US/UK Grades equivalence with French Classes

Equivalences between US American based system, or English system and the French organization of grades can be confusing ! Though they can be local variations in the US as well as in England, the commonly admitted equivalences are summarized in the below table.

 

In all systems, there is a possibility for pupils to skip classes or to make a duplicate year in case of difficulties. Skipping classes is also a confusing issue as it can distort equivalences: for instance, it becomes more and more common in the French environment for well performing kids to skip a class, and sometimes two.

 

Finally, it should be kept in mind that these are age equivalences... therefore not based at actual skills/capacities expected: experience shows unfortunately that there can be very significant differences of skills/capacities expectations depending on the country and school choosen (public, private, local, international). Some countries or schools can be demanding to the extreme with high discipline, heavy home work and strong emphasis on academic skills, thus creating a gap when joining another system in the same age group.

 

For a relocation to France, see there for further detailed information information on the French Education system viewed from both French & foreign viewpoints.