The French Education System is divided into several stages, starting with école maternelle for children aged 3 to 6, followed by école élémentaire from ages 6 to 11. After elementary school, students attend collège from ages 11 to 15, where they complete a national diploma called the brevet. Following collège, students can choose to pursue lycée, which lasts three years and prepares them for the baccalauréat exam. This exam is essential for higher education, allowing students to enter universities or specialized institutions. The system emphasizes a broad curriculum, including subjects like math, literature, and science.