Allée de la Petite Prairie 12, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland

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

Contact & visits

Enrolments are open

School year 2026-2027

Enrollment at our Montessori school always begins with a visit. This time for discussion is essential to discover the prepared environment, understand our educational approach, and answer your questions.

It also allows us to get to know each other, share your expectations, and observe whether our environment meets your child’s needs and sensitivities. This initial meeting is the beginning of a relationship of trust, the fundamental basis for any caring and consistent support. We look forward to welcoming you soon for this shared experience.

Days available for visits

We are pleased to welcome you to our school to discover our environment, meet the teaching team, and learn more about our educational approach. Visits can take place at 9:30 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday  or Friday. In this way you can observe the pupils in activity in the classroom and you will get a good impression of the environment. Below is a table with available dates.
Date Availability
Monday 16 March 2026 Available. Call or email for a time slot
Tuesday 17 March Available. Call or email for a time slot
Friday 20 March 2026 Available. Call or email for a time slot.
Tuesday 24 March 2026 Available. Call or email for a time slot.
Thursday 26 March 2026 Available. Call or email for a time slot.
Friday 27 March 2026 Available. Call or email for a time slot.

Book your visit

By e-mail or by phone.

contact@secretofchildhood.ch
022 361 20 00

Access

The Secret of Childhood Montessori School
Allée de la Petite Prairie 12 – 14
1260 Nyon

Take the Nyon exit from the A1 and follow Route Blanche towards the centre of Nyon. At the first roundabout, take the third exit and enter the car park in front of Allée de la Petite Prairie 8-10. The school is located on the upper ground floor of the building directly behind it.

Access map

Where to find us?

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!