If your child is about to begin their journey at an international school in Paris — such as ICS, EIB, or any of the many global institutions here — welcome!
It’s an exciting time, and preparing school supplies is often one of the first things on a parent’s to-do list.
When I first received the supply list, I wasn’t sure what to bring or where to buy things. But after going through the process myself, I can tell you: you don’t need to bring everything from your home country. Many items are easily found in Paris, often without a significant price difference.
Here’s a guide based on real supply lists and practical experience.
1. Common Items You’ll Likely Be Asked to Bring
Though each school and grade level has its own variation, here are some typical supplies international schools in Paris usually request:
- Lined and gridded notebooks (A4, ~96 pages)
- Packs of drawing paper (white and colored, 24×32cm)
- Pencil case with pens (blue, red, green), pencils, erasers
- Ruler, compass, protractor
- Small whiteboard and dry erase markers
- Colored pencils and markers
- Glue stick, scissors
- Basic calculator
- A4 folders, ring binders, dividers
- Adhesive putty (like Blu-Tack)
- School agenda/planner
- Headphones for computer-based learning
- Labeled water bottle or lunch bag
Depending on the school, they may also ask for indoor shoes or sports gear.
2. What You Might Consider Bringing From Home
If your child prefers certain styles or brands, or if you want to start the term feeling fully prepared, you might pack a few familiar items such as:
- A comfortable pencil case or favorite stationery
- Label stickers in your native language
- Lightweight sports or gym bag
- Personal planner or agenda
- Extra name tags
But again — these are not must-haves. In most cases, teachers are flexible as long as the materials are functional and age-appropriate.
3. Where to Shop for Supplies in Paris
Don’t worry if you arrive without everything — school supplies are widely available in Paris:
- Supermarkets: Auchan, Carrefour, Monoprix
- Office supply stores: Bureau Vallée, BHV, Fnac
- Neighborhood stationery stores (papeteries): Often near schools, with a wide variety of basics
You’ll find a good range of prices and quality. Personally, I didn’t find a significant price gap compared to what I might have paid elsewhere.
4. Helpful Tips for Parents
- Keep a copy of the supply list (in paper or on your phone) when shopping — especially if it’s in French.
- Items like paper sizes and folders can be slightly different in France (e.g., 24×32cm notebooks).
- Label everything clearly — especially for younger children.
- Don’t worry too much about colors or brand names. Functionality is what matters most.
- Some schools offer shared classroom supplies, especially in primary years — check before buying doubles.
You don’t have to overprepare. While it helps to arrive with a few essentials, most things can be picked up locally with ease.
Paris is a school-friendly city, and many stores are used to parents arriving from abroad.
In the end, striking a balance between bringing what your child is used to and adapting to what’s available locally worked best for us — and may work well for your family too.