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About us
The Other School's ambition is to allow each child to become himself or herself. We have imagined an Other School because we believe that academic excellence alone is insufficient to prepare children for the world of tomorrow.
In a changing world, we believe that knowing how to adapt and how to get involved in causes that are important to us contributes to happiness. Also, combining pleasure and knowledge, giving a taste for sharing and the pleasure of living together are essential conditions for creating the committed actors of tomorrow.
Finally, we believe that intelligence is multiple, cognitive, social and emotional, and that developing this potential is a determining factor in the overall construction of the individual. L'Autre École offers a caring environment that respects differences in order to bring out the best in everyone.
L'Autre École was born out of a look at the world in search of meaning that is our world today, a world that is not going well and that could get better if we started to rethink education.
This world is moving fast. In fact, it has never changed as fast as it has in the last 70 years. And yet educational models are not changing, or not changing enough. Schools cannot solve everything, but they must be nourished by societal changes in order to meet the needs of the times.
Our world is built, in part, around myths and stories that our level of knowledge now allows us to look at with lucidity, and even to deconstruct.
Accepting that at least some of the inconsistencies and misunderstandings that shake contemporary humanity as a result of such conditioning means putting education at the heart of our society, making school the solution to transmit the feeling of belonging to the same human community of destiny.
Another school seems therefore necessary, and therefore possible. A school whose ambition would be to give everyone the keys to become an individual sensitive to living well together and responsible for his or her impact on the environment, fitting into the human community as well as possible.
L'Autre École sets its pedagogical framework in contact with a multidisciplinary college of experts composed of teachers, pedagogues, neuroscience researchers, child psychiatrists, philosophers and parents. These sources of knowledge and inspiration nourish the educational line and the diversity of teaching in an evolutionary way, to take into account advances in research, but also feedback from students, parents and the community of teachers and carers.
The teaching implemented at L'Autre École is thus based in particular on the breadth of old and new knowledge, with particular attention paid to positive and alternative pedagogies centered on the child(Montessori, Freinet, Steiner).
Annie graduated from the Maria Montessori Institute as an AMI educator for 3-6 year olds. She has several years of experience teaching in Montessori schools to 2-3 year olds, 3-6 year olds and middle schoolers. She is also a yoga teacher for children and leads philosophical workshops for younger children. For her, gentleness and kindness are essential attitudes to offer a space of peace and harmony within the school.
I have a degree in animation and have been accompanying children during extracurricular activities for more than 25 years. My pedagogical objective is to make the "living together" more dynamic; in an atmosphere of in an atmosphere of good humour and conviviality. To set up simple actions during small games to learn to build with others, to develop solidarity and mutual aid. To express one's point of view to express one's point of view, to control one's feelings and emotions. To work on oneself and to act in the group. All this in a caring environment. Quote: "Let's not raise our children for today's world. That world will have changed when they grow up. Therefore, the priority is to help the child to cultivate his or her creative and adaptive faculties. Maria Montessori.
Originally from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon in Mexico, where I spent part of my schooling as a Montessori student, I came to France to study schooling as a Montessori student, I came to France to do my postgraduate studies in I came to France to study linguistics at Paris IV Sorbonne. I have a DEA in in linguistics and specialise in text translation. I was a teacher for 2 years at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the Autonomous University of the State of Nuevo Leon. I have been a Putolian for more than 20 years, after having worked as a teacher of English and Spanish for teenagers with learning difficulties, I chose to gain professional experience experience working with children aged 2 to 6 years old with the Beautiful Minds team in Beautiful Minds team as a supervisor. Rich of this new experience and experience and wishing to continue in this way, I obtained this year a and I am planning to become a Montessori assistant for 0 to 6 year olds in the near future. Montessori assistant for 0 to 6 year olds.
Marine is a psychologist by training and also a teacher, having graduated from the Inspe in Paris. During her professional experience, she has worked with children with special needs and has taught the different cycles of the French National Education programme, allowing her to work with children of all ages. In addition to her genuine interest in education and children, Marine is interested in the arts: musicals, singing, dancing and has put on shows for children. Finally, Marine is no stranger to L'Autre École as she did a training course with us in 2018 and thus reiterated her enthusiasm for sharing our values and our future projects.
