Interesting Facts about the French School System

Now all of my children are happily attending school. Schools here are very different than the schools in the United States from my experience, which is quite limited. Here are some interesting facts that I've learned.

• School is from 8:30-11:30 then the kids go home to eat and rest for 2 hours.


• School starts back up at 1:30 and ends at 4:30.


• There is a lunch program but you have to sign up for it at the mayor's office and it's usually for kids who have 2 working parents.


• The gates of the school open up 10 mins early and then 10 minutes after school starts, they are locked and no one is allowed in. This has taught me to NOT be late!


• In the 5 year old class, they start teaching the children how to write in cursive.
  

My 3 and 5 year old children go to a Maternelle School. It's for kids from 3 years (cut-off is Dec. 31st) to 6 year olds. I made the mistake of carrying my son into school today and was told that he had to walk. I have to admit, I like that aspect of the school. I think it's great for kids to learn to be independant.

My oldest son goes to a Primary School. This is for children from 6 years old until 11 years old.