École Montessori Bilingue de Saint-Cloud vs Etre et Découvrir Ecole International Bilingual Montessori School

	É École Montessori Bilingue de Saint-Cloud Paris, France	E Etre et Découvrir Ecole International Bilingual Montessori School Paris, France
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,000 - 7,500	Fees / year €5,200 - 7,350
Age range	Age range 2 - 11 years	Age range 2 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1972	Opened 1986
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Saint-Cloud, France. The school is located at 3 rue de Garches, 92210 Saint-Cloud, in the western suburbs of Paris. Saint-Cloud is well-served by public transport.	Location —
Stages	Stages Nursery (maternelle) and Primary School.	Stages Preschool and Primary (Montessori bilingual)
School type	School type Private Montessori bilingual school (French-English).	School type Non-profit international Montessori school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 100 children from all nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation France
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Annual registration fee per family: EUR 450. This registration fee is non‑refundable and is collected at the time of enrolment. Tuition fees (by year group) - Maternelle (preschool / nursery): EUR 700 per month. - Per-trimester amount (3 months): EUR 2,100. - Annual tuition (total months charged): EUR 7,000 (700 × 10 months: September plus October–June schedule as billed). - Primaire (primary): EUR 750 per month. - Per-trimester amount (3 months): EUR 2,250. - Annual tuition (total months charged): EUR 7,500 (750 × 10 months: September plus October–June schedule as billed). Optional / additional school costs - Afterschool / Garderie (15:30–17:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 4 afternoons/week): EUR 100 per month. Annual total if charged on the same monthly basis: EUR 1,000 (100 × 10 months). - Sibling discount: 20% reduction on the monthly fees for the third child enrolled in the same family. - Uniforms, dedicated material fees, boarding fees and similar recurring charges: boarding is not provided; no separate boarding fee applies. The only specified additional recurring charge published for enrolment is the optional afterschool/garderie fee above. Billing schedule and payment terms - At registration: annual registration fee (EUR 450, non‑refundable) plus the month of September are collected at enrolment. - Payment by trimester (three instalments) for the balance of the year: - First instalment at the start of term covering October, November and December. - Second instalment in December covering January, February and March. - Third instalment in March covering April, May and June. - Monthly direct debit option: monthly collection (prélèvement mensuel) with a due date on the 25th of the month, between September and May. Refund information - The annual registration fee (EUR 450) is expressly non‑refundable. Other refund conditions for tuition or optional services follow the billing schedule and payment terms. Fee payment options - Payments are handled according to the published billing choices: payment by trimester on the stated dates or by monthly direct debit (prélèvement mensuel) with collection on the 25th of the month between September and May. Specific accepted payment instruments (credit card, cheque, bank transfer) are not itemised in the published fee schedule.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Entry fee (first year only, per child): EUR 650. Fees are payable upon enrolment and are non-refundable. - Annual membership / association registration fee (per child): EUR 630. This annual contribution covers Montessori materials and school supplies and is payable on enrolment; it is non-refundable. Tuition fees (standard day programme) - Billing basis: Tuition is collected by monthly direct debit over 10 months (SEPA direct debit); meals and after-school care are not included in the tuition amounts. Equivalent annual and per-term figures are shown below (annual = monthly × 10; per-term = annual ÷ 3). - Toddler community (ages 2–3½, 08:50–11:45) - Monthly: EUR 520 - Annual (10 months): EUR 5,200 - Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 1,733.33 - Children's House (ages 3–6, half day, 08:40–13:00) - Monthly: EUR 580 - Annual (10 months): EUR 5,800 - Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 1,933.33 - Children's House (ages 3–6, full day, 08:40–15:45) - Monthly: EUR 735 - Annual (10 months): EUR 7,350 - Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,450.00 - Elementary (ages 6–12, 08:30–16:00) - Monthly: EUR 735 - Annual (10 months): EUR 7,350 - Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,450.00 Family discounts (siblings) - Discount rules: -10% for the second registered child; -20% for the third (and subsequent) registered child. The school publishes sibling monthly rates as follows. - Toddler community (2–3½): - Second child monthly: EUR 470 — Annual: