Discover the LYCEE Preschool JOURNEY

YOUR CHILD's BILINGUAL JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Welcome to Maternelle, the LYCEE bilingual Preschool

At the Lycée, Preschool can start as early as age 2! The 3 to 4 year cycle, referred to as  "Maternelle" in French, plays a key role in the development of children and their successful transition into thriving students. It builds the foundations children will later use during their entire schooling. It inspires them to question, create and explore while allowing them to develop their individual personality. It builds the confidence they need to trust their own power to act and think responsibly. Finally, it develops their ability to learn and succeed at school and in life. It all begins here!

The Start of Your Child's Bilingual Journey

A GRAPH THAT PRESENTS AND EXPLAINS THE STEPS IN THE PRESCHOOL CYCLE

A program for CHILDREN to LEARN TOGETHER AND LIVE TOGETHER

The class represents a learning community that lays the foundations for building social skills. Diversity and inclusion are a focus of the nurturing Lycée Preschool program. Understanding and respecting differences is key and adults ensure that all children are treated equitably under all circumstances.

Group activities are important in the construction of cognitive tools: recognizing, comparing, categorizing, contrasting, constructing images, linking events, using words referring to space, time, and so on. Activities focused on collective problem-solving or decision-making are also useful as they involve argumentation, explanation, questions, interest in what others believe, think and know. 

Preschool children playing outdoors

 

> LA PETITE ECOLE

La Petite Ecole (LPE) is a full immersion, international private preschool program available every morning of the week on our primary campuses, for children 2 and older. It is the gateway to the Early Learning program. It focuses on socialization and introducing these very young children to school while giving them an early start on bilingualism. 

preschool girl looking at herself in mirror

> BILINGUAL JOURNEY IN PRESCHOOL

Parlez-vous Français? Your preschooler could teach you!
From age 2 in La Petite Ecole, to Kindergarten, children initiate their bilingual journey. Learn more about the building of bilingualism, the approach we have at the Lycée and how the French and US programs and teams actively work strategically together.

> PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM

The progressive acquisition of the French and the English languages, as well as development of social and motor skills and cognitive abilities are the focus of these important years. The day is divided between purposeful learning, playing and resting as all are important and complementary parts of children development.

 

AN INSIDE AND INSIGHTFUL VIEW OF THE PRESCHOOLER EXPERIENCE

In this mini video series, our Maternelle students share their school life experience in the cutest way possible.

What they prefer, what they learn, who they play with and how… you’ll gain insights into what’s happening in their young minds… and in the playground!

THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT

Motricity plays a fundamental role in the overall development of toddlers, supporting not only their physical growth but also their cognitive, emotional, and social skills. In the Lycée approach, motricité is considered essential from an early age and is intentionally woven into the preschool curriculum. Through structured and free movement activities—such as balance games, obstacle courses, dance, and fine motor tasks—children learn to coordinate their bodies, develop spatial awareness, and build self-confidence. This focus on movement fosters autonomy, concentration, and a sense of accomplishment, laying a strong foundation for later learning. Our preschool program recognizes that when children move, they explore, express, and grow—physically and intellectually.

WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT MAKING THE LYCÉE CHOICE

Three preschool boys are reading a book at the library

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NEWS & NOTEWORTHY in PRESCHOOL

kids playing together in playground
Learning to live together

Before children begin using books, paper, pens, or tablets, they first learn how to live together, build friendships, and resolve conflicts. These fundamental, lifelong social skills are initially practiced on the playground and then intentionally nurtured through circle time, reading, class discussions, school plays, and clubs.

Read More about Learning to live together
HOW BILINGUALISM SHAPES YOU : WHAT STUDENTS SAY

"Bilingualism doesn’t just mean that you can speak two languages fluently; being bilingual means that you are aligned with two different cultures, it means that you are exposed to two distinct schools of thought, arts, and lifestyles. By being assimilated into two different cultures, by being at the same time in the heart of France and the United States, bilingualism profoundly shapes you." (...) – Hirad

Read More about HOW BILINGUALISM SHAPES YOU : WHAT STUDENTS SAY

What do you like best about Lycée?.. The approach to teaching, the community and the commitment to provide a great experience for students and families. 

Lycée parent