Maternelle / Pre-Elementary

The French Maternelle (Pre-school through Kindergarten) offers a unique and structured curriculum. Through the inspiration of the Reggio Emilia constructivist approach, the school seeks to enhance the social, physical, emotional and cognitive development of children and to instill in them a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for life-long learning. The Maternelle – Cycle 1 of the French curriculum – acts as an integral beginning of the Elementary curriculum. Pre-school (Petite Section) offers half-day and full-day options, and Pre-Kindergarten (Moyenne Section) and Kindergarten (Grande Section) offer full-day only.

The Maternelle is a full French immersion program, with an introduction to English literacy in Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten. Teachers use songs, games, movement and hands-on activities to reach academic proficiency. Language learning is monitored and guided carefully throughout the day. Games and manipulation foster the acquisition of mathematical concepts. Teachers and assistant teachers create a climate of confidence, mutual respect, structure, and joy of learning in the classroom and follow a schedule which alternates rest and play, indoor and outdoor, group and individual activities.

The children take charge of their learning, interact with their peers and teachers, build comprehension and verbal skills, and begin to understand the world of writing and reading. They learn to explore space and discover the abilities of their bodies and the surrounding world (environment, matter, elements, the concepts of space and time). They become aware of the visual aspects of our world. They develop sensitivity, creativity and imagination through different aspects of the arts appropriate to their level and development.