France's deeply élitist education system is exemplified by the grandes écoles and their classes préparatoires : the grandes écoles, or "great/grand/big schools", are further education facilities renowned for their selectiveness and the quality of their education. In order to integrate one of these grande écoles, a prospective student must pass a selective competition. However, secondary education is usually insufficient to pass these exams ; as such, the student must before integrating the school of his dreams go through at least two years of dreary hell in the form of "classes préparatoires", preparatory classes. In this crucible, they are reforged into a lifeless being capable of passing the final test. This system has turned out many of France's finest academics.

The greatest amongst all of the grandes écoles is undoubtedly the ENS, the École Normale Supérieure de Paris (Normal Superior School of Paris), situated on the Rue d'Ulm, which gives it its common nickname of "ENS Ulm" or simply "Ulm" ; this school produced some of France's finest minds, such as Louis Pasteur, Simone de Beauvoir, or Jean Jaurès. The foundation of the school finds its roots in the Revolution, and Napoleon IV, who sees himself as its modern spiritual successor, wishes to see the system restored, so that France may be the sight of a new cultural renaissance.

For the time being, and taking into consideration the limited authority projected by Paris in the present day, he will only seek to rebuild the ENS and a few preparatory institutions ; further such establishments shall be confirmed if the Emperor finds there is an overflowing of wasted talent. By Imperial decree, Napoleon IV will re-establish the ENS and the Lycées Henri IV, Louis-le-Grand, and Saint-Louis.