Ecole Clairefontaine

This school is far from perfect although they do some things well. But if you're looking for a disciplined, mildly structured environment, this is not it. They provide a great hot lunch: example would be roasted chicken with beats and cauliflower served with couscous. And they have a variety of subjects they "teach" from math to science and arts and crafts, and it is a full immersion French school. But if you expect your child to learn his alphabet and read and write his own name, you will have to teach him yourself because they don't do that. There is plenty of playtime and plenty of drama in the dirt playground because there is very little to no supervision especially with regards to conflict resolution among the children. It's essentially Lord of the Flies in this Venice playground and expect your child to come home with cuts and bruises. The director of the school, Joelle Dumas, offers very little support in this area, and if you raise the subject, you can expect a lot of lip service and very little action. Joelle will simply sweep it under the rug and chalk it up to a parent overreacting. Several families have pulled their kids due to bullying among the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent experience with wonderful teachers and administrators. They became a second family. Extremely supportive of each child and their discovery of their identities. The language immersion is fantastic as well. Absolutely loved it for our child.
--Submitted by a parent

All four of my kids have gone to this school, We love it. The children are inspired, always happy to go there. I am constantly surprised by their progress. Their work is seamless and the results are amazing, the older ones move on with confidence and great study skills, curiosity and adapt quickly to new situations. They are able to establish strong, deep roots that will serve them all their lives. This educational system should be brought to other schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm delighted to witness my daughter's enthusiasm when it's time to go there and to see that she wants to stay until it closes every day. I love her dearly and this school is perfect for us. She speaks French, English and I was surprised to see she now understands Spanish. The school has been there for many years and the director is very experienced, involved and always ready to encourage and advise us when we need it, the kids love her. The kids have a blast, we are in awe as we witness their progress, it's a win win!
--Submitted by a parent

This school offers children the room they need to grow! Great food, great environment, terrific parents. It's an old fashioned preschool.
--Submitted by a parent

If you love your child/children don't send them in this school. Everything seems to be great, perfect... but actually behind there's no educational purpose. Teachers are forbidden to speak about the school, the class and they are also forbidden to show how to write and get kids prepared for 1st grade like a real school should do. Ask for teachers diplomas (would you let your child with adults that have no skills except speaking french, only 2 persons have really a diploma in Education). Ask also for the Director Teaching Diploma or Education diploma. It's only a very lucrative business and what's more it's a dangerous and dirty place despite what you can see. I totally agree with the review written on may 23rd 2010. There's abig turn over regarding the teachers changes, something is going on in this school, be aware for the love of your kid(s). Search a better place for your kids, what's more cheapper for what you get for that amount of money.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is more for the psychological well being of the parent rather than the child. I found that the high fees that they were asking for did not warrant the organic meals they were preparing, nor did it justify the warm intimate setting for the kids. After 4 mos, we moved my daughter. The biggest issue I have with the school is that the Director's point of view of "let the children be". Literally, the teachers are told they are not allowed to instruct the kids to apologize. Beneath the quaint, warm home feeling, the teachers merely babysit and let the kids run wild.It is "LORD OF THE FLIES". i had weekly complaints from my daughter that the kids were not nice. I also know of one child that was so terrified of the big campus as she was almost strangled by some boys that she went back to the
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school with very caring teachers, staff and headmistress. The 'Petite Ecole' has been a fantastic place for our toddler to flourish. He quickly adapted and has progressed wonderfully in their care. There are many events that allow the parents and children to interact with each other while having a great time. I am very pleased!
--Submitted by a parent

The school is great. The director, teachers and staff are exceptional.
--Submitted by a parent