Lyon, France’s third-largest city, faithfully follows the national “école maternelle” framework ([Reference 1]) while adding strong local initiatives to support early education. Preschool attendance from age three is nearly universal, and many municipalities, including Lyon, offer additional wraparound services such as before- and after-school care (“garderie”) ([Reference 2]).
The national curriculum emphasizes early mastery of the French language, introduction to mathematical thinking, artistic expression, and motor development. Lyon also actively promotes inclusive education, ensuring that children with special educational needs (SEN) are integrated and supported within mainstream settings, through specialized structures like “ULIS École” ([Reference 3]).
Moreover, Lyon’s municipal authorities have invested in early bilingual exposure programs, especially French-English or French-German, reflecting the city’s international community and regional ties to Europe.
As a kindergarten director, I admire Lyon’s commitment to academic rigor balanced with emotional well-being—a model that respects every child’s right to a rich, equitable educational experience from the very first years.

References:

• [1] French Ministry of Education: National Curriculum for École Maternelle

• [2] Ville de Lyon: Early Childhood Services and Garderies

• [3] French Ministry of Education: ULIS École (Special Needs Integration Program)

フランス第3の都市リヨンでは、全国共通の「エコール・マテルネル（école maternelle）」に基づく教育が行われており、3歳からの就園率はほぼ100％に達しています。さらにリヨン市では、学童保育（ガルドリー garderie）など、登園前後の追加支援サービスも充実させています。
全国カリキュラムでは、フランス語の早期習得、数的思考、芸術表現、運動能力の育成が重視されています。
リヨン市では、特別支援教育（SEN）にも積極的に取り組み、通常のクラス内に支援体制を設ける「ULIS École（特別支援統合ユニット）」を通じて、すべての子どもが適切な支援を受けられる環境づくりを進めています。
また国際都市として、フランス語・英語やフランス語・ドイツ語など、幼児期からのバイリンガル教育にも力を入れています。
リヨンの、学問的厳密さと情緒的支援を両立させる教育姿勢は、子どもの個性と可能性を尊重する真のインクルーシブ教育のモデルと言えるでしょう。

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