EUR 4,700 — Per term: EUR 1,566.67 - Third (and subsequent) child monthly: EUR 420 — Annual: EUR 4,200 — Per term: EUR 1,400.00 - Children's House (3–6, half day): - Second child monthly: EUR 525 — Annual: EUR 5,250 — Per term: EUR 1,750.00 - Third child monthly: EUR 465 — Annual: EUR 4,650 — Per term: EUR 1,550.00 - Children's House (3–6, full day): - Second child monthly: EUR 665 — Annual: EUR 6,650 — Per term: EUR 2,216.67 - Third child monthly: EUR 595 — Annual: EUR 5,950 — Per term: EUR 1,983.33 - Elementary (6–12): - Second child monthly: EUR 665 — Annual: EUR 6,650 — Per term: EUR 2,216.67 - Third child monthly: EUR 595 — Annual: EUR 5,950 — Per term: EUR 1,983.33 After-school care and optional services - After-school care (annual commitment, 36 weeks). Annual fee billed by monthly direct debit over 10 months; up to 50% of these fees may be tax-deductible for children under 6 (tax rules apply separately). - 1 day/week (fixed) - Until 17:00 — Annual: EUR 300 (≈ EUR 8.33 per session) - Until 17:40 — Annual: EUR 500 (≈ EUR 13.88 per session) - 4 days/week - Until 17:00 — Annual: EUR 1,050 (≈ EUR 7.29 per session) - Until 17:40 — Annual: EUR 1,750 (≈ EUR 12.15 per session) - On-demand after-school care (48 hours booking notice) - Per session (charged monthly by direct debit): - Until 17:00 / 15:45–17:00 — EUR 10 per session - 15:45–17:40 — EUR 17 per session. - Organic catering (meals): EUR 8 per meal. Meals are billed by monthly direct debit; meal prices are set by the catering partner and may fluctuate. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; this is a day school for children aged 2–11. Other costs and typical extras - School materials and routine classroom supplies are covered in part by the annual membership fee (EUR 630). No separate uniform fee is listed among the published charges; meals, after-school care, and optional activities are additional and charged as detailed above. Refunds and non-refundable items - Entry fee (EUR 650) and annual membership/registration fee (EUR 630) are non-refundable. No other specific refund rules are published in the fee schedule provided. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard tuition: monthly SEPA direct debit over 10 months, with the first direct-debit cycle commencing in August (collections begin from 20 August). Meals and after-school are charged separately (monthly direct debit). Entry and membership fees are payable at enrolment by bank transfer or cheque. Optional services with annual commitment are billed by monthly direct debit over 10 months. Accepted payment methods - SEPA direct debit (monthly tuition, after-school and catering), bank transfer, and cheque for enrolment payments.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options 100% organic three-course lunches are delivered by an organic caterer; families may also provide their own lunch in a lunchbox or a pre-heated lunch in a thermos.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Founded in 1972 by Anne Bickert (1929–2006). The school expanded in 1986 with the addition of primary sections. It upholds humanist values centered on respect for others and dialogue.	Governance and ownership The school is run as a 1901 not-for-profit association, privately funded by families and donors with no government subsidies. The Board of Governors is composed of volunteer administrators who are current or former parents, and major decisions are discussed at the annual general assembly. The school is located at 13 bis, rue Lecoq, Parc du Château, 78860 Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, Yvelines. It has SIRET number 342 187 747 00049 and RNA number W783000551 and is a member of the Association Montessori de France (AMF).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Montessori pedagogy guides the program in Saint-Cloud, with bilingual instruction in French and English from preschool through primary. Preschool (2½–5 years) uses mixed-age groups with small classes of 10–14 children and two teachers (French-speaking and English-speaking) sharing responsibility, with a 50%/50% time split between languages. The preschool day includes presentation of materials, language workshops, and routine activities in French and English, with lunch and recess supporting immersion. Primary school begins at age 5 with CP2 in a two-year CP cycle; classes are small (15–18 students) and organized into mixed-grade groups (CP2–CP, CE1–CE2, CM1–CM2) to foster autonomy, reflection, and independent learning, with no written homework at home. Daily English instruction is provided by native English-speaking teachers, with English taught progressively from CP2 onward and many subjects taught in English in CM.	