After finishing a degree in French and Russian studies, Hanna had the opportunity to teach English in France. While in France they found a love for teaching and joined Beautiful Minds where they were introduced to the Montessori method. Hanna enjoys sharing their love for baking, singing and art with the children and appreciates the international atmosphere of the school community.
In parallel to my studies in child and adolescent psychology I worked in active pedagogy (Pikler and Montessori). I then decided to go in this direction and I decided to go in this direction and I pursued training in this sense (Fabler and Mazlish, Piklerian reflections, etc). It seems essential to me to allow the child to be an actor in his or her discoveries and to observe him or her in order to to observe them in order to respond as closely as possible to their developmental needs. After more than 10 years with 0-3 year olds, I trained as a Montessori assistant and then as a Montessori educator for the children's home at the Institut Supérieur Maria Montessori (AMI diploma). I did my my internship at the Beautiful Minds school in Coubevoie and it is with great enthusiasm and and it is with great pleasure that I join the team in September 2021.
After teaching mathematics in a public secondary school in Yaounde, Cameroon for 10 years, I have been a surface technician and kitchen assistant in Beautiful Minds schools for 8 years. At the moment, I am training to become a Montessori educator (6-12 years old) in Nogent sur Marne which allows me to work as an extracurricular assistant and Montessori assistant.
A teacher for 30 years, Myriem has a long and varied experience. Throughout the Val de Marne and then Paris, via Madagascar, she has taught at all levels in the National Education system and then in the private sector; alternative, bilingual and denominational. Her interest in alternative pedagogies naturally led her to the Maria Montessori method, which she trained in by setting up workshops in her various classes. "Beyond the purely pedagogical interest of the Montessori method, it is the human values that I want to convey, the importance given to relational quality; trust, respect, listening, sharing, collaboration and high standards.
Born and raised in a small state in northeastern Connecticut, USA, Caroline is driven by a curiosity for new places, cultures and people. Before joining the L'autre Ecole community in 2021, she taught English in Madrid, Spain. She earned a degree in education from the University of Rhode Island and a TEFL certification while working in Madrid. Caroline has had a passion for working with children throughout her life, especially nurturing their sense of adventure and appreciation for the outdoors. Back home, she has led groups of girls on multi-day nature trips. She values the individuality of each child and seeks to guide them with kindness and patience as they progress in their academic and personal growth.
I have British/Polish nationality and grew up in Surrey in England. I learned French in the Loire Valley and it was here that I discovered my love of French language and culture! I got my undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham and later obtained my Post Graduate Certificate of Education at the University of Exeter. I taught in a French bilingual school in London prior to moving to Paris. On arrival in Paris, I have been teaching at Ecole Jeannine Manuel levels GS - CE2. I was excited to join the team at LAE this year and explore an alternative teaching philosophy. I am a positive and encouraging teacher. It is rewarding to watch the children learn English and expand their cultural horizons. After class, I enjoy exploring the many art and cultural opportunities Paris has to offer. I also enjoy pursuing my own language learning. Currently, I am improving my Italian and learning Spanish. I will be found hiking, traveling around Europe, or relaxing in a cafe during the holidays.
Justine grew up between France and Vietnam. This openness to the world gave her the desire to discover more about the world around her and introduced her to bilingualism. After completing a BTS in International Commerce in Paris, France, she left to finish her studies in Australia where she flourished for 4 years. After a Bachelor of Marketing, she undertook a Post Graduate Degree in Education, at the end of which she started working in Australian schools on the Sunshine Coast and then moved to Sydney, to an international school. After 4 years in Australia, she continued her career in London, England, where she taught for 2 years. Her interest in bilingualism led her to teach at the Ecole Jeannine Manuel in Paris before moving to New York. Justine continued her professional career at the Lycée Français de New-York, teaching Grande Section and Petite Section. Since July 2020, Justine has returned to France and has been teaching again at the Ecole Bilingue Jeannine Manuel. She has now decided to continue her career at L'autre école and is thriving in the kindergarten class.
Our pedagogical team is made up of experienced Montessori educators with AMI (International Montessori Association) diplomas and benefits from regular supervision by the Maria Montessori Higher Institute.
