La Découverte School - Geneva Campus vs Montessori Rive Gauche
La Découverte School - Geneva Campus and Montessori Rive Gauche are both in Geneva, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Swiss programmes. La Découverte School - Geneva Campus also offers Bespoke, and Montessori Rive Gauche also offers Montessori. Published annual fees are close, at CHF 16,470 - 18,950 for La Découverte School - Geneva Campus and CHF 15,700 - 20,700 for Montessori Rive Gauche. Both take pupils from 3 to 12. La Découverte School - Geneva Campus is the larger school, with around 150 pupils to Montessori Rive Gauche's 110.
Geneva Campus: Avenue de Sécheron 11, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Mies Campus: Chemin du Triangle 8-9, 1295 Mies, Switzerland.
Location
Montessori Rive Gauche is located in Collonge-Bellerive / Vésenaz at 15 Chemin des Gotettes. Five classrooms and administration are spread over four houses in nearly 3,000 m² of wooded grounds. Car access is straightforward with parking for drop-offs, and Bus G stops in front of the school at Petray.
Stages
Stages
ages 3 to 12
Stages
Mixed-age classrooms for 3-6 y.o., 6-9 y.o., and 9-12 y.o.
School type
School type
private bilingual French-English school
School type
Private Montessori school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) are on site to support pupils.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The day includes class time, lunch and extra-curricular activities; Geneva campus opening hours are 8:00–18:00 on most days (except Wednesday when closing earlier at 12:00); after-school care runs from 15:30 to 18:00.
School day structure
3-6 years: part-time until 1:30 pm or full-time until 3:30 pm, with lunch at the school; 6-12 years: full-time. After-school activities are available on site (e.g., piano, robotics, woodwork, music, mindfulness).
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Bus line G stops in front of the school (Petray stop).
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Registration / Application fee
- CHF 500 once, payable at registration (enrolment).
Tuition fees — Geneva Campus
- Children aged 3 years to 4th grade: CHF 16,470 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,647.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 15,647 per year; CHF 1,564.70 per month).
- 5th to 8th grade: CHF 18,150 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,815.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 17,243 per year; CHF 1,724.30 per month).
Tuition fees — Mies Campus
- 1P to 4th grade: CHF 17,200 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,720.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 16,340 per year; CHF 1,634.00 per month).
- 5th to 8th grade: CHF 18,950 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,895.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 18,003 per year; CHF 1,800.30 per month).
Meals, materials and compulsory activities
- School meals: CHF 1,990 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 199.00 per month).
- School materials: CHF 270 per year, payable in a single payment.
- Cultural outings and sports: CHF 320 per year, payable in a single payment. Trips and camps are part of the educational programme and are compulsory.
Extras and after‑school care (rates and billing frequency)
- Wednesday full after‑school (1:30–5:00 pm): CHF 160 per month; supervised picnic (12:00–1:30 pm) CHF 60 per month (where offered).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition is invoiced as a 10‑month commitment; standard billing is spread over 10 monthly instalments. Many optional services are billed per quarter or as single payments as indicated above.
- Registration is confirmed when the signed enrolment contract and the required payments are received; enrolment requires payment of the registration fee and the first month's school fees at registration.
- A 2% discount on tuition applies for biannual or annual payments.
- The school treats the date on which payment is received in the school's bank account as the official payment date. In case of late payment, reminder fees apply: CHF 20 for the second reminder (15 days after the due date) and CHF 50 for the final notice (30 days after the due date). Continued non‑payment may lead to legal recovery procedures and refusal of class entry.
Boarding
- The school does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees; boarding fees are therefore not applicable.
- Administrative or penalty fees may apply in the event of late payment or contract breaches as specified in the general conditions.
Refunds and cancellation penalties
- Written notification is required for any withdrawal or cancellation. Cancellation charges for the following school year are: - Withdrawal up to March 31: only the enrolment fee is due. - Withdrawal between April 1 and May 31: enrolment fee plus 10% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal between June 1 and June 30: enrolment fee plus 20% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal from July 1 up to the day before the start of the school year: enrolment fee plus 30% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal from the start of the school year: enrolment fee, completed/started months and 30% of annual tuition are due.