Curriculum details Montessori education across three age groups: Toddler Community (2-3 1/2 years), Children's House (3-6 years), and Elementary School (6-12 years). Classes are bilingual in English and French, taught by an experienced teaching team. In the elementary years, students learn in both languages and prepare for entry to secondary schools, including French collèges and bilingual or international options. The school operates in two buildings on the private grounds of the Château de Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, with a pedagogical garden and dedicated spaces for reading, mathematics, language, geography, science, art, and music. It maintains an Eco-Ecole label and emphasizes small class sizes to provide personalized attention.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Preschool class sizes are 10–14 children, taught by two teachers (French-speaking and English-speaking) with a 50/50 language split. Primary classes have 15–18 students with daily English instruction by native English-speaking teachers.	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes ensure personalised attention.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Public middle schools may be entered by application in Hauts-de-Seine, and private middle schools may be entered with or without entrance examinations; guidance meetings with the Head of School and teachers help families choose the best path.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school fosters autonomy and respects each child's pace within a structured and supportive environment. Respect for others and dialogue are cornerstones of the school's values. Bilingualism opens children to the world, supporting social interaction in a multilingual community.	Social & emotional learning The school fosters holistic development within a nurturing, multicultural, bilingual French-English environment. A dedicated team of French- and English-speaking educators adheres to the Montessori philosophy, supporting academic and social growth. Students are encouraged to explore their potential, build self-confidence, develop independence, and enhance problem-solving skills. Small class sizes provide personalised attention and enable close relationships with educators. The school maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and collaborates with parent member families to ensure every child enjoys their school experience and develops a lifelong love of learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The preschool and primary sections are bilingual in French and English, with education delivered by bilingual teachers.	English as an additional language The school teaches in both English and French; students learn in English and French in the elementary years within a Montessori-inspired environment, preparing them for secondary school in bilingual settings. The teaching team includes both Francophone and Anglophone educators.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school supports mental wellbeing through a nurturing, inclusive environment and strong collaboration with families. It emphasizes self-confidence, independence, and social development as part of its Montessori approach, and maintains a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with regular events and activities that foster community.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school is registered with the Academy of Versailles under number 0783701Z and is regularly inspected by the National Education Services. It is a member of the Association Montessori de France.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school occupies just over 400 m², centered around a private, tree-lined courtyard of 600 m². The Montessori Square features a multi-activity workshop area for younger and older children, along with a large library. On one side are three Montessori preschool classrooms; on the other side are four elementary classrooms, as well as a computer workshop room for older students. Each classroom is designed to accommodate 15 to 18 students and is fully equipped, furnished, and organized to encourage both independence and collaborative work. The facilities are fully accessible to people with disabilities and comply with the latest health and safety standards, with particular attention to ventilation for added comfort and improved hygiene.	Facilities overview Be and Discover International Bilingual Montessori School is located on the private estate grounds of the Château de Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, west of Paris. The chateau grounds include pedagogical gardens where children can harvest cherries and apples in season. The school offers three programs: Montessori Toddler Community (2–3½ years), Montessori Children's House (3–6 years), and Montessori Elementary School (6–12 years) in two Children's House classrooms (Cottage and Orangerie) and a Montessori Elementary School. It provides a bilingual French–English environment with language materials in both languages, and small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. The English/French program and facilities support students as they prepare for secondary school, with proximity to Versailles (about 25 minutes) and La Défense (about 40 minutes).
