Paris, as the capital of France, exemplifies the national approach to early childhood education, which emphasizes universal access and academic foundations from an early age. Children attend “école maternelle” (preschool) typically starting at age three, and since 2019, education has been compulsory from age three nationwide ([Reference 1]).
The “école maternelle” follows a national curriculum (“Programme pour l’école maternelle” [Reference 2]), focusing on language acquisition, socialization, and the development of early literacy and numeracy skills.
Preschools are mostly public and free, operated by the Ministry of National Education, with some private (often Catholic) institutions also available.
Special programs such as “REP+” (Réseau d’Éducation Prioritaire Plus) ([Reference 3]) provide additional resources for preschools in disadvantaged areas, aiming to reduce educational inequality from the earliest stages.
As a kindergarten director, I deeply respect Paris’s systematic and inclusive model—offering all children, regardless of background, the chance to build strong educational foundations in a nurturing, structured environment.

References:

• [1] French Ministry of Education: Compulsory Schooling from Age 3 (2019)

• [2] Programme pour l’école maternelle (Curriculum, 2021 Edition)

• [3] REP+ Priority Education Networks, French Ministry of Education