International-Minded Schooling in Paris’s Green and Creative Northeast: A Guide to Global Education in the 19ᵗʰ Arrondissement
The 19ᵗʰ arrondissement is one of Paris’s most vibrant and evolving districts. Defined by wide green spaces such as Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Parc de la Villette, a multicultural population, emerging creative scenes, and modern eco-neighbourhoods like the redevelopment around Ourcq and Bassin de la Villette, the 19ᵗʰ has become a magnet for young families, artists, researchers, students and globally minded professionals.
Although not traditionally known for international schools, the 19ᵗʰ offers access to bilingual and international-minded education both within and around the arrondissement. Many globally mobile families choose to live in the 19ᵗʰ for its greenery, affordability, community feel and access to broader Parisian schooling options.
This guide explores how international-minded schooling works in the 19ᵗʰ arrondissement, which options are available, and what families should consider when choosing a school and a home in this part of northeastern Paris.
What International-Minded Schooling Means in the 19ᵗʰ
International-minded schooling here does not always mean a full international curriculum within the arrondissement. Instead, it usually includes:
• Bilingual French–English programmes (private or public) • French public schools offering reinforced language instruction • Access to nearby international sections in bordering arrondissements • Multicultural classrooms reflecting the district’s diversity • Schools comfortable integrating newcomers from different systems
The 19ᵗʰ’s cultural mix inherently supports global learning: children hear multiple languages daily, interact with peers from various backgrounds, and grow up in an environment naturally aligned with global citizenship.
Why International Families Choose the 19ᵗʰ Arrondissement
Several reasons explain why global and bilingual families are increasingly choosing the 19ᵗʰ:
1. Greenery and quality of life: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Parc de la Villette offer some of the best outdoor spaces in Paris — a strong draw for families.
2. Affordable housing compared to central districts: Families can access larger or more modern homes for a given budget, freeing resources for education or extracurricular activities.
3. Creative and multicultural atmosphere: The arrondissement has a vibrant mix of music schools, art workshops, cafés, tech incubators and cultural institutions (Cité des Sciences, Philharmonie de Paris). This enriches children’s daily environment.
4. Transport connections: Metro lines 5, 7, and 11, tram T3b, and good bike lanes open access to schools in the 10ᵗʰ, 11ᵗʰ, 18ᵗʰ and beyond.
5. Emerging eco-neighbourhoods: Newer zones near Ourcq and La Villette attract young professionals and families who value modern living and community architecture.
International-Minded Schools in or Near the 19ᵗʰ Arrondissement
While the 19ᵗʰ does not host large international schools within its borders, it offers several bilingual or internationally oriented options, and easy access to schools in nearby arrondissements.
Below are the key schooling pathways accessible to families living in the 19ᵗʰ:
Bilingual nurseries and preschools in the 19ᵗʰ The arrondissement offers a growing number of bilingual pre-kindergarten and nursery options with French–English immersion. These establishments emphasise early bilingual exposure and multicultural integration.
Public schools with reinforced English Some public primary schools in the 19ᵗʰ offer enhanced English instruction or bilingual-friendly environments due to the diversity of their student bodies. They are often accustomed to welcoming international families.
Schools in the 10ᵗʰ accessible to 19ᵗʰ residents Because the 19ᵗʰ borders the 10ᵗʰ, many families choose: • Bilingual primary schools in the 10ᵗʰ • Schools with strong language programmes • English-friendly environments
Schools in the 11ᵗʰ and 18ᵗʰ accessible via quick transport Families living in areas like Jaurès or Belleville easily access schools in neighbouring districts offering: • International Bac options • English-friendly programmes • Bilingual or multicultural schooling philosophies
The 19ᵗʰ is therefore a district where mobility is part of the schooling strategy.
How to Choose the Right School in the 19ᵗʰ
Deciding on a school while living in the 19ᵗʰ requires a clear view of your family’s language goals, lifestyle and mobility.
Key considerations include:
Language model:
- Do you want full bilingual immersion?
- French-dominant curriculum with reinforced English?
- Access to international Bac (usually in other arrondissements)?
Child’s profile:
- Does your child need French-language support (FLE)?
- Are they comfortable in culturally diverse environments?
- Do they need an international transition plan?
Commute: Because the arrondissement is large, commute planning matters:
- Families in Buttes-Chaumont may prefer schools in the 10ᵗʰ or 11ᵗʰ
- Families near Ourcq may choose options in the 19ᵗʰ or La Villette
- Families near Clignancourt may choose the 18ᵗʰ or 17ᵗʰ
Educational pathway: Think long-term:
- Does the chosen school lead to a bilingual middle/high school?
- Are you planning to remain in France long-term?
Community and environment: Since the 19ᵗʰ is very diverse, choose a school that reflects your comfort level with cultural variety.
Living in the 19ᵗʰ: Neighbourhoods That Appeal to International Families
The 19ᵗʰ is composed of several micro-neighbourhoods, each with its character and schooling accessibility.
Buttes-Chaumont: • Green, residential, calm • Ideal for families seeking proximity to parks • Access to 10ᵗʰ & 11ᵗʰ schools
Belleville (19ᵗʰ side): • Urban, artistic, multicultural • Families drawn to creative and bilingual environments • Easy access to diverse schooling pathways
La Villette: • Modern, cultural, wide-open spaces • Families attracted to contemporary architecture and lifestyle • Easy access to schools on the eastern & northern borders
Ourcq / Jaurès / Laumière: • Popular with young, bilingual families • Modern housing & walkability • Fast access to 10ᵗʰ arrondissement bilingual options
Clignancourt / Porte de la Chapelle: • Very diverse, developing • Good transport connections to 18ᵗʰ & north-Paris schools
Each micro-district influences schooling choices.
Why Some Families Live in the 19ᵗʰ but Choose a School Outside It
Many international families strategically choose:
• The 19ᵗʰ for home — green, affordable, creative • Another arrondissement for school — bilingual or international tracks
This separation works well because: • Transport is efficient • Children grow in multicultural environments • Families optimise budget and lifestyle • There is more freedom to pick the right curriculum
Support for International Students
International-minded schools accessible from the 19ᵗʰ often provide:
• French language acquisition (FLE) • English reinforcement • Transition support for newcomers • Cultural integration programmes • Multilingual teaching environments
This ensures children with varied language backgrounds can integrate smoothly.
Practical Tips for Families Choosing a School While Living in the 19ᵗʰ
• Apply early — bilingual schools fill quickly • Visit schools in person — ethos differs widely • Map out realistic commutes • Consider long-term academic pathways • Engage with local parent communities • Balance lifestyle, schooling & housing decisions
Summary & Final Thoughts
The 19ᵗʰ arrondissement may not have the largest concentration of international schools, but it offers something equally valuable: a multicultural environment, green spaces, affordability, strong community life, and excellent access to bilingual and international options in neighbouring districts.
Key takeaways:
- The 19ᵗʰ supports international-minded learning through diversity and lifestyle
- Bilingual nurseries, preschools and public schools with reinforced English are available
- Families often choose schools in the 10ᵗʰ, 11ᵗʰ or 18ᵗʰ while living in the 19ᵗʰ
- Choosing a school here is about aligning commute, curriculum and family goals
- The arrondissement offers a rich, culturally immersive environment for children
For globally oriented families seeking a Parisian district with green spaces, cultural depth and access to wider schooling options, the 19ᵗʰ arrondissement is an excellent choice.