Etre et Découvrir Ecole International Bilingual Montessori School

Être et Découvrir is a non-profit international Montessori school located on the private grounds of the Château de Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, west of Paris. Founded in 1986, it serves children aged 2 to 12 across three Montessori programs: Toddler Community (2–3.5 years), Children's House (3–6 years), and Elementary School (6–12 years). The school operates in two buildings (Cottage and Orangerie) with purpose-built spaces for reading, mathematics, language, geography, science, art and music, plus a library and a music room offering private piano and violin lessons. Classes are bilingual in English and French, with teaching teams that foster independence, self-confidence and problem-solving. The elementary curriculum supports entry to French collèges and bilingual or international secondary options. The campus features pedagogical gardens, small class sizes, and Eco-Ecole certification, emphasizing hands-on learning and nature-based activities. As a not-for-profit association, parent involvement is encouraged, and the school is affiliated with the Association Montessori de France. It is near Versailles and La Défense and prioritizes a multicultural bilingual environment.