French schools are part of a structured education system in France that includes several levels: école maternelle (preschool), école élémentaire (elementary school), collège (middle school), and lycée (high school). Education is compulsory for children from ages 3 to 16, and the curriculum emphasizes subjects like math, science, literature, and history. The school year in France typically runs from early September to early July, with breaks for holidays. French schools are known for their rigorous academic standards and a focus on critical thinking. Students often take national exams, such as the baccalauréat, to qualify for higher education.