In French, the words école, collège, and université all relate to education but refer to different types and levels of schooling. Understanding these differences will help you use each term correctly.
École
École is the general word for “school” and usually refers to primary school (elementary school) in France. It is the first stage of formal education, covering children roughly from ages 6 to 11.
- Refers primarily to elementary school (école primaire).
- Can be used in compounds (e.g., école maternelle for preschool, école privée for private school).
- More general and can mean any school in a broad sense.
Usage
- école (f): school (usually elementary)
- école maternelle: preschool (ages 3–6)
- école primaire: elementary school (ages 6–11)
Examples
- Les enfants vont à l’école tous les jours.
(The children go to school every day.)
- Ma sœur est en CE2 à l’école primaire.
(My sister is in third grade at elementary school.)
- L’école maternelle prépare les enfants à l’école primaire.
(Preschool prepares children for elementary school.)
My sister is in third grade at elementary school. (fill in the blank in French)
Ma sœur est en CE2 à l’**école primaire**.
École primaire refers specifically to elementary school, which is correct for third grade (CE2). Collège and université are for older students.
Collège
Collège is the term for middle school in France, covering four years of education for students aged about 11 to 15. All students in France attend collège, which corresponds to grades 6 through 9.
- Second stage of compulsory education after école primaire.
- Prepares students for lycée (high school) or vocational paths.
- Includes classes called sixième, cinquième, quatrième, and troisième.
Usage
- collège (m): middle school (grades 6–9)
- Students receive a general education in various subjects.
- The final year ends with the brevet des collèges exam.
Examples
- Mon fils est au collège en quatrième.
(My son is in eighth grade at middle school.)
- Au collège, on étudie les langues étrangères et les sciences.
(In middle school, we study foreign languages and sciences.)
- Après le collège, les élèves vont au lycée.
(After middle school, students go to high school.)
Université
Université means “university” and refers to higher education institutions where students pursue degrees after completing lycée (high school). University studies typically begin around age 18.
- Offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
- Students must have a baccalauréat (high school diploma) to enroll.
- Includes various fields like science, law, literature, and more.
Usage
- université (f): university, higher education institution
- Degrees include licence (bachelor’s), master, and doctorat (PhD).
- Universities are public institutions with open enrollment.
Examples
- Elle étudie la biologie à l’université de Paris.
(She studies biology at the University of Paris.)
- Après le lycée, j’ai décidé d’aller à l’université.
(After high school, I decided to go to university.)
- L’université offre des cours en ligne et en présentiel.
(The university offers courses online and in person.)
Summary
| French Term | Level of Education | Typical Ages | English Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| école | Primary school (plus preschool) | –11 | Elementary school (or school generally) | École maternelle = preschool; école primaire = elementary |
| collège | Middle school | –15 | Middle school / junior high | Grades 6–9; leads to lycée |
| université | Higher education | + | University / college | Requires baccalauréat; offers degrees |
By keeping these distinctions in mind, you can accurately refer to the different stages of the French education system.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Level of Education: Primary school (plus preschool)
- Typical Ages: 3–11
- Notes: École maternelle = preschool; école primaire = elementary
- English Equivalent: Elementary school (or school generally)
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
