Allée de la Petite Prairie 12, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland

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

Contact & visits

6 to 12 years old
Programme et fees

Between the ages of 6 and 12, children enter a phase of dynamic intellectual development: they ask questions, seek to understand the ‘why’ behind things and develop a strong spirit of collaboration.

The Montessori programme for this age group meets these needs by offering an environment rich in discovery, where children explore a variety of subjects. Working in small groups and conducting independent research and projects nourishes their natural curiosity while fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for others.

secretofchildhood-montessori-school-nyon-switzerland-6-12-year-program

"Help me to think by myself"

Beyond action, Montessori pedagogy values independent thinking. ‘Help me to think for myself’ means that adults do not impose their answers, but rather guide children in developing their critical thinking skills. Thanks to self-correcting materials and a discovery-based approach, children learn to observe, make connections and reason. The goal is not to impart fixed knowledge, but to awaken curiosity, questioning, and the ability to think for oneself. In this way, children gradually become free beings, capable of understanding the world and finding their place in it with meaning and discernment.

Unlike a school-level class, where a child has one year to cover certain learning objectives, the Montessori elementary class offers flexibility over several years.

Study plan

The curriculum will follow the ‘Plan d’Études Romand’ (Romandy Curriculum) of the public school system and will include the following four main areas: mathematics, language, culture (which includes history, geography and science) and computer science.

In addition to the core subjects offered, our programme includes: physical education, art, dance, theatre and music.

Full-time programme

Fee CHF 18’000 per year

Schedule

Monday
08:00 – 15:30
Tuesday
08:00 – 15:30
Thursday
08:00 – 11:00
Thursday
08:00 – 15:30
Friday
08:00 – 15:30

After-school workshop

Children who attend the full-time Montessori programme can also participate in the after-school workshop.

Option 1

Wednesday afternoons

Fee CHF 800 per year

Schedule

Monday
–
Tuesday
–
Wednesday
11:00 – 15:30
Thursday
–
Friday
–

Departure time between 15:30 and 16:00

Option 2

Afternoons except Wednesdays

Fee CHF 1’800 per year

Schedule

Monday
15:30 – 18:00
Tuesday
15:30 – 18:00
Wednesday
–
Thursday
15:30 – 18:00
Friday
15:30 – 18:00

Departure time between 18:00 and 18:30

Option 3

Every afternoon

Fee CHF 2’500 per year

Schedule

Monday
15:30 – 18:00
Tuesday
15:30 – 18:00
Wednesday
11:00 – 15:30
Thursday
15:30 – 18:00
Friday
15:30 – 18:00

Departure time between 18:00 and 18:30 (15:30 and 16:30 on Wednesdays) 

Option 4

Every afternoon (extended)

Fee CHF 3’000 per year

Schedule

Monday
15:30 – 18:00
Tuesday
15:30 – 18:00
Wednesday
11:00 – 18:00
Thursday
15:30 – 18:00
Friday
15:30 – 18:00

Departure time between 18:00 and 18:30

6 to 12 year old weekly programme

Montessori Programme
After-school Workshop Programme
education-cosmique_orig

Cosmic Education

Cosmic education is a cornerstone of the Montessori philosophy. At its core, cosmic education tells the story of the interdependence of all things. It describes the role of education as global, holistic, and focused; to encompass the development of the whole person in the context of the universe. It also introduces the possibility that humanity has a ‘cosmic task’ to improve the world for future generations.

Educational programme

Lunch

Because a quality education also involves good eating habits, the school pays particular attention to the meals served each day. Lunch, prepared by our caterer, includes a starter, main course and dessert every day, with fresh, balanced ingredients tailored to children’s needs. This shared meal also promotes independence, respect for others and the pleasure of eating well in a calm and friendly environment.

The cost of the meal is CHF 12 per day.

For a full year, this will cost approximately:

CHF 2,200 for 5 meals per week
CHF 1,750 for 4 meals per week.

Menu example

Other fees

Registration fees

The registration fee is CHF 1,000 and is payable after the registration form has been submitted. This amount will be deducted from the first tuition fee invoice.

School supplies, day trips and class photo

A fee of CHF 300 per year is charged for school supplies such as paper, pencils, paint, etc.

A fee of CHF 300 per year is charged to cover the cost of two day trips (one in autumn and one in spring) and the class photo taken shortly before the end of the school year.

The list of fees presented on this page is exhaustive. No other fees will be charged.

Does the programme meet your expectations?

Come and discover the school

Contact & visits

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!