Montessori Seeds of Knowledge was started in 2011, where there were 12 students aged 3-6 in a classroom in Tartegnin, and 7 students aged 6-12 at a class in Les Fontaines, Nyon. By 2012, the school had grown to include a 3-6 classroom in Nyon as well. In 2015, the school needed to expand further and moved to Vich, where it stayed for 5 years. Then in the summer of 2021, the school moved to custom built premises in Etoy. With the recent move to an amazing space, it was time to catch up with the founder of the school, Marie Littman.
Why did you start the school?
When Madame Littman started working in education, she felt that the common focus of the school establishments was often on financial turnover or the needs of the adults. And so, it was her dream to create a school that was truly child centered, where the child was the absolute focus.
What was the inspiration?
When Madame Littman was doing her ecole educatrice training, she discovered the Montessori pedagogy, and thought it was absolutely marvellous. She was inspired to create a real Montessori school, where the adults were happy to come to work and the children were engaged in their work and wanted to attend.
What is the biggest obstacle that you have had to overcome?
Trying to find a beautiful building that could offer everything that the pedagogy requires and an outdoor space has been challenging. The buildings were either unsuitable or the communes were not keen on the idea of having a school set up in the proposed premises. Now the school has moved to Etoy, which is slightly outside of the Nyon area where the school had an established reputation, so we must start to build up the reputation again. However, the new premises are magnificent with lots of light and space. Through this, Madame Littman’s dream is being realised. Currently, the new playground is being installed, and the children are very excited about this. Whilst the move has been challenging, with a new catchment area and lots of shipment delays due to the COVID pandemic, the student, parent and teaching community are very happy.
What developments should parents be looking for in how your method differs from others?
The Montessori pedagogy is very well known across the globe for the 3-6 programme, but very little is known about the 6-12 curriculum and even less about the 12-15. We are delighted to offer a child centred approach for all of these ages. The guides for the 12-15 section are currently developing a new permaculture section with the children. In autumn 2022, we will also offer a class for children aged between 18-36 months. We are also adapting our programme to suit the needs of the modern family, which often has two working parents and so their needs differ. But all of this is done with the focus absolutely on the child. In traditional school, a teacher will deliver a set curriculum to the students, but in the Montessori pedagogy we follow the child and their interests, whilst maintaining the obligations of the Swiss curriculum.
All of our staff are AMI qualified, which means that they are trained to the highest standards. The school also offers after school activities and there are camps available during the school holidays. We actively encourage parents and visitors to come and observe within the school, if they wish to see the school in action.
What is your favourite thing about the school, and why?
Madame Littman loves to see that the children are happy, and that the teachers are happy. This morning a child was observed running as fast as he could, from the bus stop and into the school. When we asked him what the rush was, he told us that he could not sleep because he was so excited to research pre-columbian civilisations!
One of the teachers, Jo Brady, loves the classrooms. She feels very blessed that she gets to work there every day and that her children get to attend this school. The teaching community are tight knit and supportive of each other and the child. It is truly a privilege to accompany the children on their learning, and to see them blossom.
Parent quotes
I wanted a creative and thriving educational environment for my son. I am so happy with the quality of activities and learning that the Seeds of Knowledge Montessori School offers. My son has really blossomed, he has grown into such a confident and autonomous child. He is presented with stimulating materials, and with much care and attention from his teachers to keep him progressing at his pace. Anne Valko Celestino
We have been impressed with the way that the teachers encourage the children to follow their individual interests. Our son recently undertook a big project just on maps, which he really enjoyed and became focused on completing each day. We have been delighted to see how much he has learnt through the process. Louise C.
Special Events
Throughout the year, the school offers conferences for parents (school and prospective parents) to attend. For further information, please contact our administration.
Upcoming open days 10h-16h (check website for future dates)
9 April 2022
7 May 2022
Montessori Seeds of Knowledge
En Courta Rama 10
1163 Etoy
079 864 66 33
022 361 17 25
Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
https://montessori-seeds.ch/en