Our pedagogical team is made up of experienced Montessori educators with AMI (International Montessori Association) diplomas and benefits from regular supervision by the Maria Montessori Higher Institute.
Our pedagogical team is made up of experienced Montessori educators with AMI (International Montessori Association) diplomas and benefits from regular supervision by the Maria Montessori Higher Institute.
Our pedagogical team is made up of experienced Montessori educators with AMI (International Montessori Association) diplomas and benefits from regular supervision by the Maria Montessori Higher Institute.
"When I studied Philology in Russia I discovered several alternative pedagogies. Maria Montessori's approach marked me. In Russia I taught English and French. I discovered the Montessori atmosphere by working at the trilingual Montessori school in Val-de-Marne. While working in this school, I obtained the diploma of Montessori Assistant 3-6 years at the Institut Supérieur de Maria Montessori in France in 2014. The same year I met Maria, the director of the Beautiful Minds Montessori school, and I started my work in a French-Russian class. These years have only confirmed my desire to work with children in this way, respecting the rhythm and individuality of each one".
"Following my second Master of International Business in France, I started my career as an international project manager for comics and art. Until my two daughters were born, I didn't know that I would one day accompany them on a Montessori journey. My husband and I fell in love with Maria Montessori's ideas and introduced our daughters to her philosophy at the age of two and a half. They are now big girls and a true testament to the beauty of love and humanity. To continue my own Montessori adventure, I started the AMI training in 2018 and graduated as a Montessori Educator 3-6 years in 2019. I then had the opportunity to work in 2019-2020 in a 3-6 year old environment at Beautiful Minds Montessori School in Puteaux. The experience I had that year with the children in the 2-3 year old class amazed me. How they integrate and enjoy the new environment! How spontaneously they take up activities and want to learn more! Each of them is already an amazing human being! This year I am lucky enough to work in a 2-3 year old class at Beautiful Minds Nursery School in Courbevoie where I can observe them a bit more closely. It is a joy to work with them, to laugh with them, to overcome difficulties with them and of course to see them grow. I am grateful for this wonderful experience and enjoy guiding the children on their own Montessori journey."
"I graduated in economics as a senior computer technician and worked for several years at university in my home country. As soon as I arrived in France I decided to change my professional life. I was always passionate about child development. First I decided to follow a CAP Petite Enfance training course. During this training I had the opportunity to do my internship at Montessori Beautiful Minds schools. This is how I was able to discover Maria Montessori's pedagogy which adapts to the capacity and rhythm of each child. I was strongly marked by the use of material that allows the child to apprehend the world around him. In 2016 I joined the Beautiful Minds schools after graduating as a Montessori assistant 0-3 years old. In 2020 I graduated as a Montessori Educator 3-6 years old from the Maria Montessori Institute. I am proud to be able to fully offer my enthusiasm to young children. I am happy to accompany them in their development of autonomy, while always being attentive to their needs. I am convinced that education and the child are the means to contribute to a better world."
The recruitment of our team is currently being finalised; we pay particular attention to recruiting carefully based on criteria of know-how and interpersonal skills. Recruiting passionate people, with the desire to innovate, to reveal the talents of children and to accompany them in their development. Experience in the educational process is at the heart of our vision and we take care to bring together a professional team that shares this stance by giving more room to emotions, imagination and creativity and that believes in the potential of play in the learning process. By joining us, they commit themselves daily to bring this other vision of the school to life.
The recruitment of our team is currently being finalised; we pay particular attention to recruiting carefully based on criteria of know-how and interpersonal skills. Recruiting passionate people, with the desire to innovate, to reveal the talents of children and to accompany them in their development. Experience in the educational process is at the heart of our vision and we take care to bring together a professional team that shares this stance by giving more room to emotions, imagination and creativity and that believes in the potential of play in the learning process. By joining us, they commit themselves daily to bring this other vision of the school to life.
The recruitment of our team is currently being finalised; we pay particular attention to recruiting carefully based on criteria of know-how and interpersonal skills. Recruiting passionate people, with the desire to innovate, to reveal the talents of children and to accompany them in their development. Experience in the educational process is at the heart of our vision and we take care to bring together a professional team that shares this stance by giving more room to emotions, imagination and creativity and that believes in the potential of play in the learning process. By joining us, they commit themselves daily to bring this other vision of the school to life.
