In 1897, Maria Montessori (1870-1952) became the first female doctor in Italy. Through her desire to promote the conditions the most favourable for Man's development, she began working alongside children with mental disabilities.

Through her search for ways to allow these children to be reintegrated into society as dignified individuals, Montessori became interested in the development of all children. She opened her first "children's house" in Chiaravalle, an underprivileged area of Rome. It was through her observations here she developed her "method" destined for all children regardless of their social class or nationality.

A Montessori class is composed of children aged 3-6 years old, with a balanced number of children from each of the 3 age groups. The younger children benefit greatly from this arrangement as they have the chance to interact with the older children whilst the latter, in their relations with the younger members of the group, can pass on their knowledge and reaffirm newly acquired skills by showing others. The older children have the opportunity to strengthen their qualities of leadership and competence, whilst the younger children benefit by receiving the help that they need and allowing them to trust and respect their older friends. However, occasionally certain activities require the group to be broken according to age.

The physical lay-out of the class room environment is an important factor for the development and well being of the child. The atmosphere of the school is calm and serene, warm and lively.
The child is able to move around freely in this space in order to evolve free from interior and exterior hindrance.
This freedom should not be mistaken for an absence of limits, instead it correlates with the child's innate qualities of autonomy, responsibility, will, self discipline and respect.

Respect towards individuality : We see each child as a unique individual. He/she has his/her own personality, rhythm, strengths and weaknesses. The Montessori Method respects this individuality in order to help each child reach his/her potential at his/her own speed. No external rhythm is imposed on the child, instead the child is offered the stimulation and direction necessary for his/her learning and development.
Teaching respect :
The proper functioning of the Nouveaux Anges school is based on respect towards others (both children and adults), the material (books etc...) and the school environment.

The directress carefully observes and listens attentively to each child under her direction. She does not judge or classify the child but instead aims to offer help when needed or requested. Directresses hold AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) diplomas and have former educational experience.

The Montessori material is one that is sensorial, that is to say, it encourages the child to use all of his/her senses. Each material is presented to the child individually by the directress. The child uses the material alone to help him/her to fix his/her attention and develop the capacity to concentrate.
This material permits an excellent approach to maths, mental calculation, writing and reading.

From 0 to 6 years old, the child possesses a natural ability to absorb new languages. His ear is finely tuned to unfamiliar sounds, vocabulary, intonation and is open to a diverse and unlimited range of cultures.

Both classes are run by french and english speaking teachers. Throughout the school day, the children hear both languages spoken. The children speak French or English amongst themselves (not all children who join us are bilingual)

The speed at which a new language is learned varies according to each child. However, the bilingual atmosphere of the Nouveaux Anges encourage exchange in one language or another and the children quickly gain a better comprehension in the non-maternal language.