préparatoires

Préparatoires, often referred to as "prépa" in French, are a specific type of educational institution in France. These classes are designed to prepare students for entry into highly selective higher education institutions, known as Grandes Écoles. These Grandes Écoles are prestigious universities that specialize in fields such as engineering, business, literature, and administration.

Students typically attend prépas after completing their baccalauréat, the French high school diploma. The curriculum in prépas is rigorous and demanding, focusing on intensive academic study in subjects like mathematics, physics, literature, philosophy, and languages. The goal is to equip students with the advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the competitive entrance examinations of the Grandes Écoles.

There are two main types of prépas: classes préparatoires scientifiques (scientific preparatory classes) and classes préparatoires littéraires (literary preparatory classes). Scientific prépas prepare students for engineering schools, military academies, and some business schools, while literary prépas prepare students for schools of literature, humanities, and some business and journalism schools.

The system of prépas is a unique feature of the French educational landscape. It is designed to create a meritocratic pathway for students to access elite higher education, emphasizing academic excellence and dedication. Completion of a prépa program does not guarantee admission to a Grande École, as students must still pass the competitive entrance exams. However, it is considered the primary and most common route for aspiring students of these prestigious institutions.