The recruitment of our team is currently being finalised; we pay particular attention to recruiting carefully based on criteria of know-how and interpersonal skills. Recruiting passionate people, with the desire to innovate, to reveal the talents of children and to accompany them in their development. Experience in the educational process is at the heart of our vision and we take care to bring together a professional team that shares this stance by giving more room to emotions, imagination and creativity and that believes in the potential of play in the learning process. By joining us, they commit themselves daily to bring this other vision of the school to life.
Passionate, dynamic, I thrive on challenges, complex environments and multidisciplinary functions. I have built myself through encounters, openness, rigour and good will. I graduated as an international business lawyer, Executive MBA (Summa Cum Laude, major with honors). I am open-minded and intellectually curious, innovation is at the heart of my interests. I have a certain entrepreneurial and "intrapreneurial" instinct; entrepreneurship and social innovation allow me to grow every day, through its complexity and constant challenges. After my E-MBA, I made the choice to leave a large company (Airbus, where I had a rather rewarding job and a promising company), in order to take on more responsibilities and to open up the possibility of developing my own business; I am currently Deputy Managing Director of the Synergy family (+500 employees), and CEO of a fast-growing training company. The new challenges I am taking on are exciting and I really enjoy working with my team and associates.
"I completed my university studies in St. Petersburg, Russia in classical philology, ancient languages and literature. Languages have always been my great passion and they still are today. After graduation, I was lucky enough to discover Montessori pedagogy, whose ideas immediately dazzled me. I understood that I had to study deeply this alternative teaching method that I now use in order to transform my environment and make it better. After completing my first Montessori training in Moscow, I worked for beautiful schools in Moscow and St. Petersburg as an educator of classes 3-6 and 6-9 for two years before moving to France. In 2020, I obtained my second diploma as a Montessori 3-6 educator at the Maria Montessori Higher Institute. For me, Montessori pedagogy is a real inspiration to explore the infinite possibilities of the child, and therefore of every human being, as well as the development of an attitude that believes in and stimulates the best in everyone. I joined the Beautiful Minds Montessori team in November 2017."
Following a career in international communications, Nathalie decided to change course and move towards a more humane and meaningful profession for her. Passionate about education and psychology, she quickly turned to the work and philosophy of Maria Montessori to train as a 3-6 educator. For her, much more than a method, it is a philosophy of life in which respect and well-being of the child are at the centre of everything. Thus, she is happy to accompany children in their development by always being attentive to their needs. "Like Maria Montessori, I am convinced that education and the child are the means to contribute to a better world."
"My first introduction to Montessori pedagogy was during a placement in a Montessori school for my Care and Education of Children 0-6 certificate in Ireland. Fascinated by this child-centred approach, I decided to learn more and in 2011 I completed my Montessori 3-6 teaching diploma with the Portobello Institute, Dublin. After many years of travel, I joined Beautiful Minds, Courbevoie Elementary School in 2016 and am proud to be part of a team so committed to the care and development of each child. Continuing my personal development, I completed the AMI 6-12 Assistant Certificate in June 2020, with the Maria Montessori Institute, London. I am currently working towards my Elementary Educator 6-12 diploma with the Institut Supérieur Maria Montessori, Paris."
After studies in Spanish, educational sciences and primary education, Marine worked for two years as a school teacher in the Versailles academy. This professional experience made her realize how much she loved children from 3 to 6 years old at this stage where so much is played and built. This is how she became interested in Montessori pedagogy until she finally wanted to train and specialize. "Today, having graduated as an AMI Montessori assistant, I intend to devote myself fully to this wonderful philosophy."
Pauline has always been passionate about child psychology and has always been in contact with children. Pauline decided to train as an Early Childhood Educator. During this training, she had the opportunity to do an internship in a school and that's how she was able to discover the pedagogy of Maria Montessori. She was marked by this pedagogy which adapts to the child's abilities and rhythm and also by the autonomy that the material allows the child to develop. At the end of her training she worked in a crèche. She was always concerned about the child's well-being, so she made sure that her welcome was as individualized as possible. Finally, after four years in the crèche, she decided to follow the Montessori Educator training course given by the Maria Montessori Higher Institute, at the end of which she obtained her Montessori Educator diploma recognised by the International Montessori Association. Since September 2013, Pauline has been working in the 3-6 year old class at Beautiful Minds School.
