Allée de la Petite Prairie 12, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland

contact@secretofchildhood.ch | +41 22 361 20 00 | Monday-Friday : 8h – 18h30

Contact & visits

Bilingual
Montessori
School
English / French

Since its creation in 2017 in Nyon, Switzerland, The Secret of Childhood Montessori School offers bilingual teaching in French and English, for children aged 3 to 6 and 6 to 12, respecting the key stages of their development in a caring and stimulating environment.

En savoir plus
Inscriptions 2025-2026
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Maria Montessori at her "Casa dei bambini" in Rome, around 1913.

Our school offers the fundamental criteria for using the Montessori name in French-speaking Switzerland.

We are delighted to announce that enrollments are now open for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover the unique opportunities our school offers for your child’s development.

You may request our Family Guide to learn more about our educational approach and programmes. A school visit can be arranged to let you experience our learning environment firsthand.

The five core principles of the Montessori pedagogy

Respect for the Child

This principle emphasizes recognizing and valuing each child’s unique abilities, characteristics, and needs. 

The Absorbent Mind

This refers to the belief that young children have a remarkable capacity to learn and absorb information from their environment effortlessly, especially during their early years.

Sensitive Periods

These are specific periods of time when children are particularly receptive to learning certain skills or concepts, such as language or mathematics.

The Prepared Environment

This involves creating a structured and organized learning environment that is free of distractions and that provides access to materials and activities that are developmentally appropriate.

Auto-Education

This principle highlights the belief that children are capable of learning independently and that they can be given the opportunity to explore and discover at their own pace. 

Our programmes

3 to 6 years old

Help me to do it myself
We support children in becoming independent, guiding them without doing things for them.

3 to 6 years old programmes

6 to 12 years old

Help me to think by myself
We encourage children to think and reason for themselves, rather than giving them the answers directly.

6 to 12 years old programme

Des valeurs humaines

Un apprentissage

Une éducation

Une équipe

Un milieu de vie

Frequently Asked
Questions

Explore our FAQ section to discover essential information about our school and our educational approach.

Consult our FAQ
icon-bulle FAQ

A World of Learnings

The Montessori method embraces the universal needs of children in a “whole child” approach to education.

Montessori education embraces cultural diversity in multi-age classrooms. The school is open to all, apolitical, non-religious, and independent of any ideology.

A scientific study has also shown that the Montessori method “is good for the brain.”

Read the article

Geir Braathen

Director & Head of School Administration

Geir Braathen, Dr. Scient. in physical chemistry, received his education in Norway, France, and the United States. Before opening our school in 2017, he worked at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva for 14 years as a researcher in atmospheric chemistry. He has been the director of the school since 2017.

Guadalupe Torrevillas

Teaching director & English teacher

Guadalupe Torrevillas, B.Sc. in Biology, obtained her AMI diploma for ages 3–6 in 2011 in Geneva. She is authorized by the education departments of the cantons of Geneva and Vaud to teach at levels 1P and 2P, and she is licensed to serve as director by the Cantonal Service for Child Daycare (SCAJE). She has been the director of the school since 2017. Before becoming a Montessori teacher, she taught English for several years in different countries.

Hamid Benahmadi

Fench-speaking for 3-6 & physical education teacher

Coming from a sports background, I discovered the Montessori method in 2016 while looking for a school that respects children’s development for my eldest child. It was a true revelation—an obvious choice—that led me to enrich my journey with university studies in education sciences, Montessori 3–6 educator training, and Montessori Sports training.

For the past three wonderful years, I have been applying the principles of this pedagogy both in the classroom and on the sports field, convinced of its impact on children’s overall development. As the father of two boys who attended Montessori schools, I have seen firsthand how this method fosters their independence, curiosity, and self-confidence. This conviction guides my work every day, inspired by this quote from Maria Montessori: “Free the child’s potential, and you will transform the world with him.”

Somayya Saif

English-speaking teacher for 3-6

Born in Pakistan, mother of three. I have a Master’s degree in Arts. After graduating from Institute Formation Maria Montessori (IFMM), Geneva in 2023 as an AMI English guide 3-6, I have been practicing this pedagogy since then. I believe, this pedagogy is a commitment to develop a child’s critical thinking as it allows the child to explore the world through various materials that its environment is equipped with! Unlike traditional schools, I enjoy guiding children to take ownership of their learning and decisions. I find fulfillment watching children grow emotionally, socially and intellectually! I am passionate about guiding children to build a solid foundation for their future through respect! I am looking forward to accompany your children in a fun and memorable way!

Amélie Nicod

French-speaking teacher for 6-9

After studying management and graphic design, I began my career in education in 2006, first in the French public school system and then in an international school in the United States.

When my two children were born and later enrolled in a public Montessori school, I developed a strong interest and passion for this child-centered pedagogy, which promotes learning through exploration and the development of self-confidence.

I went on to earn my AMI 6–12 educator diploma after training at the SouthWest Institute of Montessori Studies in Arizona, and then taught in an English-speaking Montessori 6–12 classroom in Boston.

When my family returned to Europe in 2023, I had the opportunity and pleasure to join the team at The Secret of Childhood and to support the opening of the 6–9 classroom. This allows both current students and new families to continue their learning journey in line with the principles of the Montessori method, during this critical and formative stage of a child’s development.

Elodie Guitteny

French-speaking teacher for 3-6

I have a degree in psychology and I first worked in the French education system for five years as a teaching assistant. During this experience, I had the opportunity to work with children aged 3 to 12 (in classrooms or workshops) and in a special needs class for children with physical and/or psychological disabilities.

Then, following an observation in a Montessori classroom, I decided to do the training in the Montessori pedagogy for 3-6 years old children.

I was truly thrilled to observe this community of children working with great determination to develop their abilities!

Since then, I am always moved when I see in a child’s eyes the joy of having successfully accomplished a task on their own, or when I observe them kindly helping each other. I received my AMI Montessori teacher’s diploma in 2011.

From 2011 to 2019, I worked in two schools in Geneva and I am happy to be working in The Secret of Childhood Montessori School in Nyon school since 2019!