What is Montessori pedagogy?
An active approach developed by Maria Montessori, based on observing the child, free choice of activities within a prepared setting, and self-correcting materials that isolate one difficulty at a time.
Montessori pedagogy, bilingual immersion
At Junior Academy, pedagogy is delivered by AMI-qualified teachers and assistants in multi-age classes, within a French/English bilingual environment that is lived every day.
Montessori 3-6
The Children's House — prepared environment, sensorial and language materials, budding independence.
Explore the Children's HouseMontessori 6-12
The Explorers' Community — cross-disciplinary projects, critical thinking, preparation for middle school.
Explore the Explorers' CommunityBilingual education
Daily FR/EN immersion with a native English-speaking teacher, from nursery onwards.
Read about bilingual immersionLet's talk
A 15-minute chat with our head teacher, no strings attached. You'll leave with a clear picture of our approach and the next steps.
Montessori pedagogy in a bilingual setting
Montessori pedagogy rests on three inseparable principles: a prepared environment tailored to the child's size, scientifically designed materials that isolate one difficulty at a time, and an adult who observes before teaching. At Junior Academy, these principles are applied to the letter by AMI-trained teachers and enriched with daily French-English immersion.
Classes are mixed-age, letting younger children learn by watching older ones, and older children consolidate their skills by helping their peers. This structure creates a small society in which mutual help, autonomy and respect for others' work are values lived every day.
The programme covers the objectives of the French Éducation nationale curriculum while using Montessori materials. Children leave Year 6 with the expected end-of-cycle-3 level, a strong command of spoken and written English and, above all, a positive relationship with learning.
What does AMI stand for?
AMI stands for Association Montessori Internationale — the body founded by Maria Montessori in 1929 that guarantees fidelity to the original method. AMI training is the most demanding in the sector.