Compare 3 international schools in Nantes, France. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 12,312), location, and more to find the right international school now.
In Nantes international provision is concentrated in a small number of bilingual and alternative private schools (many using Montessori approaches) plus bilingual ‘sections internationales’ that sit inside some public or private schools in the Académie de Nantes. Most options combine the French national curriculum with a significant amount of English-language teaching (immersion or co-taught lessons); fully Anglophone or IB pathways are less common locally than bilingual primary provision. Fees vary widely: some independent bilingual/Montessori schools in the area publish annual fees in the mid-thousands of euros, while public sections internationales follow the standard public school funding model and therefore do not charge full private tuition. Families should plan around the French school year (main intake in early September), expect application windows and open days in the months beforehand, and be prepared for limited places and waiting lists in small private bilingual schools.
What kinds of curricula will my child find in Nantes international schools?
You will most often find the French national curriculum delivered in bilingual streams or as a ‘section internationale’ (a recognised bilingual track within a French school); some independent schools use immersion or alternative pedagogies such as Montessori. Full Anglophone curricula or International Baccalaureate programmes exist in France but are less frequent in Nantes itself, so check each school’s stated programme and exit qualification.
How much do international or bilingual schools in Nantes cost?
Costs vary by school type: public sections internationales are part of the state system and do not carry private tuition fees, whereas independent bilingual or Montessori schools rely on family fees. Local examples show private bilingual Montessori tuition in the mid-thousands per year (one Nantes bilingual Montessori published a 2026 - 27 fee of €6,850), and broader guides for private Montessori provision in France show monthly equivalents that can range substantially depending on age and services offered. Ask each school for a full fee breakdown (tuition, registration, meals, wraparound care).
When should we start the admissions process?
The main cohort intake follows the national school calendar with a September start, so most families begin enquiries, visits and applications in the spring or earlier for the following school year. Small independent schools and specialised bilingual classes often fill quickly and operate waiting lists, so initiate contact as soon as you know your relocation dates and check each school’s specific enrolment deadlines.
What language support is available for non-French speakers?
Many bilingual schools teach a large part of the week in English and provide differentiated language support to help non-French speakers integrate; public sections internationales also expect competence in both languages for higher grades and may set entry assessments. Offerings vary by institution, so ask how classroom time is divided between French and the partner language, whether specialist EAL/Français langue étrangère support is provided, and how the school monitors language progress.
What should we check on a school visit in Nantes?
On visits verify the actual language split in daily teaching, staff qualifications in the target language, pupil support for newcomers, class sizes, and whether the school is ‘sous contrat’ (state-associated) or ‘hors contrat’ (independent), since that affects teacher recruitment and public funding. Also request a clear written breakdown of fees and extra costs, see sample timetables or reports on pupil progress, and meet teachers where possible so you can judge whether the school’s approach matches your child’s needs.
