Schooling in Monaco: a major asset for families

Monaco, a destination designed for families in the long term
 

For several years, Monaco has been investing heavily in its public infrastructure and pursuing the development of its territory in order to welcome new families in the long term. In addition to its exceptional living environment, its security, its advantageous tax system and its international attractiveness, the Principality attaches great importance to the quality of education. For families planning to settle permanently in Monaco, schooling is often a decisive criterion. In this respect, the Principality offers a comprehensive, structured and diversified educational offer, from early childhood to higher education.

 

 

Easier school integration for resident families
 

One of the first guarantees offered to families who settle in the Principality is the obligation for the Monegasque State to send every child to school as soon as they take up residence. This immediate care within the public system ensures school continuity, without delay or complex procedures. Monegasque public schools also offer an international section, with an increased number of hours in English, in order to facilitate the integration of children from foreign families.

One of the particularities of the Monegasque system lies in the size of its classes. In both the public and private sectors, they are significantly lower than those observed in neighbouring countries, which favours individualised monitoring and a close pedagogical relationship between teachers and pupils. Children with academic difficulties also benefit from dedicated support, provided by specialized educators and trained staff.

While Monaco relies on the French educational framework, the Principality adapts its school curricula in order to offer as complete a training as possible, in the best learning conditions. Particular  attention is paid to foreign languages, particularly English, as well as to computers, two skills considered essential for the training of future generations.

This educational ambition is also reflected in the infrastructure. In recent years, Monaco has embarked on a major programme to build and renovate its schools: delivery of the new Charles III College in 2024-2025, opening of the Testimonio and Palais Honoria nurseries, installation of the ISM in its new premises in the Bay House, facing the sea, and complete renovation of the Albert I high school.

All these achievements bear witness to the State's long-term commitment to young people and the attractiveness of the Principality's families.

 

 

A school system of excellence, from the public to the international community

Public schools: quality, free and accessible supervision

The Monegasque public system, managed by the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS), offers a complete curriculum from kindergarten to high school. The small number of students encourages individualized monitoring of students in schools with modern infrastructures that are regularly renovated. This requirement is reflected in the results: Monegasque high schools have some of the best baccalaureate success rates in France, testifying to the quality of rigorous and attentive pedagogical supervision.
 

The main public schools in the Principality:

Kindergarten and primary school

• École des Révoires - Révoires district
• Fontvieille School - Fontvieille district
• Moneghetti School - Moneghetti district
• École de la Condamine - La Condamine district
• Larvotto School - Larvotto and La Rousse districts

Middle and high school

• Charles III College - La Condamine
• Albert I High School - La Condamine
• Lycée technique et hôtelier de Monaco Rainier III – Fontvieille

 

Enrolment in Monegasque public schools is managed directly by the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS). The process is centralized: it is therefore not necessary to contact each school individually. The documents generally requested are proof of Monegasque residence, the family record book, the child's health record showing that his or her vaccinations are up to date, as well as his or her most recent school report. The assignment to the sector school is then determined by the DENJS according to the district of residence. Applications for enrolment must be sent to the DENJS, ideally before arrival in the Principality in order to guarantee school integration without delay. For any information, families can contact the Directorate directly through the official portal education.gouv.mc

 

Private schools: Catholic education under contract

Monaco has a semi-private Catholic school under contract with the State, which offers an alternative to the public system while benefiting from a common regulatory framework:

• François d'Assise Nicolas Barré Institution – Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo: from kindergarten to high school, this Catholic school under contract offers structured education, with controlled classes and committed teaching teams. It is a popular option for families wishing to have an education rooted in Christian values, while following the national education programmes.

Registration for the IFANB is done directly with the institution. It is recommended to contact us as soon as possible, given the limited number of places and the high demand. The registration files are available on the official website www.fanb.mc and generally include a letter of motivation from the parents, the latest school reports, as well as the usual administrative documents attesting to residence in the Principality.

 

International schools: openness to the world

Monaco is home to two leading international establishments, particularly suitable for expatriate families or those in a situation of international mobility.

