International-Minded Education in the 11ᵉ Arrondissement of Paris
A detailed guide to bilingual and global-curriculum options around Bastille, Voltaire, Oberkampf and Nation
Introduction
The 11ᵉ arrondissement of Paris is one of the most vibrant, youthful and creative districts in the city. Stretching from Bastille to Nation, passing through Oberkampf, Saint-Ambroise and Voltaire, it offers a mix of cafés, independent shops, artisan studios, performance venues and leafy squares. Over the past decade, it has also attracted a growing number of international families, digital nomads, globally mobile professionals and Franco-international couples.
This demographic shift has increased demand for bilingual and international-minded schooling within or near the 11ᵉ. While the district is not traditionally known for hosting large international campuses, it does offer several bilingual schools, Montessori-based bilingual programs and international-oriented preschools. Families living in Bastille, Ledru-Rollin, Charonne or Rue de la Roquette often combine the convenience of central-Paris living with access to bilingual education a short walk or metro ride away.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the international and bilingual schooling options in the 11ᵉ arrondissement, accompanied by key considerations for families moving to or living in this lively and multicultural district.
What does international-minded education mean in the 11ᵉ arrondissement?
In Paris, international-minded education can mean different things depending on the school:
• Bilingual French-English programmes • Montessori or inquiry-based pedagogy with multicultural emphasis • Multilingual exposure (English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, etc.) • Support for non-French-speaking students • Cross-cultural values, diversity and global citizenship • Academic preparation that enables mobility (e.g., bilingual Bac, international options)
The 11ᵉ arrondissement’s schools are mostly bilingual French-English at preschool and primary level, often with a strong emphasis on creativity, arts, emotional development and multicultural exposure. Many families then transition to larger international middle/high schools located in the 10ᵉ, 12ᵉ, 19ᵉ or western arrondissements.
List of International-Minded and Bilingual Schools in the 11ᵉ Arrondissement
Below is a detailed list of the bilingual and international-oriented schools located in the 11ᵉ arrondissement or immediately bordering it. Each entry includes levels offered, languages, curriculum style and key characteristics.
1. École Bilingue Internationale – 11ᵉ arrondissement (Bilingual Preschool/Primary)
Location: Near Rue Saint-Maur / Parmentier Levels: Preschool (maternelle) and early primary Language model: French-English bilingual immersion Curriculum: French national curriculum enriched with English language arts, multicultural themes, and international exposure Environment: Small class sizes, bilingual teachers, strong focus on creativity, well-being and individualized learning Why families choose it: • True bilingual foundation • Located within the heart of the 11ᵉ • Welcoming to international, mixed-nationality families • Smooth transition into bilingual French schools or international programs
2. Le Petit Montrouge Bilingual Montessori (satellite classes in the 11ᵉ)
Location: Near Folie-Méricourt Levels: Ages 2–6 Language model: Bilingual Montessori in French & English Curriculum: Montessori method with multicultural themes, self-directed learning, and hands-on pedagogy Environment: Calm, nurturing classrooms with Montessori materials, bilingual guides Why families choose it: • Montessori attracts international parents • Strong bilingual immersion from toddler age • Excellent preparation for bilingual primary schools
3. ABC Horizons Bilingual School (11ᵉ arrondissement)
Location: Oberkampf / Parmentier sector Levels: Preschool + early primary Language model: 50/50 French/English Curriculum: Blends French national programme with English literacy, phonics, discovery projects and multicultural perspectives Environment: Modern classrooms, small group instruction, emphasis on curiosity Why families choose it: • Balanced bilingual model • Multicultural teaching staff • Strong community of expatriate families and bilingual households • Central location near metro lines serving broader Paris
4. École Montessori du 11ᵉ
Location: Voltaire / Saint-Ambroise Levels: Ages 2–10 Language model: Montessori bilingual (French + English) Curriculum: Montessori pedagogy, sensorial learning, multilingual exposure, individualized progress plans Environment: Quiet program in a lively neighborhood, outdoor activities, emotional development Why families choose it: • Montessori + bilingualism is a strong combination for international families • Transition pathways to bilingual collèges in central Paris • Support for children arriving with limited French
5. École France Langue – International French Language Academy (supplementary option)
Location: Bastille / Charonne Levels: Not a full school, but intensive French and foreign-language programs for children Language model: French immersion for newcomers, English/French bilingual tutoring Curriculum: Structured linguistic progression, ideal as a complement to local schools Why families choose it: • Helps non-French-speaking children integrate into French or bilingual schools • Popular among newly arrived expatriate families in the 11ᵉ
Schools Just Outside the 11ᵉ But Commonly Chosen by Families Living There
Because the 11ᵉ is centrally located and well connected, many families choose international or bilingual schools a few minutes away:
• École La Canopée (10ᵉ arrondissement) – full 50/50 bilingual French/English model • École Bilingue in the 12ᵉ – strong bilingual primary option • International schools in the 19ᵉ or 20ᵉ with multilingual programs • Bilingual Montessori schools in the 3ᵉ and 4ᵉ • Lycée International Honoré de Balzac (17ᵉ) – international sections (English, German, Chinese, etc.)
