International Schools in Lyon for Expat Families (2026 Guide)

Lyon attracts many international families every year thanks to its high quality of life, dynamic economy and strategic location in Europe.

For families relocating to France, schooling is often one of the first concerns. Understanding how the French education system works and what options are available in Lyon can help families better prepare for their move.

Schooling options in Lyon

In Lyon, expatriate families have several schooling options for their children.

The French education system includes:

• public schools, which are free and linked to a geographic school district

• private schools, often operating under contract with the French state

• international or bilingual schools, offering multilingual education or international curricula

Each option may be more suitable depending on the child’s background, language level and previous schooling.

International schools in Lyon

Lyon has several schools that welcome international students.

Among the best known are:

International School of Lyon (ISL)An English-language international school offering the International Baccalaureate programme.

Ombrosa International SchoolA private bilingual school offering both the French curriculum and international programmes.

Cité Scolaire Internationale de LyonA public international school offering several language sections including English, German, Italian and Spanish.

West Point International SchoolA private school offering bilingual and international education.

Each school has its own admissions process and application timeline.

A process that can be more complex for international families

For families arriving from abroad, organizing schooling can sometimes be more complex than expected.

In France, enrollment in public schools is generally based on the family’s residential address, as each child is assigned to a local school district.

However, when relocating internationally, families do not always have a permanent address at the time when certain administrative procedures must begin.

In some cases, proof of school enrollment or a pre-registration may also be required as part of a visa application.

For these reasons, some international families choose international or bilingual schools, which may offer a more familiar educational environment and help children adapt more smoothly to a new cultural setting.

Planning ahead

Places in certain schools, particularly international schools, can be limited.

Starting the process several months before arrival can help families secure more options and coordinate schooling with the other steps involved in relocating to France.

If you are planning to move to Lyon, you may also find useful our guides on the cost of living in Lyon for expatriates and the best neighborhoods in Lyon for expatriates.