Established in 1976, Les Pouces Verts has been run by Ludmyla Lesourd with the help of colleagues, parents, friends, and of course, the children.

The purpose built center is located in a quiet setting between Mougins and Valbonne.

The school welcomes boys and girls from 2 to 15 years old. 110 pupils were enrolled for the scholastic year 2005/2006. The classrooms are specially designed to nurture cognitive function and optimal instruction. They provide a prepared environment for children to respond to their natural tendancy to work. Their innate passion to learn is encouraged by spontaneous and purposeful activites which are offered by the specially trained staff. Classes accomodate the natural cycles of development which are broken down into the following 5 stages:

• Stage 2-to-3 years (part-time or full time)
• Stage 3-to-6 years (part-time or full time)
• Stage 6-to-9 years
• Stage 9-to-12 years
• Stage 12-to-15 years

The teaching staff consists of 8 female , 3 male and 10 part-time teachers.

A child “graduates” from one group to the next one, not according to his age, but according to his level of maturity. Similar materials may be present in corresponding classrooms aiding in the transfer from one cycle to the next.

It is our experience that children who have left the school are well adapted to integrate into other educational systems.