These options expand the range of choices for families based in the 11ᵉ while keeping commute manageable.
How to Choose the Right International-Minded School in the 11ᵉ
Choosing a school should reflect your child’s language background, your long-term mobility and your desired lifestyle. Here are the key criteria parents typically consider:
1. Language exposure ratio
Some schools offer equal 50/50 French-English immersion, while others offer more limited English exposure. Families aiming for strong bilingualism often select Montessori or 50/50 programs.
2. Curriculum structure
Do you want: • Montessori • French national curriculum + English reinforcement • Creative or project-based approaches • Academic structure emphasising literacy and bilingualism Choose according to your family values and your child’s learning style.
3. Age levels and long-term pathway
Most bilingual schools in the 11ᵉ specialize in preschool and primary. Families must plan transitions: • To bilingual middle schools • To international secondary schools • To French collèges with strong language programs
4. School size and environment
Boutique bilingual schools offer smaller groups and personalized learning. This is often preferred by expatriate families who want strong emotional support.
5. Support for non-French-speaking students
Essential for international families newly arriving in Paris. Many 11ᵉ schools offer language integration programs and bilingual guides.
6. Commute and lifestyle
Central Paris traffic and metro lines influence daily life. Choosing a school close to your home (or vice versa) dramatically improves routines for young children.
7. Tuition fees and budget
International/multilingual schools come with higher tuition than public schools. Costs vary widely depending on the programme, class size and language models.
Why International Families Choose the 11ᵉ Arrondissement
The 11ᵉ attracts globally minded families because it balances:
• Vibrant local culture • Walkability and bike-friendly streets • Proximity to Bastille, République, Nation and the Marais • A young, multicultural energy • Central location for commuting to schools in adjacent arrondissements • Growing bilingual education options
Compared to Western arrondissements (7ᵉ, 16ᵉ, 8ᵉ), the 11ᵉ offers a more relaxed, creative and urban lifestyle, often at more accessible housing prices, while still providing high-quality bilingual preschools and primaries.
Real Estate and School Choice in the 11ᵉ
School selection influences real estate decisions significantly:
• Families often choose apartments within walking distance of bilingual schools. • Streets near Saint-Ambroise, Parmentier and Voltaire are especially popular for bilingual programs. • Larger family apartments (70–110 m²) in the 11ᵉ remain in high demand because of proximity to bilingual schools and parks. • Properties near transport hubs (lines 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11) allow quick access to international middle/high schools in neighboring districts. • The presence of bilingual programs increases property desirability for relocating families.
Summary and Conclusion
Although the 11ᵉ arrondissement does not host large international school campuses, it offers a growing selection of bilingual and international-minded schools — especially at preschool and primary levels. These include bilingual French-English schools, Montessori bilingual programs, and international language centers that support integration.
The main international-minded options in the 11ᵉ are:
• École Bilingue Internationale • Bilingual Montessori schools (various sites) • ABC Horizons Bilingual • École Montessori du 11ᵉ • Supplementary language institutes for expatriate children
Combined with excellent connectivity to schools in other arrondissements, the 11ᵉ is an ideal location for globally minded families who want an energetic, culturally rich lifestyle combined with high-quality bilingual education.