- Exceptions to the annual financial commitment and penalty fees may be made for death of the pupil's legal guardian or long‑term illness resulting in study suspension. Expulsion for serious reasons results in 30% of annual tuition being charged in addition to months already completed or started.
Fee payment options
- The school records the receipt date of payments on its bank account as the official payment date; payment by bank transfer to the school account is the documented method for establishing receipt. Other payment methods are not detailed in the published conditions.
Notes on billing frequency used above
- When a fee is stated as “payable over 10 months” the monthly instalment used above is the annual fee divided by 10.
Fee details
Application and enrolment fees - Yearly enrolment fee: CHF 250, payable at enrolment. - Guarantee (security deposit): CHF 4,000, payable at first enrolment; the guarantee is held as security against unpaid fees and is returned, free of interest, at the end of the pupil's time at the school provided the school's conditions are met. Payment for the guarantee is to be made to account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V (titulaire Montessori Rive Gauche SA). - Re‑enrolment (renewal) fee: CHF 250, payable February 1 each year; this fee is not refundable if renewal is cancelled.
Tuition fees by year group (per month, with trimester and annual totals) - Children House (3–6 years) — part‑time (monthly): CHF 1,570. - 1st trimester (Sept–Dec, 4 months): CHF 6,280 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (Jan–Mar, 3 months): CHF 4,710 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (Apr–Jun, 3 months): CHF 4,710 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months, part‑time): CHF 15,700.
- Children House (3–6 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 1,870. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 7,480 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,610 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,610 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months, full‑time): CHF 18,700.
- Primary I (6–9 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 1,970. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 7,880 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,910 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,910 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months): CHF 19,700.
- Primary II (9–12 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 2,070. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 8,280 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 6,210 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 6,210 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months): CHF 20,700.
- The tuition fees include tuition, the morning snack, and the organic midday meal certified “fourchette verte.” Extra costs for sports activities and outings (museums, shows, end‑of‑year trips, etc.) are not included and are charged separately. - Discounts: 1% discount for a single full‑year payment; 10% discount on the second child's tuition while siblings are enrolled; 15% discount on the third child's tuition while all three are enrolled. Discounts do not apply if a third party (employer/institution) pays the fees.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing schedule: Tuition is billed and payable in advance by trimester — first trimester due May 31, second trimester due Nov 30, third trimester due Feb 28. The school may refuse entry or terminate enrolment if fees are not settled by the due dates. Tuition remains payable even if the child is absent. - Guarantee handling: The CHF 4,000 guarantee is payable at first enrolment; it may be used to cover unpaid re‑enrolment or tuition fees if the pupil is withdrawn or if agreed minimum attendance conditions (for 3–6 section) are not met; otherwise it is repaid at the end of schooling, without interest. Payments for the guarantee must be made to account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V (Montessori Rive Gauche SA). - Late payment: Reminder fees apply in the event of late payment. Parents signatories are jointly and severally liable for all fees.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school for children aged 3–12. There are no boarding fees.
Other costs and extras - Sports activities, outings, museum/theatre visits and certain extracurricular activities are charged in addition to tuition. - No uniform fee is listed among the standard fees. Additional optional services (after‑school activities and external therapist consultations) are available on site and are separate from tuition; such services are charged in addition where applicable.
Refund and withdrawal penalties - The CHF 250 enrolment fee is non‑refundable if the child's enrolment is cancelled after the school's confirmation of enrolment. - Withdrawal penalties: - Withdrawal after Feb 1 (concerning the following school year): re‑enrolment fee CHF 250 plus a CHF 4,000 penalty are due. - Withdrawal after Apr 30 (concerning the following school year): tuition fees for the first trimester of the following year and the enrolment fee are due. - Withdrawal after the start of the school year (including force majeure): the current trimester is due, plus the following trimester. - Exclusion from school does not entitle parents to reimbursement of tuition already paid. In case of temporary school closure for epidemic/pandemic or similar major events, distance teaching may be offered and certain costs (for example meals) may be refunded, but tuition fees are excluded from such reimbursements.
Fee payment options - The school specifies payment by bank transfer to the school account (IBAN/account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V — Montessori Rive Gauche SA) for the guarantee and routine payments; a special agreement can be established if a third party (employer or institution) will pay all or part of the fees. No alternative payment methods (such as credit‑card payment) are specified in the school's terms.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
Lunch is taken at the school.
