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Parents do not respect the duty to educate their children. What is the maximum penalty they risk?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: A fine and a prison sentence. Parents who do not respect compulsory education risk a fine and a prison sentence. Education is compulsory for every child aged 3 to 16. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Exercice de l’autorité parentale (1/2)” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “Exercice de l’autorité parentale (1/2)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ Only a reminder from the schoolSeulement un rappel à l'ordre de l'écoleParents risk more than a simple reminder.
- ✗ Only a written warningSeulement un avertissement écritThe law provides heavier penalties than a warning.
- ✗ An order to pay for a private schoolUne obligation de payer une école privéeThis option does not match the fact sheet: the parents can receive a fine and a prison sentence.
- ✓ A fine and a prison sentenceUne amende et une peine de prisonCorrect answer. Parents who do not respect compulsory education risk a fine and a prison sentence. Education is compulsory for every child aged 3 to 16.
What the source says
« Des parents qui ne respectent pas cette obligation peuvent recevoir une amende et faire une peine de prison. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Des parents ne respectent pas l'obligation d'instruction de leurs enfants. Quelle sanction maximale risquent-ils ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR) and on the naturalisation list (PDF read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “Des parents ne respectent pas l'obligation d'instruction pour leurs enfants. Quelle sanction maximale risquent-ils ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Exercice de l’autorité parentale (1/2)” (French).
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