's education system rests on three pillars: state schools run by the Direction de l'Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports (DENJS); private schools under contract that teach the French national curriculum; and one international school in English — ISM. All state and contracted private schools follow the official French syllabus and prepare students for the French baccalauréat. Only ISM delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The three main private and international schools

International School of Monaco (ISM)

ISM is the Principality's only fully international school. It welcomes students aged 3 to 18 in an English-medium curriculum, offering the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The school is in La Condamine (12 Quai Antoine 1er), close to the port. The student body comprises around 70 nationalities.

• Language of instruction: English
• Curriculum: IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma (IB DP in Years 12-13)
• Fees: ~€17,000 in Reception; up to ~€30,000+ in Year 13
• Official site: ismonaco.com
• Admissions: online application; age-appropriate assessment; places limited in peak years

Institution François d'Assise – Nicolas Barré (FANB)

FANB is Monaco's largest private school. Catholic, under contract with the French state and recognised by Monaco's DENJS, it teaches the full French national curriculum from nursery through terminale and prepares students for the general baccalauréat. The institution was formed in 2019 by merging the former Institution Saint-Maur and the Collège Franciscain in a new 8-storey building.

• Address: 11 avenue Roqueville, 98000 Monaco
• Language of instruction: French (English and Italian taught as modern languages)
• Levels: nursery, primary, lower and upper secondary (general baccalauréat)
• Fees: typically €2,500-€5,000 per year, excluding meals and options
• Official site: fanb.mc
• Notable features: optional religious instruction; modern facilities (interactive screens, solar panels)

Cours Saint-Maur

Smaller than FANB, the Cours Saint-Maur is also a private Catholic school under contract, teaching the French curriculum. Historically linked to the former Institution Saint-Maur, today's school in Monaco covers nursery and primary years in a more intimate setting.

• Language of instruction: French
• Levels: nursery and primary mainly
• Fees: typically €2,000-€4,000 per year
• Profile: small class sizes, personalised teaching

Monaco's state schools

State education in Monaco is free for residents and follows the full French syllabus. The network includes:

• Primary schools: École de la Condamine, École de Fontvieille, École Saint-Charles, École des Révoires, École de la Plati, École de Bosio
• Collège Charles III (the Principality's single state middle school)
• Lycée Albert Ier (general and technological high school)
• Lycée Technique et Hôtelier de Monte-Carlo (vocational and hospitality)
• Lycée Rainier III (combined middle and high school)

Most teaching staff are seconded from the French education system. The brevet and baccalauréat awarded in Monaco are equivalent to the French national diplomas.

Quick comparison

Enrollment Process and Timeline

Initial Research (6-12 Months Before)

Actions:

• Research school options
• Visit school websites
• Review curricula and requirements
• Attend school open houses (if possible)
• Connect with current parents
• Gather application materials

Application Phase (4-6 Months Before)

Timeline:

• January-April: Main application period
• Some schools accept applications year-round
• Early applications more likely to secure places

Application Process:

• Complete online or paper application
• Submit required documentation
• Pay application fee (if applicable)
• Schedule school visit
• Prepare child for assessments

Required Documentation:

• Birth certificate
• Passport and visa documents
• Immunization records
• Previous school records/transcripts
• Parent identification
• Proof of address in Monaco

Assessment Phase

Entrance Assessments (typical for some grades):

• Literacy and numeracy assessments
• English/French language capability
• Reasoning and aptitude tests
• Parent and student interviews
• Assessment of learning needs

Timeline:

• Usually 2-4 weeks after application submission
• Results within 2-3 weeks of assessment

Acceptance and Enrollment

Upon Acceptance:

• Receive acceptance letter
• Pay enrollment deposit
• Submit additional documentation
• Receive school materials and information
• Attend orientation (if applicable)
• Setup lunch accounts and payment

Timeline:

• April-May: Typical decision notification
• May-June: Enrollment finalization
• July-August: Preparation for September start

Practical Considerations

School Years and Holidays

Academic Calendar:

• School year: September to June
• Summer holiday: July-August (6-8 weeks)
• Christmas break: 2 weeks (typically mid-December to early January)
• Easter break: 2 weeks
• Various holidays throughout year

Coordination with Work:

• Plan childcare for summer holidays
• Coordinate vacation plans
• Consider work schedule adjustments
• Plan summer activities/camps

Tuition and Financial Considerations

Payment:

• Monthly or annual payment typical
• Payment plans available at some schools
• Delinquent account consequences
• Financial aid inquiries available

Additional Costs:

• Registration and administrative fees: €300-€500
• Uniforms: €200-€400 (if required)
• Books and materials: €100-€300
• Field trips and activities: €200-€500
• Lunches: €50-€100/month (if not provided)
• Extracurricular activities: €100-€500+

Language Transition

English-Speaking Children:

• ISM provides English instruction
• Easy transition if coming from English schools
• French language learning integrated
• Bilingual development possible

French-Speaking Children:

• FANB, Cours Saint-Maur or Monaco state schools are all natural fits
• Direct continuity in the French curriculum
• Natural language integration

Mixed-Language Families:

• Consider bilingual school options
• Some schools offer language support
• Transition programs available
• Time for language adjustment needed

Transport and commuting

All three main private schools are located inside Monaco: ISM in La Condamine, FANB on avenue Roqueville and Cours Saint-Maur in the city centre. The CAM bus network serves every district, and most families combine buses, walking and the public lifts. Parking is scarce, so schools actively encourage soft transport and carpooling.