House system
House system
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House system
The school is spread over four houses.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The management includes Nancy (founder and principal), Alexis (administrator), and Marie (administrative coordinator). The school is recognized by Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) and is a member for both the 3-6 and 6-12 years old sections.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Mies Campus uses a project-based, socio-constructivist approach. Learning is organized around projects that connect disciplines and are driven by questions or problems. A class council meets weekly to coordinate group life, and a Grand Council Meeting is held monthly to discuss school-wide matters. Philosophy develops critical thinking and the ability to listen to others. Outdoor learning happens daily in all weathers, in a park or forest, to build resilience and environmental understanding. An open-space environment supports autonomous workshops and collaborative inquiry. Theatre activities develop oral expression and performance skills. Extras after school and after-school care are available.
Curriculum details
Montessori Rive Gauche uses the Montessori method with AMI-trained teachers. Classrooms are mixed-age for 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 years, with bilingual instruction in French and English and German taught from age 6. The school follows the Plan d'Études Romand (3P to 8P Harmos) and uses a Montessori curriculum for the 3-12 age range. It is a member of Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) and adheres to AMI principles. Eco-Schools label since 2022. In the 3-6 year-old section, there are two bilingual classes, each taught by three teachers. In the 6-12 year-old section, six teachers teach the Montessori curriculum with bilingualism and the Plan d'Études Romand; a programme of educational outings is offered. After-school classes are available, and on-site therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) are available. Arts, robotics, music, mindfulness, and other activities are offered as part of extra-curricular options.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Self-confidence is strengthened to enable children to question, inform themselves and explore the world in complete safety. Collaboration and socio-emotional skills are developed to create responsible and empathetic children. Projects based on children's interests deepen their passions and motivate learning.
Social & emotional learning
The school supports social and emotional development through mixed-age classrooms that bring children of different ages together to learn from each other. After-school options include mindfulness and other activities that promote wellbeing. Therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) are on site to support students' needs and help families book appointments. Mindfulness, Brain Gym, RMT and IMP are part of daily life at Montessori Rive Gauche. The school is bilingual French/English and has an international staff, which fosters cross-language communication and social interaction.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
On-site therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) are available to support children's needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
A bilingual immersion environment is set up to help students express themselves, read and write clearly and confidently in French and English.
English as an additional language
The school is bilingual French/English; teachers are AMI Montessori trained and native speakers in French or English; German is taught from the age of 6.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Self-confidence growth and collaboration support mental wellbeing by enabling children to explore and express themselves in a safe environment.
Mental wellbeing
On-site therapists support mental wellbeing (psychologist and occupational therapist). Mindfulness is offered as an extracurricular activity. Brain Gym, RMT and IMP are part of daily life at the school.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Campus Mies offers a stimulating learning environment with dedicated teachers and supportive infrastructures. Children spend every day outdoors in all weather, in parks or forests, to develop resilience and explore scientific topics. An open-space approach provides autonomous workshops and cross-age collaboration, while theatre engages students from age seven and helps develop memory, diction, and presence on stage. The campus provides after-school daycare until 18:00 and meals prepared on-site guided by a quality charter that emphasizes balanced, healthy, and sustainable menus.
Facilities overview
Montessori Rive Gauche is located at 15 Chemin des Gotettes, Collonge-Bellerive / Vésenaz. There are five classrooms plus administration spread over four houses, set in a nearly 3,000 sqm garden. The garden is fully fenced and invites nature exploration in safety, with gardening activities, physical exercises on a trampoline, agility games, and insect hunts, as well as opportunities to observe birds and squirrels among the trees. Parking is available in the school car park and a bus stop (Petray) is in front of the school. Lunch is taken at the school for 3- to 12-year-olds; part-time and full-time options are available. The school employs AMI Montessori-trained teachers in a bilingual French/English environment, with German taught from age six, and on-site therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) available. The school is a member of the Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) and has Eco-Schools certification since 2022.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
The expansive outdoor garden (about 3,000 sqm) provides space for physical activities, including gardening, trampoline-based exercise, and agility games. These outdoor areas support daily movement and nature-based play as part of the curriculum. Daily routines and after-school offerings incorporate sport and physical activities within these spaces.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic learning emphasizes project-based pedagogy that integrates disciplines and gives context to learning. Projects emerge from children's questions or problems and aim to motivate and deepen understanding. Philosophy develops critical and creative thinking, listening, and debate, and fosters autonomous, free, and responsible individuals. Outdoor learning is practiced daily, in all weather, to connect students with nature and science. An open environment supports autonomous workshops where students of different ages collaborate to solve problems.