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The Cottage children's garden has a synthetic surface to improve safety and reduce mud. The outdoor playground area includes a herb garden and equipment for sport (balls, hula hoops, cones, bicycles, and more). The elementary years have an outdoor materials area for sport and physical education, including mini football goals. The school also benefits from the nearby Mareil-Marly forest for nature-based activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Montessori Square provides a central multi-activity workshop area for both younger and older children, together with a large library. Three Montessori preschool classrooms and four elementary classrooms surround the square, and a computer workshop room serves older students. Each classroom is designed to accommodate 15 to 18 students and is fully equipped to support independent and collaborative work. The premises are fully accessible to people with disabilities and comply with health and safety standards, with attention to ventilation to support concentration.	Academic facilities The school includes two Montessori Children's House classrooms (Cottage and Orangerie) for 3–6 year olds and a teaching environment for 6–12 year olds. The Elementary School classrooms include French/English/Mathematics and Numeracy/Geometry, and History, Science/Geography and Art spaces. A Library area and a Music room (with private piano and violin lessons available) are provided. Outdoor pedagogical gardens with fruit trees and a playground area support learning, along with an outdoor materials area for sport and physical education. The English classroom introduces bilingual work, with English and French language materials used across subjects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school organizes numerous events throughout the year, including Christmas choirs and end-of-year shows. There are parent events such as a family sports day and picnic. Additional activities include Carnival day, Peace Day, 100 days of school, Galette des rois, St Patrick's Day, Chandeleur (Pancake Day), Music Day, and a large Easter egg hunt. The school also offers Wednesday activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school was founded by Anne Bickert (1929-2006). Anne Bickert was 14 years old when her family was deported during World War II; from this experience she developed deep humanism and boundless will.	History Founded in 1986, Être et Découvrir is a bilingual, non-profit international Montessori school and one of the oldest in Les Yvelines (78). It is located on the private estate grounds of the Château de Saint Nom la Bretèche, west of Paris. The school welcomes children aged 2 to 11 and offers three levels: Montessori Toddler Community (2–3½ years), Montessori Children's House (3–6 years), and Montessori Elementary School (6–12 years). A dedicated team of French- and English-speaking educators follows the Montessori philosophy to foster holistic development, independence, self-confidence, and problem-solving, in a nurturing, multicultural bilingual environment with gardens on the château grounds. The school is a member of the Association Montessori de France.
Community	Community Saint-Cloud is a pleasant suburb, just west of Paris and well-served by public transport. The school is on a quiet road near other learning institutions, very close to the main park and public services. The students come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, including French, English, American, German, and Spanish. Montessori materials are freely accessible on shelves adapted to their size.	Community The school maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and collaborates closely with parent member families to ensure every child enjoys their school experience and develops a lifelong love of learning. The calendar features numerous events throughout the year, including Christmas choirs and end-of-year shows, a family sports day and picnic, carnival day, peace day, and 100 days of school. Celebrations such as Galette des rois, St Patrick's Day, and Chandeleur are observed, along with Music Day and a giant Easter egg hunt in the gardens.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Shared Values: a respect for the child and the child's autonomy, openness toward the world and a respect for others. Bilingualism: Many parents who come from or have lived abroad have a strong desire for their children to maintain and/or develop English, while some Francophone parents also desire bilingual education. The Montessori Method: The parents of our pre-schoolers are eager to learn about the educational approach here and understand that the Montessori Method supports each child's potential. The Parents' Role in Our School: The parents' role does not disappear at the school entrance; they can observe part of the school day in Pre-School, attend several meetings throughout the year, and share in special occasions and festivities such as Halloween, the Christmas Market, and the End-of-Year Party.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school uses Montessori pedagogy to foster autonomy and to respect each child's individual pace within a structured and supportive environment. The preschool and primary sections are bilingual in French and English. The school welcomes 100 children from all nationalities. The education approach is open and adapted to the children of today.	Academic & intellectual The elementary program is bilingual, with instruction in English and French. This dual-language education prepares students for secondary school, including French and international bilingual secondary schools. The Montessori philosophy guides the school's approach to academic and social growth.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Afternoon activities include visual arts, gymnastics, botany / cooking, and music and dance.	Arts & creative The school celebrates Christmas choirs and end-of-year shows. Music day and other celebrations are part of annual events. There is a giant Easter egg hunt in the gardens each April. Cultural celebrations include Carnival Day, Peace Day, 100 days of school, Galette des rois, St Patrick's Day, and Chandeleur.