In 15 Seconds
- Used for physically entering a school or starting a new school year.
- Requires the preposition 'à' to sound natural in French.
- Central to 'La Rentrée' culture, France's big September school return.
Meaning
To physically go inside a school building or to officially start your first year of education as a student.
Key Examples
3 of 6Dropping off a child in the morning
Il est l'heure d'entrer à l'école, dépêche-toi !
It's time to go into school, hurry up!
Discussing a toddler's first year
Ma fille va entrer à l'école en septembre.
My daughter is starting school in September.
A school principal giving instructions
Les élèves doivent entrer à l'école par la porte principale.
Students must enter the school through the main door.
Cultural Background
The 'rentrée' is a major cultural event in September. The term is used similarly, though 'rentrée scolaire' is very common.
Preposition check
Remember: à + institution, dans + room.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for physically entering a school or starting a new school year.
- Requires the preposition 'à' to sound natural in French.
- Central to 'La Rentrée' culture, France's big September school return.
What It Means
This phrase is your ticket to the world of French education. It literally means to go inside a school building. But it also carries a much bigger weight. It marks the start of a child's educational journey. Think of it as the 'first day' feeling. You use it when a toddler starts kindergarten. You also use it for the daily morning routine. It is about crossing a threshold. It is simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You need the verb entrer followed by the preposition à. Remember to include the article l'. Without it, the sentence feels broken. You can conjugate entrer in any tense. Use the present tense for daily habits. Use the future tense for upcoming milestones. For example, Il entre à l'école means 'He is entering school.' It is a versatile building block for your French.
When To Use It
Use this when you are dropping off your kids. It is perfect for morning conversations with other parents. You can use it when discussing school registration. It fits well in stories about childhood memories. If you see a group of students waiting at the gate, this is the phrase. It is a neutral, everyday expression. It works in both spoken and written French. It is the bread and butter of school-life talk.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for higher education. For university, use entrer à la fac. It sounds a bit childish for adults. Also, avoid using it for 'entering' a business. If you are going into an office, use entrer dans le bureau. Do not use it if you are just visiting. If you are a plumber fixing a leak, you are just 'entering the building.' This phrase implies being a student or a parent. It has a specific educational flavor.
Cultural Background
In France, school is a pillar of society. The 'Rentrée' in September is a massive deal. It is almost like a second New Year's Day. Everyone talks about kids 'entering' their new schools. There is a mix of excitement and stress in the air. New bags, new pens, and new teachers. This phrase captures that specific French obsession with education. It is a rite of passage for every French citizen. It is where social lives begin.
Common Variations
You will often hear rentrer à l'école. The extra 'r' implies returning or going back. This is used every September for the new year. You might also hear faire son entrée à l'école. This is more formal and dramatic. It is used for the very first day of a child's life at school. Another version is entrer dans l'école. This focuses more on the physical act of walking inside. Use it if you are describing a specific movement through the doors.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral phrase suitable for all contexts. Just be careful with the preposition 'à' and remember that 'rentrer' is often preferred when discussing the annual return in September.
Preposition check
Remember: à + institution, dans + room.
Examples
6Il est l'heure d'entrer à l'école, dépêche-toi !
It's time to go into school, hurry up!
Used for the physical act of entering the building.
Ma fille va entrer à l'école en septembre.
My daughter is starting school in September.
Refers to the milestone of starting education.
Les élèves doivent entrer à l'école par la porte principale.
Students must enter the school through the main door.
Formal instruction regarding school rules.
Ton petit frère est déjà entré à l'école ?
Did your little brother already start school?
Casual inquiry about a family member's status.
Je n'ai plus l'âge d'entrer à l'école, mais j'adore les cartables !
I'm not the right age to start school anymore, but I love backpacks!
Humorous take on the phrase.
Je me souviens du jour où je suis entré à l'école pour la première fois.
I remember the day I started school for the first time.
Reflective and nostalgic use.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Mon frère va ____ à l'école demain.
The phrase is 'entrer à l'école'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesMon frère va ____ à l'école demain.
The phrase is 'entrer à l'école'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use 'entrer dans la classe'.
Related Phrases
faire sa rentrée
synonymTo start the school year