Academic facilities
Classrooms are designed around Maria Montessori's principles, with every age group equipped with the complete official Montessori materials for 3-6 and 6-12 year olds to support autonomous learning. The school offers mixed-age environments (3-6, 6-9, 9-12) and bilingual instruction in French and English, with German taught from age six. AMI Montessori-trained teachers hold diplomas recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale, and the school follows the Romand Harmos program (3P to 8P) with planned educational outings. The school is a member of the Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) for both age groups, and Eco-Schools certification has been held since 2022.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Capoeira; Art; Robotics; Football
Extra curricular facilities
Weekly extracurricular classes are run on-site by professionals and are open only to Montessori Rive Gauche students. Activities include Chess (from 5 years), Yoga (from 3), Kid's Pilates (from 3), Atelier Arts Plastiques (Ceramics, Painting and Wood) (4-8), Le petit atelier (Pottery, Painting, Creative games) (4-6), Wood Work and Ceramic (7-12), Choir (from 5), Theatre (from 7), Pifam and Confiance en soi workshops by EmoMind (from 7 and 6 respectively), Foot Reflexology (children and adults), and instrument lessons (piano, guitar, violin) or English language support. Language-related sessions include English (from 6), and French activities such as “Les mercredis avec Elsa” (from 4, no nap) and “Wednesday Club with Heather” (in English, 3-6). Registrations are limited by participant numbers and are first-come, first-served.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
La Découverte was founded in the early 1990s by a group of teachers, education specialists, psychologists and parents who sought a different approach to schooling. Their aim was to implement a teaching method that keeps children active in their learning and enables them to search for answers and solutions themselves. La Découverte offers a personalised and family learning environment using active teaching methods. Over thirty years, the number of children in La Découverte private school has grown from 13 to 340 pupils, reflecting growing demand for this approach.
History
Founded in 2011; located at 15 Chemin des Gotettes, Collonge-Bellerive / Vésenaz, Geneva. The school has 5 classrooms and administration spread over 4 houses, in a nearly 3,000 m2 garden. It is bilingual French/English, and German is taught from the age of 6. Teachers are AMI Montessori trained and native speakers in French or English, and the school is a member of the Association Montessori Suisse for both 3-6 and 6-12 sections, following AMI principles. Eco-Schools label since 2022.
Community
Community
La Découverte is based in Geneva and Mies and serves children aged 3 to 12. It provides a bilingual French-English learning environment and uses project-based learning to develop self-confidence, inquiry, collaboration and socio-emotional skills. Extra-curricular activities and after-school care are available daily and on Wednesdays, and the program welcomes children from outside the school. Holiday camps offer sports, creative and cultural activities year-round, with summer camps also open to children from outside the school.
Community
The community is international, with 14 teachers from Switzerland, France, Great Britain, USA, South Africa and Germany; they hold diplomas recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or equivalent. After-school offerings include piano, robotics, woodwork, music, mindfulness, and on-site therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) to support families. Educational outings are part of the program, and Brain Gym, RMT and IMP are practiced in daily life. The school carries the Eco-Schools label since 2022.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school is a bilingual French-English school that uses active teaching methods. Projects based on children's interests deepen motivation and learning. Self-confidence, collaboration and socio-emotional skills are developed so students can question, inform themselves and explore the world in safety. The bilingual immersion environment helps students express themselves, read and write in French and English, contributing to academic success and a love of learning.
