Monaco is not only synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle, it is also one of the safest places in Europe for families and children. Low crime rate, a robust security system and an international environment make the Principality particularly attractive as a place for educating the younger generation.
Some 90 different nationalities thus attend Monaco schools, combining high French academic standards with modern international curricula. This article provides a detailed overview of the local educational system. Several factors need be considered to start with – curriculum and school type (public or private), language of teaching, prospective university plans, proximity to home and extracurricular activities available.
Public Schools in Monaco
Public schools are free for Monaco residents and families. Based on a rigorous French curriculum with the national middle school “Brevet” and high school “Baccalauréat” exams, they maintain high academic standards, preparing its students for an admission to European universities.
Among Monaco public schools are: the Primary École de la Condamine, École de Fontvieille, École des Révoires, École Saint-Charles, École du Parc, and École des Carmes, the middle school Collège Charles III and the high schools Lycée Albert Ier and Lycée Rainier III.
As part of the French national curriculum, children are primarily taught in French. English, however, is taught from an early age. Italian, German and Spanish are also available as an option. Schooling is free for eligible Monaco residents, with only meals, field trips and additional extracurricular activities paid as a supplement.
State-Contracted Private Schools
St. François d’Assise – Nicolas Barré (FANB) is a private institution operating under a state contract. A good option for Catholic families, it offers a curriculum all the way from the kindergarten to the final year of high school. This unique type of school offers something in between the public and private education. Incidentally, that’s where Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene are schooling their twins—Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
State-contracted private schools are based on the French national curriculum. Ensuring rigorous academic standards, the state is funding the teachers and the overall educational process, while parents cover additional fees and extracurricular activities.
In addition to a strong academic program and preparation for the state “Brevet” and “Baccalauréat” exams, FANB is offering a rich language-learning environment. Children study English alongside with French, with an option of learning other foreignl languages.
Featuring digital classrooms, laboratories, sports halls and dedicated spaces for creative and scientific projects, the school campus is modern and well-equipped. Extracurricular activities include theater productions, music clubs, science classes and various school events.
Particular emphasis is given to sports here. Benefitting from excellent sports facilities and an opportunity to be involved with the professional sports community, including AS Monaco, students also take part in UNSS competitions and school tournaments.
International Schools
Based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the British education system, the International School of Monaco (ISM) and the British School of Monaco offer an education in English. Their primary focus is preparation for the leading UK, US and the European universities.
Developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization, The IB program is focusing on critical thinking, research projects and independent study, whereas the British system is offering a structured preparation through GCSE and A-level examinations.
The international schools of Monaco are covering the kindergarten to the final year of secondary school. Admission process, however, is very rigorous selection. Interviews and tests are common, with waiting lists explaining their limited capacity. These schools offer a highly international environment, with dozens of nationalities often sharing a classroom.
Tuition fees range, on average, from €12,000 to €28,000 per year, excluding registration fees, exam costs and additional expenses for extracurricular activities and trips.
Opened in September 2024 as part of the large-scale Testimonio II project in the Larvotto district, the new International School of Monaco (ISM) campus has become one of Monao’s most modern educational facilities. Officially inaugurated by Prince Albert II and reflecting a growing demand for an international education in Monaco, it accommodates nearly 700 students. State-of-the-art classrooms, professional music studios, a theater, sports halls, dedicated areas for creative and scientific projects make this school a truly comprehensive, next-generation educational and cultural hub.
Unsurprisingly, the Principality’s private schools often appear in the most prestigious international rankings. In 2023 and 2024, for instance, awarded a quality certification by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the International School of Monaco (ISM) was ranked among the top-15 private schools in Europe by Carfax Education.
Getting enrolled in a school in Monaco
State schools prioritize Monegasque families, Monaco residents and parents working in the Principality, typically requiring a proof of an address, parents-related paperwork, school reports and a birth certificate. In certain cases, schools would also proceed with language assessments or interviews. With the local schools having a limited capacity, placement is subject to availability and the family’s place of residence. For more details regarding the supporting documents and regulations, please visit the official government website.
As to private and international schools, they have their own admissions process, including interviews, entrance exams and an academic profile assessment. Sharing the school’s educational philosophy is just as important as meeting its academic requirements. Due to a high demand, families typically submit applications 6 to 12 months before the start of the academic year.