Having studied Anthropology and Interdisciplinary Arts for Children, Lyndsey has always been interested in multicultural environments and early childhood education. During her studies, she discovered several alternative education systems and was very attracted to Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and the idea that every child has his or her own type of learning. After working in an after-school program for children from Spanish-speaking families in Princeton, New Jersey, and in a daycare center for an English language project in Paris, she flourished after finding a place in the Beautiful Minds community, where children have the right to learn and grow at their own pace in a nurturing environment.
Strongly marked by the question of teaching and the position of the child in front of the education which is proposed to him, Véronique is in questioning since her master of philosophy. "Learning to think for oneself" - Maria Montessori echoes this research. In this way, Véronique finds a way to contribute to the development of young children while respecting their desire to learn for themselves. Since the beginning of her training as a childcare worker in 2013 at the Saint-Honoré Training Centre in Paris, she has been able to take advantage of several training courses at the Maria Montessori Higher Institute. She was strongly influenced by the use of materials that allow children to understand the world around them. To validate her training as an early childhood educator, she chose to do her end-of-study internship at the Beautiful Minds school at Courbevoie in 2015. "Today, I am proud to be able to offer all my enthusiasm and experience to young children aged 2-3 in a Montessori school such as Beautiful Minds.
"After 10 years in sales positions in the banking sector and then in communications, I wanted to reorient myself towards a meaningful and human-oriented job. I became interested in education when I waited for my son, and that's when I discovered Montessori pedagogy. After a first experience as a teacher in a traditional elementary school, it became obvious to me that it was the Montessori pedagogy that I wanted to carry and transmit. So I followed the formation of educator 3-6 at the Maria Montessori Higher Institute, and obtained my diploma in 2019. For me, Montessori pedagogy embodies above all respect for the child and his or her potential. It is also full of hope for the future of our children because Maria Montessori advocates education for peace. More than a pedagogy, for me it is a philosophy of life that I strive to adopt and share in all aspects of my daily life. I have been with Beautiful Minds since September 2019. I chose this school because it is faithful to Maria Montessori's pedagogy and applies her principles with authenticity. Also for her dedicated team, who are committed to passing on strong human values such as respect, kindness and tolerance to the children in her care".
Scott is 37 years old and comes from South London, England. He has lived near Paris for the past 3 years and is currently working as an assistant in the 6-12 year old class at the Beautiful Minds School, after graduating as a 6-12 assistant from the Maria Montessori Institute in London. He has worked in the field of neurological rehabilitation of young people with epilepsy, after which he studied Pediatric Nursing at the University of Surrey, England. Scott then held various care and teaching positions in England. As the children will tell you, Scott is passionate about football and has a good sense of humour (English!). He particularly enjoys art, art activities and presenting books in English in the classroom. Proud to have helped organize the first summer camp in England in 2018 he is passionate about his work with the children here and hopes to continue to inspire Beautiful Minds in the years to come.
After obtaining her Technical Baccalaureate in Music and Dance (TMD), Elodie continued her studies at the University of Caen Normandy until her dissertation was defended in September 2017. In parallel to her studies, she worked as a facilitator in schools in priority education zones and in leisure centres with children of all ages. Through meetings and reading, she discovered the thought of Maria Montessori. Her educational objectives are to take a new look at children, to accompany them in their development, to encourage their autonomy while stimulating their curiosity and to respect their rate of growth: these are now her objectives in terms of education. In October 2017, she decided to follow the AMI 6-12 year old educator training at the Centre de Formation Montessori Francophonie in Archamps (74). "I am delighted to have joined the Beautiful Minds team and enthusiastic about working with children in the 6-12 year old class".
Born in Hong Kong, Flora has lived in England, America and now France, so she is trilingual in English, Chinese and French. She holds an American Bachelor's degree and a French degree in Art. Since her motherhood, Flora has developed an interest in working with children and Maria Montessori's pedagogy has inspired her deeply to continue in this direction. She trained as a 3-6 assistant at the Maria Montessori Higher Institute (AMI). At the same time, she is working towards obtaining her EFL (Foreign Language Teacher) diploma. "I joined Beautiful Minds in March 2016 and I take care of the children in the bilingual class 3-6".
