2 to 5 years

Kindergarten International and Montessori

An international kindergarten based on Montessori teaching methods. Bilingual English-French immersion from an early age, in a friendly environment in Bordeaux Métropole (Gradignan).

Montessori pedagogy and practical materials adapted for toddlers
Total bilingualism English/French immersion in everyday life
Overall development : social, emotional, motor and cognitive
Children from the IS33 Gradignan international kindergarten working with Montessori materials
Average headcount
15-20 students

A bilingual Montessori environment where each child develops their autonomy, confidence and natural curiosity

Bilingualism at the heart of our kindergarten

At our bilingual kindergarten just outside Bordeaux, children study two days a week in French and two days in English. Each teacher speaks exclusively in their mother tongue, promoting a natural and effective immersion.

Learning several languages from an early age, It enriches the child's cognitive structure, reinforces mental flexibility, develops memory and concentration skills, and makes it easier for the child to learn other languages in the future.

Natural pronunciation

Thanks to this daily immersion from kindergarten school onwards, children acquire a natural, accent-free pronunciation in both languages.

Thinking and reasoning

They become able to think, reason, play and learn in both French and English.

Metacognitive skills

Their brains develop metacognitive skills that help them to understand, analyse and manage several language systems.

50/50 French-English
Judo From 4 years old during school time
8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Class timetable
Languages Spanish and Chinese optional

A typical day in kindergarten

The rhythm of the day

8.30am - 4pm 2 days in French / 2 days in English

IB International Programme (PYP) & Montessori pedagogy

Morning
Individual working time
Montessori work

Language, maths, culture & science, practical and sensory life, according to the principles of the IB international programmes and Montessori pedagogy. Each child progresses at his or her own pace with the native teacher of the day.

Group
Collective circle
Collective circle & general culture

Stories, rhymes, oral exchanges and discoveries linked to the IB theme of the moment. Development of vocabulary and self-confidence.

Snack
Shared snack

A pupil in charge of the snack bar: autonomy, politeness and social rituals.

Morning recreation
Outdoor games

Free play in the dedicated playground, with a jungle gym-type motor structure.

Back to class
Working hours

Continued work in language, mathematics, culture & science, practical life and sensory skills, in line with IB and Montessori principles.

Lunch & quiet time
Lunch - Recess - Siesta

Lunch, followed by playtime or naptime, depending on each child's needs.

Afternoon
Working hours & projects
Work and projects Language of the day

Work in the same areas (language, maths, culture & science, practical and sensory life) with artistic or scientific projects linked to the IB theme, in the language of the day.

End of day
Storage & departure

Tidying up, a quiet activity (reading, storytelling) then the pupils leave or go to the daycare.

After 4pm
Daycare and activities

Daycare from 8am in the morning to 6.30pm at the end of the day.

+

Extra activities

The child is taught as a whole: well in body, well in mind, well with others.

Sport & Movement

Weekly sport and motor skills classes + judo every week from age 4 for everyone. Development of coordination and physical well-being.

Arts & Music

Weekly art and music sessions. Two singing and/or dancing performances per school year. Piano and guitar offered as extra-curricular activities.

Additional languages

Spanish and Chinese.

Educational vegetable garden

Pupils grow their own crops, understand the rhythm of nature and develop respect for the planet.

Inspiring teaching methods to awaken children's natural curiosity

At International School 33, Montessori pedagogy and the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) combine perfectly to meet the profound needs of young children: to understand, explore, create and marvel. Both approaches place children at the centre of their learning, respecting their natural rhythms and promoting their autonomy from an early age.

In our bilingual kindergarten classes, children enthusiastically develop essential early skills: the joyful acquisition of reading, a concrete and lively understanding of mathematics, a general culture nourished by projects open to the world, and a rich vocabulary in two languages. Thanks to a prepared, structured and stimulating environment, they develop their ability to concentrate, their self-confidence, their taste for effort and their pleasure in learning. School becomes a real place of fulfilment, discovery and daily wonder.

The 5 Montessori areas

Each day, the children are free to choose their work from among the major Montessori areas. This autonomy develops concentration, confidence and a passion for learning.

Practical information

Everyday exercises to develop fine motor skills and concentration, independence and preparation for writing.

Sensory life

Refine your five senses to better understand and appreciate the world around you.

Mathematics

Sensory manipulation of numbers up to 9999, mastery of the 4 operations and discovering geometry.

Language

Enrichment of vocabulary in French and English, learning to read, writing and basic grammar.

Culture & Science

Exciting discoveries: animals, plants, volcanoes, dinosaurs, geography, the solar system. The world opens up to curious children.

A child's harmonious development

At International School 33, every effort is made to encourage children's overall development: social, emotional, physical and cognitive. The prepared and adapted environment allows each child to grow at his or her own pace.

Concrete results

At the end of kindergarten, your child...

A solid foundation for a smooth transition to primary

Reading & writing
In French and English
4 operations
Mathematical skills up to 9999
Bilingual
Fluid comprehension and expression
Autonomous
Able to manage and organise yourself

Frequently asked questions

At what age can children start attending IS33 kindergarten?
Children from the age of 2 and a half can enrol at International School 33. Classes welcome children up to the age of 6.
How does bilingualism work in kindergarten?
Bilingualism is achieved through total immersion: children study 2 days in English and 2 days in French, with teachers who speak only their mother tongue in class.
What does the Montessori method offer children?
Montessori education allows each child to learn at his or her own pace, choosing activities freely. It develops independence, self-confidence, concentration and respect for others. Children work with scientific materials designed to foster a lasting understanding of concepts.
Do children really learn to read in kindergarten?
Yes, many children start learning to read at the age of 2 and a half thanks to Montessori materials. By the end of nursery school (age 6), all the children have begun to read and write, and have mastered the 4 operations and numbers up to 9999.
How many pupils per class in kindergarten?
Kindergarten classes at IS33 consist of around twenty pupils, with one teacher and two assistants. This ratio means that each child receives individual attention.