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Bilingual Montessori School in Lyon 6: A Historic School Joins the Esclaibes Network
PRESCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN, AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Located in the6th arrondissement, our Montessori School in Lyon welcomes children ages 2 to 12. Founded in 1982, this historic Montessori school has joined the Esclaibes International Schools network and is embarking on a new chapter in its history with the gradual reintroduction of French-English bilingual education.
From the Children’s Community through elementary school, children learn in multi-age Montessori environments, guided by trained educators and, starting in the 2026 school year, by English-speaking members of the teaching staff.
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OUR SCHOOL
A historic Montessori school in the heart of Lyon 6
Founded in 1982 by Françoise Neri, the École Montessori de Lyon has been supporting children and their families for over 40 years. This extensive experience with the Montessori method is reflected in the organization of the classrooms, the variety of materials made available to the children, and the support provided by trained educators.
Today, the school welcomes children ages 2 to 12 in five Montessori environments:
a Children’s Community for 2- to 3-year-olds, two Children’s Houses for 3- to 6-year-olds, and two elementary classes for 6- to 12-year-olds.
The mixed-age groups, a hallmark of the Montessori method, allow each child to progress at their own pace, gain independence, and learn through interaction with others.
By joining the Esclaibes International Schools network, the École Montessori de Lyon is opening a new chapter in its history. It retains the Montessori fundamentals that have shaped its identity while gradually enriching its educational program, particularly through the development of French-English bilingualism.
MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY
Montessori pedagogy
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1 setting
Ages 2 to 3
The Children’s Community welcomes the youngest children into a Montessori environment specially designed to meet the needs of 2- to 3-year-olds. The furniture, materials, and activities are tailored to their height, allowing them to explore, manipulate, and gradually act on their own.
At this age, when language, motor skills, and independence are developing rapidly, children are guided through daily routines and their first experiences of community life. They grow in a safe environment that respects each child’s pace and gradually fosters self-confidence, concentration, and the joy of doing things on their own.
French and English are gradually integrated into the children’s daily lives through conversations, stories, songs, and various activities throughout the day.
MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE
Montessori pedagogy
2 atmospheres
Ages 3 to 6
The school has two “Maisons des Enfants” that serve children ages 3 to 6. Each classroom is organized around the major Montessori learning areas: practical life, sensory education, language, mathematics, and cultural exploration.
In this carefully prepared environment, children choose their activities based on their interests and developmental level. Teachers observe them, gradually introduce them to the materials, and guide them toward increasingly complex learning experiences, while respecting each child’s individual pace.
Mixed-age groups play an essential role: the youngest children learn by observing their older peers, while the older children reinforce what they’ve learned, develop a sense of responsibility, and can in turn help the younger children. This structure fosters independence, concentration, mutual support, and cooperation.
The gradual increase in the use of English also allows children to become naturally familiar with a second language throughout their day, both in their interactions and in the activities offered.
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MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Active teaching
2 atmospheres
Ages 6 to 12
The children continue their education in two elementary Montessori classrooms for children ages 6–12. At this age, their curiosity expands, and their learning gradually leads them to understand the world around them, make connections between different areas of knowledge, and develop their ability to reason.
Learning is based on the French Ministry of Education’s curriculum and Montessori pedagogy. In mathematics, French, science, history, geography, and culture, hands-on activities and experimentation allow children to explore concepts concretely before progressing toward more abstract concepts.
Children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, work independently or in groups, and take an increasingly active role in their own learning. Teachers support each child’s progress while fostering independence, organization, cooperation, and a love of learning.
As in the school’s other grades, English gradually plays a more significant role in daily life and learning, with the goal of providing children with natural immersion in both languages.
Practical information about the school
Classes are held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
-Childcareis available until 6:00 p.m.
Our offices are located at 8 Rue Barrier, 69006 Lyon
During certain school breaks and on Wednesday afternoons, you can enroll your children in our Wednesday bilingual workshops and bilingual camps. Contact us to learn more.
For lunch, you can use the school's catering service or pack a lunchbox for your child.
A COMPLETE PROGRAM
A program that engages with the city and the world
Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. At the École Montessori de Lyon, children are regularly encouraged to observe, experiment, move around, and explore their environment. Physical activities, cultural field trips, nature exploration, and projects complement the Montessori curriculum and fuel their curiosity.
