The assistants in these schools receive:—
| Higher Primary | Normal Schools | ||
| Assistants | Both Sexes | Men | Women |
| Fifth Class | $240.00 | $500.00 | $440.00 |
| Fourth Class | 280.00 | 540.00 | 480.00 |
| Third Class | 320.00 | 580.00 | 520.00 |
| Second Class | 380.00 | 620.00 | 560.00 |
| First Class | 440.00 | 680.00 | 600.00 |
In addition to these amounts there is also a small allowance for rent.
After thirty-five years of service, the teacher may retire upon three fourths of his salary as a pension.
Without doubt France has outstripped all other nations in educational progress during the last twenty-five years,—the period in which her school system has been constructed. The three great signs of advance in French education are the establishment of free schools (1881); compulsory education and the secularization of the schools (1882); and the restriction of teachers to lay persons (1886).[178] The strong features of the French school system may be stated as follows:—
1. Completeness and harmony of the system, covering the period from early childhood till the prescribed education is finished.
2. Thoroughly trained teachers.
3. Two kinds of normal schools to meet the various educational requirements of teachers.
4. Liberal support of schools of all kinds.
5. Admirable administration of the schools.