Our School

The Jardin-des Soleils is operated by a non-profit organization whose objective is to aid
the development of the child to his or her fullest potential.

Founded in 2004 by Valerie Armand, a psychologist and school director, the Jardin des Soleils
is a Montessori school which welcomes approximately 45 children between the ages of
2 to 6 years old each year.

The school is a private, non-subsidised establishment that is recognized by
the French Department of Education and its academic accreditation agency. It is a member of
the Montessori Association of France and AMI (Association Montessori International).

The school is composed of two classes: one which welcomes approximately 12-15 children
2/3 years old accompanied by 2 Montessori educators and the other is a class of approximately
30 children 3/6 years old under the guidance of 2 Montessori educators. (for more information)

All children are born with an extraordinary potential and by accompanying each child individually
we can better understand the child and his/her individual learning needs. Also, the learning is
personalized and progressive as each child develops at his or her unique rhythm. Each year
we also welcome one special needs child.

The Jardin des Soleils is a passage between the family setting and primary school. It is a small
structure that offers a family-like ambiance. The director and educators welcome opportunities
to communicate with parents. Also during each school year parents are invited to conferences
on Montessori education.

The school promotes a bilingual (French/English) environment. Each class is composed of
a French speaking educator and an EMT (English Mother Tongue) educator. English becomes
familiar through daily interactions in the classroom setting. (for more information)

The school also offers a music program through which the children can acquire a solid musical
foundation by developing an understanding of rhythm and pitch. (for more information)

At Jardin des Soleils, we love celebrations. Celebrations give rhythm to our school year,
highlight the changing of seasons and provide annual milestones for the children ,
as well as offer plenty of occasions to have fun. (for more information)

All meals and snacks served are organic. We offer fruit at times of celebrations with
the intention of having the child associate fruit with celebrations.

The school is situated in a natural setting of a 17 hectare park in the groves of Grasse across
from the Clavary Hospital. We benefit from this setting when we take the children on
nature discovery walks based on various themes surrounding faune and flore.