The Montessori method provides a quality foundation for the education of each child at Les Pouces Verts. Furthermore, the natural and friendly environment contributes to the happiness and development of the child. Below are listed other aspects of the school that might be of interest to parents.

The language used at the centre is french. Foreign children quickly learn to communicate in french. English is taught from the age of 3. Les Pouces Verts welcomes children of all nationalities.

The centre is non-religious and as such, no religious education is provided. The Montessori method respects all religious beliefs and develops the child’s spiritual integrity.

The centre is located at 200 metres from the D3 from Mougins to Valbonne, 15 minutes from Cannes and 25 minutes from Nice via the A8 highway. Most children are driven but public transport is available within walking distance.

We follow a cycle of 7 weeks of school, followed by 2 weeks of holidays not always coinciding with the vacations of the National Education Board. School resumes at the beginning of September and closes at the end of June. The school opens at 8:30am and classes begin at 8:45am. Those attending on a part-time basis finish at 11:30am, but full-time students are finished at 4:30pm.

Maria Montessori placed a great deal of importance on respecting nature and our stewardship of the world. Consequently, we have chosen to provide a balanced, vegetarian regimen using only organic products. The kitchen staff prepare all meals on site, and all children and teachers dine together.

Team sports are regularly practised by the 9-12 and 12-15 classes. The garden allows for children to play freely. Sandboxes, slides, swings, climbing equipment and table tennis are provided amongst other things.

Artistic expression is highly prized at Les Pouces Verts. Painting and singing are important class activities. Special musical workshops are provided in class. In addition, private individual lessons for piano, harp and flute, or group djumbe lessons may be taken during the day. Plays are written and produced by the older classes while younger classes attend workshops on corporal expression.

The center organises group outings that correspond to the curriculum such as trips to such places as the Brague River to have a picnic, and Villa Kerylos to study ancient greek architecture.

Throughout the year, children and teachers invite parents to the school to enjoy school plays and talent shows, christmas concerts, and various other festivals.

The Montessori method emphasizes stewardship and an environmental conciousness. Children are encouraged to care for the school's kitchen garden and parents contribute to the maintenance and watering of the gardens and school property. The Montessori environment helps children to develop self, cultural, community and environmental awareness and to extend this awareness of social responsibility beyond their families and their school to the local and global communities.

The Montessori Centre Les Pouces Verts feels very strongly that parents play an active role in their child's education. This is achieved in the following ways:

• Each parent is invited to accompany his or her child in class for half a day, actually seeing and sharing what happens in the classroom. This is particularly informative and stimulating for the parent.
• Each parent is invited to meet the teachers involved in his or her child's education and to maintain an open dialogue.
• The « feuille de route », which is completed by the children on a weekly basis to outline daily activities, progress, and events, provides weekly communication between children, teachers and parents.
• The centre is supported by a parent-friends association. Parents may join various committees (management, communications, works, etc.)
• The centre regularly holds pedagogical evening meetings with parents on a variety of topics. There are also various social events organised throughout the year such as coffee mornings, dinners at restaurants, and family breakfasts at school.