International Schools in Monaco: Where to Live
and Buy Property as a Family?

Monaco attracts an international clientele not only for its quality of life, security and Mediterranean setting. Over the years, the Principality has also developed a first-class international education offering, which has become an essential factor in families’ decisions to relocate.

For buyers considering settling in the Principality on a long-term basis with their children, the choice of school now comes into play very early in the property search. Proximity to an international school, commuting times, the residential environment and the quality of local infrastructure can carry as much weight as an apartment’s size, orientation or views. This trend is particularly visible in Monaco’s real estate market. Silvio PIRAS, Director of PIRAS Immobilier Monaco, notes that international families are increasingly incorporating educational considerations into their property-purchasing criteria.

“Our clients no longer choose an apartment solely for its views or amenities. For a family, proximity to a recognised international school can become a decisive factor, just like the size of the property, the neighbourhood or its orientation.”

Why do schools influence the choice of an apartment in Monaco?

Monaco’s population is particularly cosmopolitan. Many families moving to the Principality come from London, Geneva, Dubai, Hong Kong, New York or other major international business hubs. When relocating with children, one of their main priorities is generally to ensure continuity in both education and language. An English-language curriculum, bilingual education, the British system or the International Baccalaureate can therefore strongly influence the choice of residential area.

For a family considering purchasing a property in Monaco, several factors come into play: proximity to the school; ease of daily commuting; the size and layout of the apartment; the availability of outdoor space; the services offered by the residence; the surrounding neighbourhood; and the property’s long-term investment value. The property search therefore becomes a broader consideration of the family’s overall lifestyle.

International School of Monaco: living near Testimonio and Larvotto

Founded in 1994, the International School of Monaco (ISM) is one of the Principality’s leading international schools. The school welcomes a highly international student community and offers bilingual French-English education in the early years, before gradually transitioning towards a more English-language curriculum at secondary level and preparation for the International Baccalaureate. Its relocation to the Testimonio II complex, in immediate proximity to Larvotto, has further increased families’ interest in this eastern part of Monaco.

For parents seeking to minimise school commuting times, several areas naturally stand out in a property search: Testimonio; Larvotto; La Rousse – Saint-Roman. These neighbourhoods offer numerous sought-after residences valued for their amenities, security and proximity to family-oriented infrastructure.

Which residences should you consider near the International School of Monaco?

Depending on the budget, the desired size and the preferred style of residence, families may wish to consider buildings such as Bay House, Monte-Carlo Sun, Château Périgord and Parc Saint-Roman, as well as the various residences in Larvotto and La Rousse. Proximity to the school can represent a significant advantage not only for the day-to-day use of the property, but also in the event of a future resale or rental to an international family clientele.

British School of Monaco: why does Fontvieille attract English-speaking families?

The British School of Monaco, located in Fontvieille, meets the needs of families wishing to enrol their children in a British, English-speaking educational environment. For buyers coming particularly from the United Kingdom, the Middle East or Asia, the opportunity to maintain continuity with the British education system is an important consideration when relocating to the Principality. The presence of the school further enhances Fontvieille’s already well-established residential appeal.

The neighbourhood is particularly popular with families for its relatively peaceful atmosphere; its promenades and outdoor spaces; its proximity to the port; its shops and restaurants; its sports facilities; and its convenient access to the Principality’s main services. Fontvieille also offers a range of apartments particularly well suited to families, with several residences providing generous living spaces, terraces and layouts with three, four or more bedrooms.

International University of Monaco: pursuing higher education in the Principality

The International University of Monaco (IUM) complements Monaco’s educational ecosystem by offering higher education programmes taught primarily in English. The university is particularly known for its courses in management, finance, luxury business and the sports industry. Its presence helps position Monaco not only as an international residential destination, but also as a place where students can pursue a long-term academic path. For some families, this continuity between school and higher education represents an additional factor when considering a long-term move to the Principality.

Educational programmes linked to the luxury economy

Monaco also offers more specialised educational programmes, particularly in sectors directly connected to its economy and international positioning. Fields such as luxury, jewellery, finance and sport benefit from a particularly favourable professional environment. This diversity further strengthens the Principality’s overall appeal to international families, extending well beyond the question of primary or secondary education alone.

Moving to Monaco with children: a comprehensive property decision

For a family, choosing an apartment in Monaco is therefore not simply about selecting a prestigious address. It is about finding the right balance between property quality, residential environment, family organisation, educational plans and long-term wealth strategy. Ideally, schooling considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning of the property search in order to identify the neighbourhoods and residences that genuinely match the family’s desired lifestyle.

PIRAS Immobilier Monaco assists international families throughout this process by combining in-depth knowledge of the residential market, careful property selection and a detailed understanding of the Principality’s different neighbourhoods. The objective is not simply to identify an apartment, but to find a residence that is fully aligned with the family’s overall relocation project in Monaco.