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school is bilingual in French and English, with instruction delivered by both French-speaking and English-speaking teachers. In preschool, there is a 50% / 50% time split between the French-speaking teacher and the English-speaking teacher. Daily English instruction is provided in primary with native English-speaking teachers. The school welcomes 100 children from all nationalities.	Cultural & language The school provides a bilingual French-English environment. It welcomes children from all origins and cultures. The elementary program is bilingual in English and French. Cultural celebrations include St Patrick's Day, Galette des rois, Carnival Day and Chandeleur.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Wednesday activities in English are offered with the SAME Club. Our Wednesday and holiday clubs are organized with the SAME Club. There are family events such as a family sports day and picnic. Carnival day and other celebrations involve students in social activities.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The school is run as a not-for-profit association. The enrollment of a child makes the family a member of the association. Parents participate in volunteer activities and groups to support school life, with tasks such as organizing events and gardening. Family members are encouraged to contribute to school maintenance and activities each term.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The school is run as a not-for-profit association. The board of governors is composed of volunteer administrators, including current and former parents. Major decisions are discussed by members during the annual general assembly. The board includes positions such as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Vice-treasurer.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing There is no nap time in the preschool schedule. Afternoon activities include visual arts, gymnastics, botany / cooking, and music and dance.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Lunch is 100% organic and consists of three courses delivered by an organic caterer, with the option to bring lunch in a thermos. Children enjoy pedagogical gardens on the Château grounds, where they can pick cherries and apples in season. There is playground time in the children's garden near a local forest. The school earned the Eco-Ecole label in France.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French and English are taught. Preschool and primary levels are bilingual.	Language provision The school operates in a bilingual French-English environment. In the elementary school, students learn in both English and French within a Montessori-inspired setting. This dual-language education prepares students for secondary school, including 6ème at French or international bilingual secondary schools. The school welcomes children from ages 2 to 11 and offers three levels: Montessori Toddler Community (2 - 3 1/2 years), Montessori Children's House (3 - 6 years), and Montessori Elementary School (6 - 12 years).
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school is bilingual in French and English. Preschool and primary sections are bilingual in both languages. Education is delivered by bilingual teachers.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English and French.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs A language immersion method is used.	Immersion programs The school offers bilingual education in English and French.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Pre-admission application collects the names of both parents, the address, phone number, and email. The form asks for the number of children to register, the expected start date, the child's mother tongue, and any other language of communication at home or at school. It also asks about current schooling or socialization, the reasons for interest, and whether the school was recommended by a family. By submitting this form, you agree to the school's privacy policy and that personal information will be used confidentially by Saint-Cloud Bilingual Montessori School. Admission interview is conducted with both parents in the presence of the child (mandatory for primary school, recommended for preschool). It is strongly recommended to review the full brochure prior to the interview. The interview aims to present the school, show the facilities, and ensure that the educational project aligns with your vision for your child's education. The outcome of the interview informs the next steps in the enrollment process. Enrollment form is provided after the interview, upon request and subject to approval by the Head of School. It must be returned completed, dated, and signed, along with two photos of the child, a copy of the up-to-date vaccination record, and payment. Enrollment becomes official upon submission and approval by the Head of School. Fees and payment: Tuition for 2025-2026 includes an annual registration fee of €450 per family and monthly fees of €700 for preschool or €750 for primary (CP2 onwards). There is a 20% discount on monthly fees for the third child enrolled, and an optional afterschool program costs €100 per month. Payment schedules: At registration, the non-refundable annual registration fee and the September payment are due; monthly direct debits are due on the 25th of each month from September to May; a quarterly option is available with payments in Oct-Dec, Jan-Mar, and Apr-Jun.	Admissions The school is Be and Discover International Bilingual Montessori School. It operates as a private, independent international bilingual Montessori school. It is run as a not-for-profit association (loi 1901) with a board of governors made up of current and former parents.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships -
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Enrolment may occur during the school year subject to space availability.
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