The protests, which began in the Paris region last week before spreading across the country, have involved pupils in their final years blocking access to schools and, in some cases, clashing with police.
Students have raised concerns over long school hours, inadequate facilities, overheated classrooms and staff shortages caused by absenteeism.
The government has acknowledged the students’ concerns but condemned the violence and disruption associated with some of the demonstrations.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the movement had been taken over by what he described as “ultra-violent fringe groups”.
He said almost 400 of France’s 3,700 high schools were expected to be closed on Friday, while some schools had moved classes online, particularly in the southern city of Marseille.
At least 65 members of school staff have been injured since the protests began, including 40 headteachers, Geffray told BFMTV.
He urged parents to discourage their children from taking part in the demonstrations, warning that young people were putting themselves at risk by remaining on the streets.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said he had asked prosecutors to pursue parents for damage allegedly caused by their children during the protests, including the cost of repairs.
About 2,000 people have been taken into police custody since the start of the unrest, Darmanin told RTL, adding that about 90% of those detained were minors.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the protests as schools across the country face further disruption.
