French school reopening for 2026 academic year

Overview

The 2026 academic year has commenced across various regions in France, involving both public and private educational institutions.

In the Maine-et-Loire department, approximately 141,000 students returned to classes, reflecting a decrease of 2,700 students compared to the previous year. This decline was most notable in primary education. Meanwhile, in the Orne department, the Sacré-Cœur d’Athis school reported stable enrollment and introduced new curriculum themes and facility renovations.

Private institutions have also begun the new term. At Lycée Galilee, staff conducted preparatory meetings and training on pedagogical tracking systems ahead of student arrivals. In Domfront-en-Poiraie, the school complex comprising l’école de l’Ange-Gardien and the Collège du Sacré-Coeur welcomed 338 students, with the collège reporting stable enrollment levels.

As the term progresses, specific milestones are being observed at various educational stages. At the Lycée franco-équatorien La Condamine, senior students celebrated their final first day of school, with student Doménica Gallardo encouraging peers to approach their concluding year with “solidarity and mutual support.”

In kindergarten settings, such as the École Sainte-Ursule de Dole, educators are focusing on the integration of toddlers aged two to three. To mitigate the emotional difficulty of separating from parents, the school permits the use of comfort objects, including stuffed animals and pacifiers, to help young students establish new routines.

Entities

Doménica Gallardo · Domfront-en-Poiraie · Orne · Lycée Galilee · Isabelle Goubin

Timeline

1 day ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Students mark the start of the 2026-2027 school year
Students across different regions mark the start of the 2026-2027 school year, from seniors celebrating their final year at Lycée La Condamine to toddlers transitioning into kindergarten in France.
7 days ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Private schools in France begin 2026 academic year
Private schools in France, including Lycée Galilee and the Sacré-Coeur complex in Domfront-en-Poiraie, have begun the 2026 academic year with staff preparations and student arrivals.
9 days ago

[CULTURE] 3 sources
French schools reopen for 2026 academic year
The 2026 school year begins in France, with Maine-et-Loire seeing a decline of 2,700 students, while schools in Orne report stable enrollment and new facility renovations.

Sources

actu.fr · condamine.edu.ec · galilee.paysdelaloire.e-lyco.fr · horizons-journal.fr · presseagence.fr

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history