OUR HISTORY

A Legacy of Montessori Education in Geneva

 

In 1976, Madame Odette Cutullic, a United Nations official, founded the Crèche des Nations in Geneva, designed for the children of staff from international organizations. This nursery was the first in the region to apply the Montessori method for children aged 2 months to 6 years, welcoming up to 120 children. In 1994, the Crèche des Nations was taken over by the City of Geneva.

 

Madame Cutullic is also a founding member of the Swiss Montessori Association (AMS), which she chaired for eight years, significantly contributing to the spread of Montessori education in the region.

 

In response to growing parental demand for Montessori education beyond early childhood, Madame Cutullic, supported by Madame Denise Baechler and Mr. Pierre Marconi, decided to establish a Montessori school for children aged 3 to 9. In 1989, École Montessori-Nations was founded with the mission of promoting an alternative educational approach based on autonomy and the holistic development of the child.

 

The school first operated in two small converted villas on Rue de Lausanne in Geneva.

 

In 2007, due to increasing demand from families seeking a complete Montessori education, the school moved into larger, more modern premises, expanding its curriculum to include children up to age 12. The school now welcomes over 90 students and continues to meet the educational needs of a growing generation.

 

Commitment to Quality Education

 

Since its founding, École Montessori-Nations has provided high-quality education focused on individual development and fostering each child's independence. The school has become a key player in bilingual private education in Geneva.

 

It continues to innovate while remaining true to the core values of the Montessori philosophy. The school is a member of major educational associations such as AGEP, FSEP, and AMS, and undergoes regular quality inspections, ensuring a high standard of teaching and a commitment to educational excellence.