Public-Private Allocation of Resources in French Education

Abstract

The existence in France of a broad network of private schools that are nevertheless strictly circumscribed by the State reflects a deep public-private paradox that pervades the French education system and society more generally. In this paper I will first summarize the current breakdown of educational spending in France and then place the modern funding and governance schemes in context by exploring the history of the public-private conflict in French education. Lastly, I will reflect on how recent demographic trends — including greater ethnic and religious diversity — may impact the precarious balance between alternative educational providers.