by Mellissa Wheeler on behalf of La Costa Properties Monaco
Finding the perfect apartment in Monaco or on the French Riviera could be a dream come true but moving abroad means careful planning and there’s a lot to organise. Relocating to a foreign country can have its challenges but what if there are children to consider too?
A move abroad might mean some changes for you; learning a new language, understanding differences in financial practices, organising the sale, purchase or rental of your new home. For those with children of course, the most important factor will be ensuring your children receive the best possible education.
One of the first questions to ask yourself if you’re looking to buy property abroad is whether there are any good schools in the area.Luckily those moving to Monaco or the South of France are able to choose from a fine selection of French-speaking, English-speaking and bi-lingual schools and are sure to find the perfect schooling option for their child.
Along the Cote d’Azur there are a number of excellent schools, indeed the local French schools are also known to be amongst the best in the country.
For information about local French schools, parents should visit their maire. Many English-speaking children attend French schools and the ease with which they adjust to the new language and culture is often astounding.
If you need some help to select the right school for your child to learn abroad, please read our short guide to some of the best international school options in the area.
• International School of Nice: The school provides a range of opportunities for students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, with a syllabus taught in English. On the outskirts of Nice you will find the International School of Nice which follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging and balanced programme that prepares students, for success at university and life beyond. Designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students, this programme offers an excellent educational experience. The IB programme, has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.
www.isn-nice.com
• International School of Monaco (ISM): The International School of Monaco has students of 35 different nationalities in attendance with 20% from the UK and Ireland. They accept pupils aged between 3 and 18 and are located right in the heart of Monaco. This year they reported a 100% pass rate for their IB programme. Their goal is to produce internationally minded, successful learners. The ISM also runs an Extension and Enrichment Programme which introduces students to different experiences where they can learn new skills and develop others.
www.ismonaco.org
• Mougins School: The school, based in Mougins is set in spacious parkland with state-of-the-art facilities. A truly international environment can be found at the Mougins School, with students of over 40 nationalities in attendance. The school accepts children aged between 3 and 18, and follows the British curriculum of GCSEs and A’Levels. Students receive a first-class international education, producing excellent examination results. Sports and the arts play an important part in the curriculum, allowing students to achieve their full potential and move on to higher education in prestigious universities around the world.
www.mougins-school.org
• EBICA: Based in Sophia Antipolis, this private bilingual school welcomes pre-school, primary, secondary and high school pupils. The IB (International Baccalaureate) programme which was set up by parents in 2006 is offered and covers a French and English curriculum. The school focuses on investigative activities, public speaking, the exchange of ideas to allow students to form their own opinions and make important decisions. The class sizes are small and offer a friendly atmosphere where students can feel confident and communicate easily with teachers to receive a modern, interactive education.
www.ebicaschool.com
• Centre International de Valbonne (CIV): This co-educational day and boarding school in Sophia Antipolis, called the Centre International de Valbonne, is one of a handful of French state schools to boast international sections. Entry for bi-lingual students is through a series of tests and successful applicants will receive not only a bi-lingual education but also a bi-cultural one.
www.civfrance.com
• Ecole Bilingue a Pegomas, Ecole Le Pain d’Epice and Ecole Le Pain de Sucre: Offering pre-school and elementary classes, these three bi-lingual schools are based in Pegomas, Cagnes-sur-Mer and Nice. They offer a truly bi-lingual education with 50 per cent of lessons in English, and the other 50 per cent in French.
www.ecolesbilingues.com
Monaco real estate is an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and sophisticated lifestyle on the Mediterranean. La Costa Properties Monaco represents the finest Monaco properties throughout the Principality and on the neighbouring French Riviera. Whether you are seeking to buy or rent Monaco apartments, offices, villas, penthouses, or other real-estate investments, you can rely on the expertise of La Costa Properties Monaco to meet your needs. For more information you can visit their website at www.lacosta-properties-monaco.com/en.