STAYING ACTIVE AND GROWING EVERY DAY
Motor skills and physical activity play an important role in a child’s development. Located right next to the school, Cardinal Villot Park offers students an outdoor space they visit daily during recess—a chance to run, play, and enjoy the fresh air in the heart of Lyon.
Starting at age 4, children also participate in one hour of physical activity each week at Lyon Gym. These sessions help develop coordination, balance, and motor skills, as well as a love of movement and interacting with others.
LYON AS A PLACE OF LEARNING
Discovering the world also involves experiencing and engaging with one’s surroundings. Throughout the year, learning can thus extend beyond the classroom through educational, cultural, or scientific field trips tailored to the children’s ages and projects.
Lyon’s rich cultural offerings provide numerous opportunities for exploration. The Musée des Confluences, the Auditorium de Lyon, the Musée Lugdunum, the Parc de la Tête d’Or, and the Jardin Rosa Mir, among others, have welcomed students over the years. Other field trips—to farms or to meet professionals such as firefighters—allow children to gain hands-on experience with the topics they’ve studied in class.
These experiences give meaning to learning: they allow students to observe, ask questions, compare what they’ve learned in class with the real world, and, often, spark new curiosities.
PROJECTS FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEARNING
The Montessori approach encourages children to take an active role in their own learning. This approach is extended through projects carried out individually or in groups, which allow children to apply a variety of skills to a single topic. Science, nature, culture, the arts, and exploring the world: depending on their age and the year’s projects, children are encouraged to seek out information, experiment, create, cooperate, and share their discoveries. Field trips and visits can enrich these projects and give them a practical dimension.
These projects also provide an opportunity to learn in new ways: taking the initiative, comparing one’s ideas with those of others, seeing a research project through to completion, and gradually developing the ability to work both independently and in groups.
WANT TO GIVE IT A TRY?
AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
Take advantage of our after-school programs
Wednesday Workshops
Every Wednesday, our teams offer the children at the École Montessori de Lyon bilingual workshops on a variety of topics. These sessions provide an opportunity to explore new things, practice English in a fun setting, and develop creativity and independence in a joyful and supportive atmosphere.
Holiday Workshops
During the school vacations, the Montessori School Paris 8 organizes bilingual workshops on a variety of themes (nature, arts, science, seasons...). These activities enable children to develop in new ways, while consolidating their vocabulary in both languages. These courses are also open to children from outside the school.
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RATES
View the tuition fees for the Bilingual Montessori School in Lyon's6th arrondissement
For more information on how your employer can finance your training program, or to find out about the possibility of financial assistance, please contact us using the form below.
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TESTIMONIAL
Hear from our alumni, their parents, and our teachers!
"From a very young age, we're taught that we have the right to have an opinion, to speak our minds, and to be creative."
Camille
Alumna of the Montessori School of Lyon
Camille
Alumna of the Montessori School of Lyon
TESTIMONIAL
Here's what parents have to say!
"I was so happy to see my oldest son thrive at the Montessori school in Lyon—not just academically, but also creatively. Just seeing him able to stand up and speak in public with confidence, express his ideas clearly, and learn to work with others—honestly, it was truly wonderful to see him grow in that way."
Rana
Mother of a student in the 6–12 age group for the 2025–2026 school year
Rana
Mother of a student in the 6–12 age group for the 2025–2026 school year
TESTIMONIAL
Here's what parents have to say!
"The best thing about this school is the teachers. They observe each child very closely and provide each one with individual feedback on their work and support."
Cheongju Kim
Parent of a student in the 3-6-year-old class, 2025-2026
Cheongju Kim
Father of a child in the 3-6-year-old class - 2025-2026
REGISTRATION
Enroll your child now at
in our bilingual Montessori school in Lyon's 6th arrondissement
Find out how to apply.
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01.
Contact
Contact us via our website, specifying the school you would like to attend and some practical information.
02.
Your needs
Please complete our form so that we can better understand your needs and ensure that our values are aligned.
03.
Appointments
Meet us by scheduling an appointment at the school of your choice with a member of the management team.
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Want to give it a try?
