We offer a bilingual kindergarten where children learn English naturally from the Very Early Years, through play, exploration, and the joy of discovery.
Our immersive approach allows children to learn English as a living, spontaneous language, without pressure and in full respect of their overall development.
At ESL, bilingualism is not taught as a “subject” — it is a carefully structured learning environment, designed to provide children with strong linguistic foundations from an early age.
In Preschool (Petite Section and Moyenne Section), children grow and learn in a structured bilingual setting, where English plays a central role alongside French, ensuring both linguistic development and emotional security.
This approach allows for rich, daily exposure to English, naturally integrated into play, routines, and everyday interactions.
Children may join the kindergarten at any level (PS, MS, or GS), even if they have never been exposed to English before.
Our differentiated approach allows:
-beginners to discover the language without stress,
-children already familiar with English to progress further,
-all pupils to participate, express themselves, and thrive.
Each child moves forward at their own pace, supported with care and encouragement.
Our small class sizes create a calm and welcoming environment where children can:
-grow in confidence,
-develop their independence,
-learn to cooperate and share,
-express their emotions,
-discover their talents.
We encourage mistakes as a normal and essential part of learning, and we celebrate every step forward.
Throughout the year, pupils take part in:
-creative and artistic workshops,
-motor skills activities,
-sensory experiences,
-musical moments and body expression,
-thematic projects linked to seasons, cultures, and celebrations (Halloween, Christmas, Carnival, etc.).
These experiences make learning lively, concrete, and truly exciting.
Choosing ESL for kindergarten means offering your child:
✨ A natural bilingual immersion from an early age
✨ An active pedagogy based on play, experience, and curiosity
✨ A caring environment that builds confidence, independence, and a joy for learning
✨ A multicultural setting that opens minds and encourages communication
✨ A smooth transition into a fully bilingual primary programme
At English School Lyon, we lay the foundations for lasting, balanced, and joyful learning — for children who are happy to learn, motivated, and confident.
Our pupils benefit from 24 hours of class per week, with a balanced alternation between English and French to support natural and progressive learning in both languages.
To respect the biological rhythm of young children, our kindergarten classes also include a dedicated nap room, allowing pupils to rest peacefully after the lunch break.
Each month, a new theme fuels children’s imagination and learning: back-to-school, Halloween, Christmas, winter, spring, Carnival, etc.
Festivities and events from the yearly calendar are integrated into the pedagogical programme to create meaning, establish clear milestones, and maintain children’s enthusiasm throughout the year.
Kindergarten is often a child’s first experience of group life. Through daily activities, children learn to share, cooperate, wait their turn, express their emotions, and respect others.
We support them in finding their place within a united, caring, and secure community.
Music, motor skills, singing, drawing, painting, sensory experiences… each day is shaped by a variety of activities tailored to children’s development.
On Wednesdays, younger children can also take part in additional workshops: creative arts, cooking, storytelling, discovery experiments… so many opportunities to nurture curiosity, confidence, and the joy of learning.