New mathematics programs for French middle schools, encompassing CM1, CM2 and sixth grade, were officially published on April 17, 2025, and are being implemented in stages. The CM1 curriculum will be the first to adopt the new standards starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with CM2 following in 2026-2027, and sixth grade also beginning implementation this academic year, according to updates as of February 27, 2026.
The rollout of the new programs extends beyond mathematics. Updated French language arts curricula are also being introduced for CM1 and sixth grade in the 2025-2026 school year, whereas the CM2 French program remains unchanged. Changes also apply to civic education, with a new program for CM2, while programs for CM1 (from 2024) and sixth grade (from 2020) remain in place. New programs for affective and relational life education have been introduced for CM1 and CM2. Foreign language programs for CM1 and CM2 remain unchanged, but a new program is in effect for sixth grade.
Supporting the implementation of the new French language arts curriculum are example implementations, providing successful outcomes linked to learning objectives, along with collections of works and artistic and cultural pathways. These resources are intended to assist educators in effectively integrating the revised standards into their classrooms.
Teachers are preparing for the changes, with some already sharing their plans for the 2025-2026 school year. One CM1-CM2 teacher detailed their approach, including the use of workshops to differentiate instruction between the two grade levels and the implementation of a specific mental calculation program. Another teacher has shared their programming, progressions, and a provisional timetable for the year. These preparations reflect a broader effort to adapt to the new curriculum requirements.
The cycle 3, encompassing CM1, CM2, and sixth grade, represents a crucial consolidation phase in the French education system, bridging elementary school and middle school. The new programs aim to establish fundamental and structuring learning experiences for students during this period. The Ministry of National Education has been publishing guides since 2018 to support the teaching of fundamental skills in primary school and middle school.
Other subjects, including art, music, art history, physical education, history, geography, regional languages, and science and technology, will continue to be taught under existing programs for CM1, CM2, and sixth grade.
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