Our teaching approach
& programs
At Lily School Paris (15th arrondissement), children aged 2 to 6 grow
and learn in both French and English, within a nurturing and human-sized environment.
Our active teaching methods foster independence, creativity,and openness to the world,
with daily attention to biodiversity and living together.
Our bilingual learning approach for children aged 2 to 6
Inspired by Montessori, Freinet, and Decroly, we combine workshops, projects, and responsibilities to encourage independence, language, creativity, and cooperation. Art and science play an essential role, alongside eco-citizenship (Eco-School Gold label) and community living, nurtured through intergenerational connections.
A school on a human scale
In our small classes, every child is seen, heard, and supported at their own pace. The classroom environment is calm and reassuring, providing the ideal setting for early learning and personal growth.
Bilingual learning
Children experience full immersion two days a week in both languages through songs, stories, daily routines, and creative workshops. They understand and express themselves naturally in both French and English thanks to a gentle and progressive immersion approach.
Active learning & independence
Inspired by Montessori, Freinet, and Decroly, we offer hands-on workshops, projects, and age-appropriate responsibilities. Children are encouraged to choose, try, make mistakes, and try again — at the heart of independence and emotional learning.
Eco-citizenship & community spirit
Awarded the Eco-School Gold label, Lily School connects children’s daily life to nature through eco-friendly actions, gardening, sorting waste, and observing living things. Intergenerational links and cooperation nurture a strong sense of community and togetherness.
- Warm atmosphere, small groups, and respect for each child’s rhythm
- Autonomy, creativity, and confidence at the heart of every activity
- Outings and projects designed to open children’s minds to the world
Our Learning Programme
Our Learning Programme follows the French National Education guidelines while emphasising exploration, art, and science. Learning paths include language, artistic expression, motor skills, discovery of the world, and early maths. Each area is taught in both French and English, through engaging, hands-on, and playful experiences.
A Typical Day
At Lily School Paris, a typical day (for ages 2–6) follows a gentle and structured rhythm within our bilingual community preschool in the 15th arrondissement.
Children alternate 2 days in French / 2 days in English, enjoying welcoming moments, group time, exploration workshops, outdoor play, and calm activities suited to their age.
Mornings are dedicated to rituals and early learning, lunchtime to rest and recharge, and afternoons to deeper discoveries.
Our goal: to learn with joy, build confidence and independence, and grow peacefully.
Exploring Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the year, our children embark on learning adventures beyond the classroom walls, discovering the world around them in meaningful and joyful ways.
Each preschool outing is a complete learning journey — from classroom preparation to real-world exploration, followed by creative and reflective activities back at school (language, arts, science), all conducted in both French and English.
Our aims: to nurture curiosity, enrich vocabulary, build independence and confidence, and inspire eco-conscious habits, while sharing moments of cooperation, wonder, and joy.
Parents trust us
Environnement chaleureux & bienveillant !
Nous sommes ravis de l’expérience de notre enfant à Lily School ! L’environnement est chaleureux et bienveillant, avec une équipe pédagogique à l’écoute et passionnée. L’approche bilingue est un véritable atout : notre enfant s’épanouit en apprenant naturellement l’anglais et le français au quotidien…
Très bonne école bilingue, activités diverses & variés
Mon fils se rend au Kid’s corner les mercredis après-midi depuis 2 ans maintenant. Aucun regret, très bonne maternelle bilingue – les intervenantes sont extras, gentilles, bienveillantes et pédagogues. Les activités proposées sont très diverses et variées : activités manuelles, activités scientifiques, compréhension à travers la lecture d’un livre…
We cant recommend this school enough !
Both our kids have been at Lily School for the past 1 1/2 years and absolutely love it. We love that our kids spend time outdoors, are encouraged to be curious , and learn things in a playful way and this in both english and french! The teachers are kind and patient. The kids get to play and learn in a small, protected but very diverse environment…
Your Questions About Our Teaching Approach & Programme
We follow the French Éducation Nationale curriculum for the French section and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for the English section.
Teaching takes place over a four-day week: two days in French and two days in English. On Wednesdays, children enjoy Kid’s Corner, our fun and creative English leisure club.
There are up to 16 children per class, with at least two dedicated adults to guide and support them. Book a visit 🙂
No, toilet training is part of the learning process and happens naturally as children observe older peers and progress at their own pace.
With the Montessori approach, children develop practical skills, thrive in a collaborative environment, become more independent, and learn self-discipline.
The Montessori method also helps children build confidence and develop focus during activities. It can be applied from birth through early childhood and even into adolescence.
This method was developed by the Belgian doctor, psychologist, and educator Jean-Ovide Decroly. Its main principle is to place the child at the centre of the educational process — encouraging active learning rather than imitation and passivity.
This approach also places the child at the heart of the learning process. The Freinet method encourages hands-on experimentation, adapting to each child’s individuality and personal pace of learning
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