Academic & intellectual
Montessori Rive Gauche uses the Montessori method in mixed-age classrooms for ages 3–6, 6–9, and 9–12. AMI-trained teachers are native speakers in French or English, and German is taught from age 6. The school is bilingual in French and English and follows the Plan d'Études Romand (PER) for the Swiss curriculum in the 6–12 program, with German lessons starting at 6 (beginners) and two to three classes per week from age 8; music, art and sport are integrated into the program. Education outings are offered as part of the program, and the five areas of the prepared environment—practical life, sensory, language, mathematics, and cultural studies—foster concentration, independence, and logical thinking.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Extras include arts activities as part of the after-school program. After-school care runs daily and on Wednesdays, with extras in sports, arts and games. During school holidays, camps offer creative and cultural activities, and summer camps are open to children from outside the school.
Arts & creative
After-school classes and on-site extracurricular activities include piano, robotics, woodwork, music, and mindfulness. Extra-curricular activities comprise Art class (4–12), Montessori Sports (3–6), Chess (from 5), Wood Work (from 4), Yoga (from 3), Computer and Robotics Workshops (from 6), Creativity in English (Clay, Painting, Block print) (4–6), and Choir (from 4). Individual piano, guitar, and violin lessons are available through on-site instructors.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school runs a bilingual French-English immersion program. The immersion environment helps students express themselves, read and write in French and English. The Geneva and Mies campuses support this bilingual approach.
Cultural & language
All classes are bilingual English–French, with language material available in French and English. German lessons start at age 6 as beginners, and from age 8 there are classes two to three times per week. Wednesday Club in English and Les mercredis with Elsa in French are offered, and the school aims to participate in Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) in Rome to provide a global-citizenship experience.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Extras include sports and games as part of after-school offerings. After-school care and optional activities run on school days and on Wednesdays. Holiday camps provide opportunities for social and recreational activities.
Social & hobbies
The school offers a broad range of after-school activities and clubs, including art, sports, music, chess, yoga, robotics, and language-centered options. The after-school childcare program runs from 3:30 pm to 6:15 pm for full-time students, with a healthy snack and supervision. Mindfulness is included among activities, and the school places emphasis on creativity and collaboration in a relaxed, learning-focused environment.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Solidarity and mutual aid are values the school strives to instill; pupils participate in sponsor walks to support various charitable causes. Projects have included First Children en Afrique du Sud (2024), Kaïcedra (2023), Northern Lights Aid (2022), Léman Hope (2021), Nourishing Minds au Malawi (2019), Tibetan Children's Village (2017), and Fondation Cédric Martin (2025). These experiences aim to cultivate empathy and social responsibility in students.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
The founder and principal lead the school with an experienced management team; the staff includes 14 teachers from diverse countries, all with diplomas recognized by AMI. The school emphasizes collaboration, group projects, and student responsibility, aligning with Montessori principles. The Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) in Rome represents a key leadership and global-citizenship opportunity for pupils.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports and games are included in extras and after-school activities, supporting physical activity. The program fosters self-confidence, collaboration and socio-emotional development as part of its learning approach.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school grounds feature a nearly 3,000 m² fenced garden where children can garden, exercise on a trampoline, play agility games, and observe birds and squirrels. The campus supports physical activity and outdoor learning, including skating from age 4 and swimming from age 6. Mindfulness and wellbeing are integrated into the program, and therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) are on site to support students' health and development.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
French and English are taught; the school serves children aged 3 to 12.
Language provision
French and English are the languages of instruction; German is taught from age 6 as a beginner's course and, from age 8, classes are held two to three times per week.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school is a bilingual French-English school.
Bilingual teaching
The school is bilingual in French and English.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
A bilingual immersion environment is in place to help students express themselves, read and write in French and English.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Online pre-registration puts your child on the waiting list free of charge; collective visits occur twice a year; if there is availability, a meeting with the Head teacher and a visit to the school are arranged.
Admissions
Children may join at any time during the school year from age 3 to 11. The school offers mixed-age classes (3-6, 6-9, 9-12). All teachers are AMI Montessori trained and native speakers in French or English; German is taught from age 6. The school is bilingual French/English and follows AMI principles as recognised by the Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) for both the 3-6 and 6-12 sections. Prospective families can pre-register via the pre-registration template and contact the principal, Nancy Ramu, at 078 806 22 42 to arrange a visit.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
The waiting list is joined via an online form, which is free of charge.