Bilingual Montessori School of Montpellier

Our Educational Project

Our school’s pedagogy is individualized and active. It is built upon the following pillars:

“Do not raise your children for today’s world. This world will have changed by the time they grow up. Above all, we must help the child cultivate their powers of creation and adaptation.” — Maria Montessori

The 4 Pillars

Writing in French on lined paper

Respecting the Child’s Natural Rhythm

Respect (for oneself, others, and the environment) is the cornerstone of Montessori philosophy. Every child develops at their own pace, and it is essential to honor this rhythm so they can grow in an atmosphere of trust and respect. In the classroom, the educators’ role is to observe children closely and guide them individually in choosing their activities. Children are able to explore subjects that fascinate them in depth. Guided by inner motivation, they find genuine joy in doing and re-doing; they can stop when they wish or repeat an activity as often as they need. Every child follows their own inner drive.

Counting and introduction to even and odd numbers

Montessori Materials

The materials in our classrooms are high-quality, beautiful, tactile, and concrete Montessori materials that invite hands-on exploration and awaken the senses. Their self-correcting design allows children to see their own mistakes independently, without having to ask an adult. They learn to self-correct and repeat on their own to achieve the purpose of each activity.

Preschool class arranged at child height

The Prepared Environment

The classroom is entirely tailored to the children’s age to foster maximum autonomy. Activity trays are readily accessible, kept at child height, and organized in a clear, deliberate sequence (by learning area and level of difficulty). The furniture is light enough for children to move, carry, or put away by themselves. Children move freely through the room, choosing to work seated at a table or on a floor mat. It is essential that children can move with ease and vary their postures throughout the day.

AMI Montessori-Certified Educators

For children to follow their inner drive, choose their work, and enjoy true freedom of movement, the educator must create the right conditions. A Montessori educator is there whenever a child needs help, but never does the work in their place. Help from an educator must always be purposeful; any unnecessary assistance can hinder the child’s development. Thanks to a French-English educator pair in every classroom, our educators can observe, remain available for children who need guidance, and give individualized presentations.

In Addition to Montessori Pedagogy, We Offer Children

Reading a sentence in English

An English Bilingual Environment

In our 3–6 classrooms, children are guided by two AMI-certified Montessori educators: one French-speaking and one English-speaking. The English-speaking educator addresses the children exclusively in English—both during learning presentations and throughout everyday moments. This constant immersion allows children to hear a foreign language all day long; step by step, they understand, build vocabulary, and develop both oral and written fluency. Before age 6, language acquisition happens naturally and effortlessly, which is why we are delighted to offer second-language immersion starting at age 3.

In our 6–12 class, an AMI-certified French-speaking Montessori educator delivers core academic learning (French, mathematics, science, history, geography…) aligned with the French National Education curriculum. An English-speaking teacher and a specialist in botany or science work with the children daily on collaborative projects.

All of our preschool and elementary classes are fully bilingual in English.

Daily Well-Being Moments

During group gatherings, children are invited to participate in gentle movement, relaxation, or breathing exercises to cultivate body awareness before returning to their Montessori activities.

Child cutting an apple

Eco-Friendly Citizenship

We want our children to grow into responsible, caring stewards of the planet. Sorting waste, conserving water and electricity, composting fruit and vegetable scraps, saving paper, and discovering seasonal produce… these actions become second nature at school and will soon follow them home!

Physical activity at parc Montcalm

Daily Outdoor Activities

In our spacious schoolyard, children build gross motor skills on balance bikes and movement wheels, and discover gardening in the permaculture vegetable garden planted by the children during our first year. A large chalkboard wall is always ready for outdoor creative expression and handwriting practice. A basketball hoop, a ping-pong table, and child-crafted soccer goals are also available. Regular outings to parc Montcalm are organized for 3–6-year-olds to enjoy group sports and deepen their connection with nature. Throughout the year, children in the 6–12 class practice a variety of sports (rugby, handball, tennis, track and field…) outdoors at parc Montcalm one morning a week, guided by a sports coach.

The school's outdoor playground

And for Parents Too…

Seamless childcare continuity: The school offers after-school care, as well as care on Wednesdays and during school holidays. English-bilingual early childhood professionals joyfully guide children through enriching activities. These out-of-school hours are eligible for the French childcare tax credit.

Regular get-togethers to talk with the educational team, visit the classrooms, explore the Montessori materials, and connect with other parents. We want these moments of exchange to be warm and welcoming, offering parents the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Montessori pedagogy and get to know the team caring for their children.