The Montessori school in Geneva where children grow up with a smile!

What if school was much more than just a place of learning? At La Marelle, we believe it’s a place of adventure! Since 2008, our Montessori school in Chêne-Bourg (near Geneva) has been supporting your children in a bilingual, welcoming and now even more spacious environment. For parents looking for a high-quality alternative education in Geneva, we offer a setting where we don’t fill vases, but let springs flow.

Ready to see your child flourish in complete freedom?

At La Marelle, we rigorously apply Maria Montessori’s philosophy: “Help me to do it by myself! Help me to think by myself!”. More than just a method, it is a caring approach to children that helps them reveal their full potential.

The absorbent mind and sensitive periods

Up to the age of 6, your child goes through phases of intense fascination with order, language or motor skills. We support them with a carefully prepared environment to nurture their natural thirst for learning.

Scientific teaching materials

At our school in Geneva, children handle concrete objects (beads, rough letters, botanical puzzles) to understand abstract concepts. Each piece of equipment is self-correcting, allowing children to learn from their mistakes without judgement.

Freedom of movement and choice

Movement is the link between the mind and the world. Here, we learn by moving! Children are free to choose their activities, which promotes deep concentration and natural self-discipline.

Respect for individual pace and mixed ages

There is no competition or comparison. Each child progresses at their own pace, like a seed of hope that is cultivated with patience. The mix of ages allows younger children to be inspired by their elders, and older children to consolidate their knowledge by helping others.

The educator, a discreet guide

Our educators are not there to impart knowledge from above, but to observe and guide. They prepare the ground so that the child becomes the main actor in their own education.

Join our Montessori school in Geneva !

Do you feel that La Marelle is the ideal place for your child’s future? Our admission process is as smooth as a finger painting session. Whether for our 3-6 or 6-12 year old classes, our private school in Geneva looks forward to meeting you and showing you around our new premises. Good to know: unlike the public system, we accept children who turn 3 by 31 December of the current school year. This is a valuable opportunity and an ideal alternative to nursery school, offering your child a calm and stimulating start to their school life.

Our school in pictures : a cocoon in the heart of Geneva

Because pictures are worth a thousand words when it comes to describing the atmosphere at a Montessori school in Geneva, take a look at our daily life. Between sensory materials, bursts of laughter and moments of intense concentration, welcome to the world of La Marelle.

Parent testimonials

We enrolled our son in La Marelle Montessori School when he was three years old. We found the staff to be highly professional and very attentive. We have complete confidence in them, and our son is very happy there.

An ideal school for inclusion and personal development! Our two children, who are of foreign origin, have been thriving there for several years. Despite the language barrier at the beginning and learning difficulties, the Montessori method at La Marelle and the patience of the teachers have enabled them to gain confidence and independence. Seeing our children enjoy going to school for the past seven years has been a source of immense satisfaction.

La Marelle is a unique place where our two children grew up in a peaceful and respectful environment. What sets this school apart is its high level of professionalism combined with a sincere love for children. They were listened to, valued and supported with exemplary kindness. It was a precious and unforgettable experience for our whole family.

Our two daughters flourished at La Marelle from ages 3 to 9, each progressing at their own pace within a community where mutual support between ages is natural. We greatly appreciated the importance given to outdoor activities and Montessori materials, which allowed them to grasp complex concepts. Now at public school, they have adapted perfectly and are continuing their education without any difficulty.

Your questions our answers !

Choosing a school for your child is an important step that naturally raises many questions. To help you in your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of the questions we are most frequently asked by parents.

What are the admission requirements ?

It all starts with a meeting! Admission to La Marelle is based on a discussion between you and our team to ensure that our educational programme meets your expectations. After a tour of the premises and a short observation period for your child in a classroom, we will confirm their enrolment together.

Do you accept children with special needs ?

Inclusion is an integral part of the Montessori philosophy. We welcome children with specific conditions, provided that we can offer them the safe environment and tailored support they need to thrive. Let's discuss this together during your visit.

Does my child need to be toilet trained ?

Yes, toilet training is a prerequisite for starting school. It is an important step towards independence, allowing children to feel comfortable in their movements and fully engage in activities without hindrance.

Is the canteen compulsory ?

Yes, lunch is considered an educational and social time in its own right. It is a convivial moment where children learn to set the table, try new foods and share a meal as a community. Exceptions can be discussed for very specific cases.

Do you cater for allergies ?

Absolutely. Our catering partner manages ‘classic’ allergies (gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.). For more specific or complex allergies, we work with the management team to define a precise protocol to ensure your child's safety and well-being.

How does English language learning work ?

We favour natural immersion. Children are immersed in the English language through daily rituals (washing hands, group activities, shared moments). In line with the principle of free choice, children are never forced to respond in English; they learn the language at their own pace, without pressure.

Do you also teach German ?

Yes, language learning continues with German from Year 5 onwards. A specialist teacher comes in twice a week to introduce pupils to the basics of the language and prepare them calmly for the rest of their school career.

Will my child be able to return to the traditional system afterwards ?

Of course! Montessori education prepares children for life (and its changes) above all else. Thanks to the independence and self-confidence acquired at La Marelle, your child will have all the tools they need to adapt easily and confidently if they subsequently decide to continue their education in a traditional school.