Families living in Beausoleil, Cap-d'Ail, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin or Menton typically reach Monaco in 15-30 minutes by car or train.

After-School Programs and Activities

Extended Care

After-School Supervision:

• Most schools offer supervised after-school care
• Additional fees (typically €5-€10/hour)
• Sign-up required
• Activities and snacks provided

Evening Programs:

• Some schools offer evening programs
• Care until 6-7 PM typical
• Useful for working parents

Extracurricular Activities

Available Options:

• Sports (tennis, swimming, football, etc.)
• Arts (music, drama, visual arts)
• Academic enrichment
• Language programs
• Leadership and clubs

Cost: Typically €100-€500+ annually per activity Schedule: After school or weekends Enrollment: Usually separate from school enrollment

Summer Programs

Summer Camps and Programs:

• Day camps and multi-week programs
• Academic enrichment or recreational
• Cost: €50-€150/day typical
• International student participants
• Pre-registration helpful

Special Needs and Support Services

Learning Support

Available at Most Schools:

• English language support
• Learning assessment services
• Tutoring and remedial support
• Special education services (limited)

Process:

• Assessment and evaluation
• Individualized education plan (if needed)
• Regular monitoring
• Parent conferences
• Additional cost possible

Language Support

English Language Support:

• ISM offers English instruction
• ESL support programs
• Transition support for non-English speakers
• Bilingual development programs

Counseling and Pastoral Care

Available Services:

• Academic counseling
• University/career counseling
• Social-emotional support
• Pastoral care programs
• Mental health referrals

University Preparation

International Baccalaureate (IB)

ISM Program:

• IB Diploma Program (ages 16-18)
• IB Middle Years Program (ages 11-16)
• IB Primary Years Program (ages 3-11)
• University preparation focus
• Global recognition
• Rigorous academic program

University Acceptance:

• Recognized worldwide by universities
• Strong preparation for international universities
• Good acceptance rates at competitive universities

French Baccalauréat

FANB prepares students for the general baccalauréat, the same diploma awarded by Monaco's state high schools (Lycée Albert Ier, Lycée Rainier III). It gives direct access to French universities and is widely accepted by international ones. Specialisations (sciences, economics, humanities, arts) follow the current French curriculum.

Making the School Choice Decision

Factors to Consider

Family Priorities:

• Language of instruction preference
• Curriculum philosophy alignment
• University plans and requirements
• Cost considerations
• Commuting feasibility
• School culture and values

Child Factors:

• Age and developmental stage
• Language capabilities
• Learning style and needs
• Social-emotional needs
• Extracurricular interests

Practical Factors:

• Location and commute
• After-school care availability
• Financial capacity
• Flexibility and school policies
• Enrollment availability

Decision-Making Process

1. Research all available options thoroughly
2. Visit schools and observe
3. Speak with current parents and students
4. Evaluate your priorities
5. Make decision based on best fit
6. Complete application process
7. Remain flexible regarding outcomes

Welcome Office and School Support

Welcome Office Assistance:

• Provides school information and recommendations
• Assists with enrollment process
• Helps navigate French/English language schools
• Provides introductions to schools
• Offers ongoing support and advice

Post-Arrival School Transition

First Week Adjustments

• Child may experience culture shock
• Language adjustment period normal
• Building new friendships takes time
• Academic adjustment varies by child
• Support from school and home important

Long-Term Integration (First Months)

• Consistent presence builds comfort
• Friendships develop gradually
• Academic progress improves
• Community integration happens naturally
• Regular parent-school communication important

Conclusion

Monaco offers a concentrated but high-quality range of schools. ISM is the obvious choice for English-speaking families looking for an international curriculum. FANB combines the full French syllabus, local roots and moderate fees; Cours Saint-Maur offers a smaller, more intimate setting for the early years. Monaco's state schools remain free for residents and award the same internationally recognised French diplomas. The right choice depends on language, university plans and budget. Applications generally open in January for September entry — apply early, particularly at ISM and FANB where places are competitive. The government's Welcome Office (welcomeoffice.gouv.mc) helps families navigate the enrolment process.