After 12 years in the humanitarian sector in France and abroad, Sabrina moved with her family to India, where she discovered the Montessori approach and where Maria Montessori herself spent a number of years. She had the opportunity to teach French in her daughters' Montessori class and thus had the chance to observe this approach from the inside. This was the starting point for a change in her career: she decided to help children grow to their fullest potential and develop their self-confidence and autonomy - which, for her, is another way of cultivating Humanity today and tomorrow. "Having graduated as an AMI 3-6 years old in India, I am now pleased to join the Beautiful Minds team at the Puteaux-Théâtre site".
After graduating as a graphic designer and working for charities in London, Maija decided to gain experience working with children. She worked for two and a half years as a school assistant in her former boarding school in England. Her passion for working with children led her to the Maria Montessori Institute in London, where she obtained the AMI Montessori 3-6 and 0-3 diplomas. Her experience at the Hornsey Rise School in London has proven to her on many occasions the richness of what a Montessori environment can bring to children. "I have been working in the Beautiful Minds School team since September 2015".
After seven years of working in large international companies, I discovered the thought of Maria Montessori in the course of reading about the birth of my son. Maria Montessori's writings have reasoned within me and have given a whole new meaning to my life and to the way I look at the child. It was the starting point for two years of reflections, training and observations in Montessori schools in France and abroad that made me want to open a Montessori school whose vocation is to develop the potential of each child.
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Kay is a dynamic person who taught for many years in Asia. After a year as an English teacher in France, she joined our team this year in order to share her experience in cooperative and dynamic strategies focused on individual and collective development. "I am smiley, positive and I love to joke. After class I enjoy hiking, travelling and taking care of animals".
After finishing his studies at Paris Dauphine then Sciences Po Paris and preparing for the ENA competitive entrance exam, Lionel has had various professional experiences in the public and private sectors: Ministry of Economy, European Commission, various consulting firms and alternative primary schools. Curious about everything, he is constantly questioning the rules and the world around him. His numerous encounters, his expatriations in Africa and Asia as well as his long solitary trips to meet very diverse cultures, were the opportunity to nourish his reflection on what is innate and/or acquired in the individual, and also what fundamentally constitutes individual and collective happiness. Driven by a deep love for children with whom he has been able to create special relationships, and now convinced that education is the most effective lever to make the world a better place, Lionel founded the project The Other School in April 2016. While pursuing further training in the field of education, he plays a role of coordination and animation of the various expertise and skills.
Shaan, of Sri Lankan origin, is a good listener and interacts easily with the children. He is in charge of serving lunch and preparing snacks. Every day he supervises the students at lunchtime with the other teachers and he is also in charge of the playtime in the evening.
After 8 years of experience in teaching English, Pretti, originally from the UK, has joined our team where she is now an English teacher at CP-CE1 level. L'Autre Ecole allows her to teach a variety of subjects in English while progressing at each child's pace. "My friends like I am a friendly person, positive and optimistic. I love doing sports, dancing, meeting new people and traveling".
Originally from the United States, Courtney studied French for several years before settling in France. She enjoys introducing English by singing and dancing with children. With an education focused on self development, she does her best to reproduce this environment with the students of L'Autre Ecole.
A school teacher since 2015, Cecilia has had the opportunity to teach at all levels of primary school. Aware of the issues at stake, she seeks to develop a unique relationship with each pupil in her class so that all children benefit from a personalised follow-up. "Positive and dynamic, I like to travel, go to the cinema and listen to world music".
A teacher for 18 years, Anne Cécile has had the opportunity to live different professional experiences in teaching. For her, it is important to propose a progressive and appropriate approach to the acquisition of knowledge. At L'Autre École she succeeds in accompanying each student individually, giving them confidence in their potential.
Another school is thus possible, which would have the ambition to give everyone the keys to become an individual who is both happy and responsible for his or her environment, fitting into the human community as well as possible. A school that would invite us to meet others, where everything would become possible, so that our children could embody "the change we want to see in this world".