• International School of Monaco (ISM) - Larvotto: The ISM welcomes students from kindergarten to high school and offers a curriculum taught entirely in English, preparing for the International Baccalaureate (IB). Recently moved into new premises in the Bay House,  the school benefits from state-of-the-art equipment and an experienced international teaching staff. Registration is open throughout the year, subject to availability. The process includes submitting an online application on the ismonaco.org website, followed by an interview and an assessment of the child's level. Annual tuition fees, which vary according to the cycle, are to be expected. It is advisable to apply several months in advance, especially for secondary levels, where demand is particularly high.
   
• The British School of Monaco – Fontvieille and Jardin Exotique: following the British national curriculum, the school prepares students for the IGCSE and A-Levels exams and offers a pedagogy recognized for its rigor and academic excellence. Registrations at the British School are made directly with the institution, through the britishschool.mc website. The process includes an application file, an assessment of the child's academic profile and, depending on the level, an interview. Tuition fees must be confirmed directly with the school, as the fees change each year. As with the ISM, it is strongly recommended to anticipate the process  by several months

 

Higher education: the International University of Monaco

The International University of Monaco (UIM), a member of the Inseec group, offers training courses in the fields of luxury management, finance, sports business and entrepreneurship, entirely taught in English. Its international reputation attracts students from all over the world and offers young Monegasque residents an excellent opportunity at the end of high school.

 

Training of excellence for artistic and sporting vocations

Monaco also stands out for its unique establishments, combining academic training and excellence in specialized fields. The Princess Grace Dance Academy trains young dancers in a curriculum combining artistic education and a secondary school curriculum. The AS Monaco Academy offers talented young footballers a high-level sports education, with an academic background up to short higher education. Finally, the Pavillon Bosio — the City of Monaco's school of visual arts — completes this offer by offering internationally recognized training in visual arts and scenography.

 

 

Family neighbourhoods: where to settle to combine a living environment and school proximity?
 

Fontvieille: the village district in the heart of the Principality

Fontvieille is often cited by families as the most pleasant area to settle in with children. Its traffic-friendly streets, green spaces, including the Princess Grace rose garden, sports fields and schools make it an ideal living environment for the youngest. Its atmosphere, more residential and intimate, contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the center.

Fontvieille is one of the most sought-after areas in Monaco. With an average price of €52,518/m² in 2025, it ranks third among the most expensive districts, behind Monte-Carlo and Larvotto. The rental market is very tight, reflecting sustained demand and a living environment recognised as one of the most pleasant in the Principality.

 

The Larvotto: modernity and the seaside

Larvotto appeals to families attracted by the proximity of the sea and the modernity of its infrastructure. The installation of the new ISM in this district has strengthened its attractiveness to international families. Seaside promenades, public beaches and recent residences make it a particularly popular area.

The most expensive district in the Principality, it will have an average price of €71,167/m² in 2025, exceeding €100,000/m² in the Mareterra eco-district, Monaco's latest maritime extension. The recently delivered residences offer apartments with generous surfaces and a variety of typologies. The market is extremely tight, with the number of properties available for sale and rent being among the lowest in the Principality.

 

Le Jardin Exotique: residential calm and neighbourhood life

On the heights of the Principality, the Jardin Exotique district offers a residential and peaceful living environment, particularly appreciated by families looking for tranquility. It is well connected to the main schools in the Principality, while offering a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. Prices per square meter are generally more affordable than in popular neighborhoods such as Larvotto, Fontvieille or La Condamine.

 

La Rousse: a compromise between centrality and school proximity

With an average price of €51,265/m² in 2025, the district undoubtedly represents the best compromise for families looking for a balance between accessibility, living environment and school proximity. Located a stone's throw from Larvotto and the Carré d'Or, this residential and green district offers easy access to several schools in the Principality. Its central geographical location, its varied real estate offer and a slightly less tense market than that of the neighbouring districts make it a particularly strategic option for families newly settled in Monaco.

 

BARNES Valeri Agency Monaco: your partner for a successful family installation

We support families in all stages of their installation in the Principality. Our team knows perfectly the specificities of each district, its schools, its amenities and its living atmosphere. Whether you are looking for an apartment near an international school or in a child-friendly pedestrian area, we will be able to guide you to the property that corresponds to your family project. Contact our teams for personalized support.

 

Find all the contact details of schools in the Principality of Monaco.