About us
Our Classroom
Our Montessori classroom fosters independence, exploration, and discovery in a stimulating environment. Thoughtfully designed with hands-on materials and child-sized furniture, it encourages curiosity, concentration, and self-motivation. Guided by dedicated teachers, each child follows an individualized learning journey, gaining confidence, refining skills, and developing a lifelong love of learning.
Surroundings
Located in Geneva’s serene surroundings, our school offers an ideal setting for learning and exploration. With a park, playground, forest, and nearby river, children connect with nature, experience the seasons, and develop a sense of wonder.
Key Learning Areas
The Montessori approach encourages children to explore their environment with joy, curiosity, and confidence. Thoughtfully interconnected learning areas allow free movement, fostering deep engagement and natural skill development. This holistic design nurtures independence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
Sensorial
Practical Life
History
Mathematics
Geography
Science
Language
ECOLOGY
GARDENING
Our Strengths
Beyond core Montessori principles, our program nurtures the whole child - academically, emotionally, socially, and creatively. We offer activities like music, arts & crafts, and outdoor exploration, fostering creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. This holistic approach helps children build confidence and resilience.
Music
Art & Crafts
Eco-School
Music Discovery
Art & Design
Eco-school
Outlings
Outings
Cooking
Gardening
Cooking
Gardening
Extracurricular Activities
Our extra-curricular activities offer flexibility to personalize your child's learning journey. Complementing the Montessori method, they encourage exploration through music, art and outdoor discovery and movement, helping children develop new skills and expand their horizons.
Environmental awareness
Teaching Our Children to Take Care of Our PlanetLittle Birds recognizes the importance of not only teaching our children to care for our planet, but helping them to build life long habits that will decrease their environmental footprint while helping to keep the world around them beautiful. Over the course of the school year, Little Birds encourages children to participate in gardening activities, go on nature walks to gather, examine and discuss what they find and become Litter Heroes. As Litter Heroes, children learn to identify debris that has been left behind by others. Under the careful supervision of Little Birds’ staff, children use hand-held litter grabber machines to pick up and place non-dangerous litter in the collection bag held by their partner. In pairs the children frequently clean up the areas they explore in the nearby park, on adult led walks around Onex or down by the river, all to the benefit of the local community and our world.
After-School Childcare
Every weekday except Wednesdays, our after-school childcare from 4 to 6 pm offers children a chance to relax and recharge. They enjoy a healthy snack before engaging in outdoor play, games, storytelling, creative activities, and free time to read and unwind.
English Enrichment
Our “Wonderful Wednesdays” program offers children a creative and engaging way to learn English through singing, movement, games, storytelling, arts & crafts, cooking, and outdoor exploration. Inspired by the Montessori approach, these activities foster problem-solving, communication, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment.
Musical Magic
Every Wednesday during the school year, in partnership with the Harp School in Onex, children embark on a musical journey, exploring the enchanting sounds of the harp and other instruments. Through hands-on play, they can pluck harp strings, feel percussion rhythms, and experiment with xylophone notes in a fun and immersive experience.
Summer Camps
From June 30th to July 11th, 2025, our bilingual camps immerse children in English and French through arts & crafts, games, storytelling, cooking, and outdoor exploration. With a balance of structured activities and free play, the program fosters creativity, social skills, and curiosity in a fun and safe environment.
Our Dedicated Team
Kimiyo Friis-Lund
Directress, Bilingual Montessori Teacher
Kimiyo’s journey with Montessori education is both professional and deeply personal. As a mother of a Montessori-educated child, she has experienced firsthand the profound impact of this approach on a child’s development. She firmly believes that completing the full three-year Montessori cycle is a priceless gift, fostering independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. For her, Montessori is not just an educational method but a foundation that nurtures the whole child, equipping them with the skills and mindset to navigate life with curiosity and resilience.
Born in Japan, Kimiyo has spent most of her adult life in Switzerland, dedicating herself to the field of education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and is an AMI-certified teacher for children aged 3 to 6. Since 2004, she has passionately guided children in Montessori schools, offering patience, warmth, and deep respect for each child’s learning journey. Her extensive experience and cultural background allow her to create a nurturing and inspiring classroom where children feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Alexandra Gonin
French-Speaking Montessori Teacher
Pedagogical Coordinator
Alexandra’s passion for education led her to the Montessori approach, aligning with her belief in child-centered learning. Born and raised in France, she earned a Master’s in Education from the Sorbonne before obtaining her AMI certification for children aged 3 to 6. Her dedication to nurturing young learners has been at the heart of her work since she joined forces with Kimiyo in 2015.
For Alexandra, Montessori is more than a method—it’s a way to honor each child’s individuality, fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. She finds great joy in witnessing children’s transformation throughout their three-year journey, helping them develop confidence, self-discipline, and creativity. With patience and warmth, she empowers them to take ownership of their learning, embracing challenges with enthusiasm and pride.
Bethani Ann DE LONG VEHAPI
English Teacher (English Enrichment)
Bethani Ann holds MSc and BA degrees, along with advanced TESOL certification and an AMI Montessori Teacher Certification for children aged 3 to 6. Having experienced Montessori education herself from ages 3 to 8, she deeply understands its lifelong impact. As the daughter of a Montessori teacher, she combines personal insight with professional expertise to enrich each child’s learning experience.
