Choosing the right school for your child in Monaco
Choosing the right school for your child can be a daunting process for a parent in any country. Parents want to be assured that the school is well-equipped to provide for a panoply of needs, encompassing the social, emotional and academic. Here at Chapkin Edwards, we can help you to start thinking about what is important when considering school choice, and to guide you in making this important decision.
What are the most important criteria for school selection?
Boarding vs. Day School
In Monaco, many schools provide both boarding and day schooling options. However, there is often a preference for one over the other. Boarding schools offer accommodation on campus for most of the school year, promoting independence, socialisation, and independent study. On the other hand, day schooling allows students to reside at home and spend more time with their families. Additionally, day schooling may be more suitable if you plan to arrange extracurricular tutoring. Both systems have their merits, and the choice depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
Single sex vs. coeducational schooling
Single-sex and coeducational schooling present distinct advantages. Single-sex schools foster a conducive environment for students to explore their interests free from conventional gender stereotypes. This setting enhances confidence, minimises distractions, and allows tailored teaching methods aligned with gender-specific learning styles. Conversely, coeducational schools facilitate essential social interaction between genders, preparing students for a diverse and inclusive society. They encourage a broader outlook, promote collaborative learning, and provide a realistic representation of the world students will navigate after graduation.
Facilities
The quality of school facilities is another important factor in school choice. Not only does this impact the quality of academic provision, as with the modernity of science laboratories; it also affects extra-curricular life at the school. Some schools may have superior music and drama facilities, whereas others will cater to those wishing to pursue a range of different sporting activities.
Academic provision
The quality of academic provision at any given school can be difficult to judge. In a sense, it can depend on the needs of the individual student. Some schools may have teachers who teach effectively ‘to the top’: those who focus on and can challenge aspirational students to achieve top marks. Others will have a more holistic focus, focusing on personal development in addition to academic attainment. Ideally, a school will encompass both targets, though this is not the case across the board. At Chapkin Edwards, we can help to advise on the ideal school for your child on the basis of these criteria.
What are the top schools in Monaco?
There are a number of independent schools in Monaco to choose from. Here, we give an overview of these schools, but it is crucial to do further research into each individual school in order to find the correct fit for your child, using the criteria established in this article.
International School of Monaco
Location: 12 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco, Mónaco
Head: Stuart Bryan
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 800
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 3-18
Curriculum: IB
Fees: €32,800
Website: https://www.ismonaco.org/
The International School of Monaco is certainly one of the leading lights among schools in the area around Monaco and Nice. One feature that makes this school an attractive option is its bilingual focus, which sees the curriculum delivered in English as well as French. Besides this, ISM enjoys a fantastic academic reputation, with an average IB score of over 37, significantly higher than the global average among International Schools. The extracurricular programme, furthermore, is rich, offering sports and activities such as an Outdoor adventure club, basketball, rugby, aerobics, a variety of team games, yoga, running club, and sailing.
Mougins British International School
Location: 615 Avenue Dr Maurice Donat, CS 12180, Mougins, France
Head: James Wellings
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 523
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 3-18
Curriculum: iGCSE/A-Level
Day fees: €21,460
Website: https://mougins.britishinternationalschool.com/
Founded 60 years ago in 1964, Mougins International School is among the market leaders in secondary education in Monaco and south-eastern France. The school features a strong parent-teacher association to ensure that any concerns about a child’s performance or wellbeing are promptly and effectively addressed. The school actualises its vision for holistic education through its unique ‘Thrive programme’, which sees student development divided into four component parts: the Self, the Thinker, the Creative and the Community. This metacognitive approach is a major attraction on account of its cultivation of well-rounded, thoughtful students.
International School of Nice
Location: 15 Av. Claude Debussy, 06200 Nice, France
Head: Mel Curtis
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 340
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 3-18
Curriculum: IB
Fees: €16,580
Website: https://www.islyon.org/who-we-are/
Originally established in 1972 to cater to the educational needs of expatriate families in the French Riviera, ISN has since grown into a renowned institution providing high-quality education to a diverse student body. With a strong emphasis on internationalism, multiculturalism, and academic excellence, ISN offers a rigorous curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The school prides itself on its inclusive community, fostering a supportive environment where students from over 40 nationalities collaborate, learn, and thrive together. Beyond academics, ISN places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service, to provide a well-rounded educational experience for its students.
ICS Côte d’Azur
Location: 245 Route des Lucioles, 06560 Valbonne, France
Head: Gina Bianchi
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 284
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 3-11
Curriculum: IB
Fees: €15,258
Website: https://www.icscotedazur.com/
ICS Cote d'Azur, founded in 1994, is one of the best primary school options on the French Riviera. The school began with a vision to offer a holistic education that nurtures global citizenship and academic excellence. Over the years, ICS has evolved into a distinguished institution known for its multicultural environment and commitment to personalised learning. With a diverse student body representing over 50 nationalities, ICS fosters an inclusive and supportive community where students develop a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and global perspectives.
The British School of Monaco
Location: Le Méridien, RC, 8 Av. de Fontvieille, 98000 Monaco, Mónaco
Head: Stuart Bradley
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 80
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 3-11
Curriculum: UK National Curriculum
Day fees: €37,500
Website: https://britishschool.mc/
The British School of Monaco (BSM) has a storied history dating back to its establishment in 1994. As the principality's only British international school, BSM has been committed to providing a top-quality education rooted in British educational principles. Catering to the needs of Monaco's international community, the school offers a comprehensive education based on the British National Curriculum. BSM prides itself on its small class sizes and individualised approach to learning, ensuring that each student receives personalised attention and support.
Monaco schools selection with Chapkin Edwards
If you need further advice with selecting the right school for your child in Monaco, or would like to explore tutoring options, please get in contact here.