You have just arrived in Luxembourg with school-age children.

Whatever your reasons for moving your family to this small country, you want to make this move a success and for it to go as smoothly as possible.

And, since statistics show that moving is at the top of the stress scale, how can you reconcile the desire to do well and a cool attitude? How can you be confident in choosing the school system, schools, activities? How can you be sure you're making the right choices?

I have bad news, there is no magic recipe, no incantation, no sites that would tell you exactly what to do. But if you are on the Luxembourg Accueil site, it is already a good indication that you have a network around you. Do not hesitate to ask to be put in contact with parents whose children are already in school to get an idea.

A choice is good at the time we make it. The environment, the circumstances, our level of knowledge can force us or give us the opportunity to review this choice. The adaptability of your children is a constant on which you can count. In addition, you must be aware that, whatever their age, your attitude is their compass. If you look at the positive aspects of this installation in Luxembourg, you will also help them to see the benefit for them.

Moving to Luxembourg with children is a real opportunity for them!!!!!

- a step out of one's comfort zone into the safety of a family and an environment where others are experiencing the same situation.

​

- A healthy and secure environment with incredible infrastructures (swimming pool, stadium, ice rink...), quality equipment, a variety of activity options (sports and leisure), the forest just 5 minutes away, and transportation.

- A European or even international environment depending on the school, with the opportunity to interact daily with young people who speak multiple languages, making it a normal part of life.

- The possibility of changing the school system without moving far away, discovering new languages, cultures, different educational systems, and culinary habits.

- Good preparation for autonomy in student life.

This small country can be experienced as a concentration of opportunity and convenience.

**For Your Information**

I have lived in Luxembourg for 12 years. I have three daughters who are now 28, 25, and 22 years old, and who arrived in Luxembourg at the primary school, middle school, and high school levels. Now in the workforce, one is based in Paris, one in London, and the other in Berlin. We like to believe that this is related to their years spent in Luxembourg. Each of them had a different experience in Luxembourg, but what they share is an open-mindedness to opportunities without the constraints of borders, languages, or lifestyles: true Europeans.

**Choosing the Right Educational System**

School is mandatory from ages 4 to 16, and public education is free. The Luxembourgish school system stands out for its international and especially multilingual aspect, so take advantage of it! The offerings are very diverse, and you will surely find a system that suits your child. Check out the platform Mengschoul.lu to help you make the right choice.

**5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a School:**

- How long will we stay?
- Which languages of instruction should I choose for my child?
- What budget do I have?
- Which educational system should I choose?
- What schedule and childcare options suit our lifestyle?

**Before School**

Daycare centers are the most common way to care for your child. The availability of nannies or "au pairs" is not very developed. Depending on your income, financial aid may be offered, but you will need to choose a "CSA provider" structure (Service Cheque Accueil). Since 2017, children aged 1 to 4 cared for in these accredited structures benefit from 20 hours of free multilingual care per week. Your child will therefore be exposed to different languages from an early age.

Maison Relais centers offer childcare services, including canteens, for children attending primary schools in the municipality (during school periods and also during vacations).

**From 4 to 16 years old, your child must be enrolled in school**

You can choose for your children to attend the Luxembourgish school system, which is a real opportunity if they are young (more challenging from primary school onwards). Newly arrived children are supported by the SDE (Service of Education). After reviewing your child's file, they will be placed in a class and will take tests to create an individualized plan.

In Luxembourg’s Fundamental School, there are 4 cycles of 2 years: Cycle 1 is in Luxembourgish, and in cycles 2, 3, and 4, German is introduced, followed by French. Linguistic support is offered to foreign students who are new to the Grand Duchy. At 12 years old, students enter high school. The secondary education course lasts 7 years. Some Luxembourgish high schools offer the International Baccalaureate:

- Lycée Technique du Centre = French International Bac
- Athénée and Lycée de Garçons d’Esch-sur-Alzette = International Bac

A Differentiated Education offering is available for children with specific needs. You can visit the Guichet.lu website to see the list of specialized institutions.

**Note:** The school schedule might be different from your country. Children attend school 3 full days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) from 8 AM to 4 PM and 2 half-days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The school year starts on September 15 and ends on July 15. There is a one-week vacation in November, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week in February (Carnival), 2 weeks at Easter, and 1 magical week for Pentecost. Schools are closed during all holidays. Unjustified absences are against the law and are not tolerated.

**International Schools and High Schools**

If you want your child to continue their education in their original school system, it’s quite easy.

- **Francophone:** Only 2 establishments are referenced by the AEFE (under the Ministry of National Education): Vauban and Sainte Sophie. Currently, only Vauban offers the French Baccalaureate.
- **Anglophone:** ISL (international), St. George (British), Michel Lucius (British), and international schools are regularly opening; visit men.lu for the latest information.

The European School (in Kirchberg and Mamer) is specifically for the children of European officials. However, other students are accepted, but they must pay tuition fees. Recently, several public Luxembourgish high schools have started offering a European (LLIS in Junglinster, EIES in Clervaux, EIDE in Differdange, EIMAB in Mersch, EIMBL in Mondorf-les-Bains, and EIGT in Luxembourg) or international (Michel Lucius, Athénée) curriculum. Visit the site www.ibo.org for more information.

More specific structures (OTR International School, Charlemagne, Waldorfschoul) can be another private alternative for kindergarten and primary education.

**Higher Education and Financial Aid**

After graduating, your child will have the choice to explore the world or stay in Luxembourg for their studies. The University of Luxembourg was founded in 2003 and offers high-quality education. The Faculty of Law, Economics, and Finance has over 2,300 students, 2,100 in Letters, Humanities, Arts, and Education, and 2,000 students in Communication Technology. Business studies and BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur) are also possible in Luxembourg. Keep in mind that having Luxembourg on a resume often stands out. It’s up to you to make it your "wow effect!"

Luxembourg strongly encourages its youth to pursue higher education by offering easily accessible study grants and loans (AIDEFI, Erasmus+). Whether your child enrolls at UNI or goes abroad for higher education, this aid is significant.