Since joining Little Birds in 2022, Bethani Ann has passionately led Wonderful Wednesday workshops, sharing her creativity and knowledge with enthusiasm. Her joy in teaching is contagious—she often jokes that she’s not sure who enjoys the classes more, the children or herself!
ROMAIN BOUTOLLEAU
Music Teacher
Romain is passionate about music as a powerful tool for creativity, expression, and personal growth. As a psychology student, he understands its profound impact on a child’s cognitive and emotional development. With over a decade of experience in guitar and musical theater, he values music as a means of storytelling through melody and rhythm.
Believing that music is about emotion and imagination rather than just technique, he creates a welcoming space where children gain confidence and enjoy making music. Through singing, playing instruments, and exploring rhythm, he fosters not only musical skills but also self-confidence and creativity.
JUSTINE BAYLAUCQ
After-School Facilitator
Justine is a passionate master’s student in psychology at the University of Geneva, specializing in child psychology and pedagogy. Her deep understanding of child development allows her to create enriching learning experiences that support both cognitive and emotional growth.
As the director of a musical theater association in Geneva, she fosters creativity in young performers through storytelling, music, and self-expression. At Little Birds, she brings this expertise to extracurricular activities, offering children an inspiring space to explore their creativity through theater, music, and artistic expression.
LYVIA STREICH
After-School Facilitator
Psychology Student at the University of Geneva
Graduate Montessori Assistant at Maria Montessori Institute of London
Lyvia has the pleasure for caring for the children during Little Birds’ after-school childcare program from 4 – 6 pm. As a psychology student, She uses her knowledge and passion for child development in her role as a facilitator at Little Birds. She feels honored to accompany them in their development and is proud to be part of such a dedicated educational team.
Andreas Friis-Lund
Administrator
Inspired by his daughter’s transformative experience in a Montessori preschool, Andreas developed a deep appreciation for the philosophy’s impact on independence, confidence, and a love of learning. Embracing his wife’s vision, he dedicated himself to creating a Montessori school where more children could benefit from this enriching education.
A graduate of the Swiss Hotel Management Academy in Lucerne, Andreas built a successful career in hospitality, refining his skills in organization and operations. He now applies this expertise to managing the school’s daily operations, ensuring a smooth and supportive environment where teachers can focus on guiding and nurturing each child’s growth.
Andreas can be reached on 078 603 3131 or by email at admin@montessorilittlebirds.ch
Our Story
Kimiyo discovered the Montessori method while searching for the best early education for her daughter. She wanted a learning environment that nurtured independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of discovery—one that valued not only academics but also creativity, emotional intelligence, and a deep connection to the world.
Montessori’s child-centered philosophy resonated deeply with her, emphasizing curiosity, self-discipline, and a true sense of purpose. Inspired by its transformative impact, Kimiyo became passionate about bringing this holistic approach to other families, creating a space where children can flourish and reach their full potential.
After enrolling her daughter in a Montessori school and witnessing its positive impact, Kimiyo trained as a Montessori teacher. With over a decade of experience nurturing children’s growth, she founded Little Birds, where she and her team are dedicated to fostering joyful, independent learning in a carefully prepared environment.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a warm, safe, and stimulating environment where each child can develop their full potential while respecting their individual pace, natural curiosity, and need for autonomy.
Our Core Principles
- Respect for the Child – We recognize each child as a unique individual with their own talents, interests, and needs.
- Autonomy-Based Learning – Encouraging children to choose their activities, solve their own problems, and take responsibility for their learning.
- A Prepared Environment – Providing an orderly, aesthetic, and child-sized space with Montessori materials designed to foster exploration and learning.
- Learning Through Experience – Promoting “doing” rather than just “listening” by actively engaging the hands, senses, and mind.
- Cooperation and Community – Valuing mutual help, respect, and collaboration between children and adults.
Key Values
- Autonomy – Allowing children to do things by themselves while providing necessary support.
- Respect – Cultivating deep respect for oneself, others, and the world around us.
- Fulfillment – Encouraging the joy of learning and self-confidence at every stage of development.
Commitments of Educators
- Observe each child with kindness to meet their specific needs.
- Provide an environment rich in educational and sensory experiences.
- Support children in their development.
Commitments of Children
- Respect others, materials, and the environment.
- Engage actively in chosen activities and complete what they start.
- Explore with curiosity and ask questions to learn.
Commitments of Parents
- Support the Montessori approach at home by fostering autonomy and respecting the child’s rhythm.
- Actively participate in school life (meetings, events, activities).
- Encourage open and respectful communication with the educators.
School Operations
- Schedules – Activities follow a structured schedule that respects the children’s needs.
- Montessori Materials – Children have access to tools specifically designed to promote autonomy and learning.
- Assessment – No grades, but regular observations to monitor each child’s individual progress.
Inclusion and Diversity
We welcome children from all backgrounds and cultures. The richness of diversity strengthens learning and social development.
Environmental Commitment
Little Birds Montessori School is committed to teaching children environmentally friendly practices and raising families’ awareness of sustainability.
