Explore the meanings and differences between école, collège, and université in French, along with usage tips and examples.
In French, there are different words for types of schools depending on the level of education: école, collège, and université. Understanding these terms helps you talk about school life more naturally in French.
- École usually means elementary school (ages 6–11), but can also refer to any school in general.
- Collège is middle school (ages 11–15) in the French system, not a college like in English.
- Université is higher education, equivalent to a university.
École
The word école means "school" in a general or specific sense, but in France it usually refers to primary/elementary school. Kids typically attend école primaire from ages 6 to 11.
- Can mean any type of school in a broad sense (e.g., "école de musique" = music school).
- When alone, it usually implies elementary school.
- Followed by a descriptor for other types: école maternelle (preschool), école primaire (elementary).
Los niños pequeños van a la ___ antes de la escuela primaria.
What does 'école maternelle' mean in English?
preschool
'École maternelle' is preschool, for children younger than elementary school age.
Collège
Collège is the term for middle school in France, covering grades 6–9 (ages 11–15). It’s the first stage of secondary education.
- Not to be confused with the English "college," which means university-level.
- After collège, students go to lycée (high school).
- Students take a national exam called the Brevet at the end of collège.
Université
Université means university, where students pursue higher education after completing secondary school (lycée). It can be a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program.
- Admission usually requires a baccalauréat (high school diploma).
- Unlike English, the term is always université, never just "collège" or "école."
- French universities are often public and subsidized.
Summary
| French Term | Education Level | Typical Ages | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| École | Primary/elementary | – | Elementary school |
| Collège | Middle school | – | Middle school |
| Université | Higher education | + | University |
Understanding these terms will help you navigate conversations about education in France.
Which stage comes immediately before université in the French education system?
lycée
Before attending université, students complete 'lycée', which is French high school.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Education Level: Primary/elementary
- Typical Ages: 6–11
- English Equivalent: Elementary school
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
