Next on-campus Open House events: Pre-school & Primary 8th October 2025 I Middle & High School 9th October 2025
Before the age of six, a crucial stage in cognitive development, a child’s brain is especially receptive to learning. This makes it the ideal time to introduce a second language. Research in early childhood education shows that early exposure to bilingualism enhances memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
At Collège du Léman, our bilingual Pre-school near Geneva welcomes children aged 2 to 6 in a caring international environment. We offer English, French, and bilingual pathways, encouraging balanced linguistic, intellectual, and emotional growth.
Neuroscience confirms that young children are naturally predisposed to language learning. Their brains, highly plastic at this stage, absorb multiple languages without confusion. Contrary to common belief, attending a bilingual nursery or an international Pre-school in Switzerland does not cause confusion; it strengthens concentration, cognitive flexibility, and abstract thinking.
At Collège du Léman, children experience English and French every day in a natural and joyful way. They become bilingual by switching between the two languages through playful activities like stories, songs, role-play, and creative workshops. Guided by native speakers, they alternate every other day between an English teacher and a French teacher, making the experience both authentic and immersive.
These benefits aren’t just backed by neuroscience, they’re also visible in the daily lives of our families. As one Pre-school parent, Laura, beautifully shares:
"What amazes me most is how naturally our daughters switch between languages. At home we speak German, but thanks to the bilingual track at CDL they move seamlessly between French and English too. When we travel, I often see them chatting with other children and even helping to bridge communication gaps between kids who don’t share a common language. It’s moments like these that make me realise how valuable it is for them to grow up this way."
Play-based learning is at the heart of our Pre-school philosophy. Children learn best when they explore, experiment, and create through games, storytelling, and imaginative activities, rather than through repetition. This playful approach nurtures curiosity, confidence, and cooperation, while building problem-solving skills. Through play, children also develop vital social skills: learning to share, collaborate, manage emotions, and express creativity. This approach helps shape motivated and well-rounded learners, ready to embrace new challenges.
At the same time, children thrive in our structured, international environment for learning and discovery. Guided daily by dedicated teachers and supported by caring assistants, they follow a clear framework that balances freedom with routine, building secure habits, steady progress, and readiness for new challenges.
All around the world, there are wonderful approaches to early years education, like Montessori schools, the Steiner philosophy, or the Reggio Emilia approach, that highlight autonomy, exploration, and creativity. At Collège du Léman, we share these positive educational values and bring them to life in our Pre-school, while giving families the reassurance of a structured model, which includes:
In this way, children enjoy the joy of discovery through play while benefiting from a well-organised, internationally minded setting, supported every step of the way by our caring Pre-school teachers.
Being bilingual is about more than speaking two languages. It is also about understanding two cultures. Offering international bilingual education gives children empathy, adaptability, and a truly global outlook. Our international Pre-school near Geneva brings together families from more than 120 nationalities, creating a rich, multicultural environment where children learn to respect and celebrate diversity from the very start.
Beginning bilingual education in the early years also provides a strong foundation for academic and personal success. Bilingual children adapt more easily to new school environments, whether in Switzerland or abroad.
At Collège du Léman, our active pedagogy, inspired by both the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and the French National Education programme, ensures a smooth and confident transition to Primary school.
Introducing bilingualism before age 6 gives your child a lifelong advantage. At Collège du Léman, we make bilingualism a natural part of early childhood education, thanks to an innovative pedagogy that combines play, discovery, and immersive academic stimulation.
Located in Versoix, just outside Geneva, our school offers an exceptional international campus on the shores of Lake Geneva.
We’d love to welcome you for a personal tour of our campus, introduce you to our teachers, and show you how Collège du Léman can help your child begin their educational journey with confidence, care, and curiosity. Book a visit or contact our Admissions team to discover how CDL can support your child’s bilingual journey from Pre-school onwards.
📞 Contact our admissions team: +41 22 775 56 56
📍Book a tour of our campus in Versoix
🌐 Learn more about our Pre-school programme
Crèche vs. Pre-school in Geneva: What’s Best for Your Child? How moving from crèche to Pre-school can spark your child’s curiosity and confidence.
Why the Early Years Matter More than You Think: How the first five years shape a child’s learning and well-being.
The Right School Fit Matters: The Right School Fit Shapes a Child’s Happiness and Growth.
