John Calvin was born on the 10th of July 1509 in Noyon, a small town near Paris, France. John Calvin was a shy, quiet child but very intelligent from childhood. Calvin began his early studies at a parish school in his hometown. He learned fundamental subjects, including Latin and religion, there that served as the basis for his future studies.

With age, Calvin turned into an eager learner, and his family wished that he receives formal education. To continue with his studies, Calvin enrolled at the school of La Marche in Paris. Calvin was schooled at La Marche by Mathurin Cordier, who was among the most prominent and prestigious scholars of France in those times. Cordier was an expert in Latin and was reputed to be a great teacher. Calvin's abilities and learning greatly improved with the guidance of Cordier.

The learning that Calvin received at La Marche played a major role in shaping his life later on. It gave him a strong understanding of language and literature, which he would go on to use in writing his most celebrated works. This initial education also helped refine his reasoning and thought, which he later applied in his theological publications and as the Protestant Reformation's leader. The Paris years of Calvin were the beginning of the journey of this future iconic religious leader.