Education and youth
Alsace features a robust educational system with 1,307 schools, 170 middle schools, 96 high schools (general, technological, and vocational), and 4 agricultural high schools. Strasbourg also hosts a Regional Adapted Educational Establishment (EREA) for students with significant difficulties or disabilities.
Beyond the standard curriculum, Alsace offers various specialized programs. Find out more below.
Bilingual, European, and International sections
Over 500 schools across Alsace offer bilingual education in French and German from kindergarten through middle school. At the high school level, bilingual education continues with the Abibac diploma, a dual Franco-German baccalaureate, available in 18 public and private institutions. Lycée Kléber in Strasbourg also offers the Bachibac section, which provides a dual French-Spanish baccalaureate.
Since 2014, the Azubi-Bacpro program has enabled French and German students and apprentices to earn a certification of language skills for professional communication situations, in addition to their national diplomas. This certification is recognized in Germany.
International sections are bilingual and bicultural programs that allow French and foreign students to follow specific courses taught by native speakers. Currently, Alsace has 9 international sections (German, British, Arabic, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian), with 1,309 students enrolled in 2022.
More information: https://www.ac-strasbourg.fr/offre-linguistique-academique
Apprenticeship Training Centers (CFA)
Apprenticeships offer students the chance to earn a diploma by combining theoretical education with hands-on training in a company. This approach is a strong pathway for entering the workforce, providing real job opportunities and meeting business needs effectively.
The practical experience gained is a key benefit, as apprentices work as employees and receive a salary based on their education level and age. Additionally, apprentices can access various material and financial aids, including support for transport, housing, and equipment.
After completing a professionalization or apprenticeship contract, the employment rate is high, with most finding jobs quickly.
In 2022-2023, Alsace hosted 25,845 apprentices across 195 training sites, including 1 public academic CFA with 35 training sites, 1 public university CFA, 76 private CFAs within the academy, and 19 CFAs outside the academy.
More information: apprentissage-grandest.fr
School sports sections
School sports sections provide students with the opportunity to receive intensive training in a specific sport while continuing their regular academic studies, with their family’s approval. These sections enable students to develop a strong level of practice without necessarily aiming to become high-level athletes.
In addition, there are sports excellence sections, where 340 students are distributed across 14 institutions. These sections focus on high-performance training, offering individual support from a physical education teacher, customized class schedules, possible exemptions from school district boundaries, boarding options, and dual diploma preparation at the high school level—both a baccalaureate and a federal or state diploma in the chosen sport. Selection for these sections is based on athletic performance, as determined by sports federations or regional leagues.
More information: https://www.ac-strasbourg.fr/sport-scolaire-121832
