In the end the rebellion was not quite as widespread as the government had at first feared; nevertheless around 15 communes around the country refused to open their schools on Wednesday, as mayors defied the government, reports The Local.
Most French primary schools across the country opened their doors for Wednesday classes for the first time in decades after a reform came into force that extended the school week to five days.
The reform, which sees pupils go in class on Wednesday mornings and reduces hours on other days, has been met fierce opposition since was implemented for a test run in several towns and cities last September.
But on Wednesday only around 15 communes, out of 24,000, refused to open their schools, as local mayors defied the changes. The government had feared it would be as many as 30 communes.
Le Parisien reported five schools were closed in the Loire department, and in the Val-de-Marne padlocks had been placed around the school gates at Limeil-Brévannes.
There was also a protest planned for Evry where French PM Manuel Valls is the mayor.
Education minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem said the stance of the "recalcitrant" mayors was "unacceptable" and "anti-Republican".
Read more of this report from The Local.