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Pre-primary

A new era of early learning at Lycée Jules Verne: a welcoming early childhood section where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn in a multilingual environment from the age of two.

The international French school offers a high-quality French education in Johannesburg and Pretoria, combining excellent French teaching with South Africa’s rich multicultural environment.

Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., we welcome nine classes across our two campuses in an environment designed for learning, where each child can thrive at their own pace and according to their unique needs.

We welcome children from the age of 2

Our French pre-primary opens its doors to children from the age of 2, offering a nurturing and stimulating environment where little ones can explore, play, and learn. We follow the French Ministry of National Education curriculum, ensuring a strong foundation while encouraging curiosity and joy in learning.

At this level, our main mission is to inspire children to enjoy coming to school, to learn with curiosity, and to develop their personality with confidence. We believe in an education that adapts to the individual needs of each child, respecting their rest and recreation time. Our school is inclusive: every child has the same opportunities to succeed.

School hours: 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Friday) |
8 classes each set in a learning environment designed to help every child thrive.

A caring, child-centred culture

At our school, children grow and learn in a deeply caring and inclusive environment. We encourage them to become independent, to express themselves, and to develop their creativity. Our curriculum nurtures all aspects of development, sensory, motor, cognitive, and social, while celebrating the rich diversity of cultures in our community.

Purpose-built learning spaces

Our facilities are designed with young learners in mind: bright and spacious areas, a motor skills room, and outdoor extensions of the classroom, all crafted so children can explore safely and freely.

Learning Through Play & Discovery

We believe in a hands-on, exploratory approach to learning. Children learn through play, sensory experience, experimentation, and guided and independent workshops, helping them build confidence, creativity, and social skills.

In Cycle 1 (Toute Petite Section to Grande Section), language learning is flexible and built into the daily classroom experience. We offer four 45-minute co-teaching sessions per week, designed to encourage interaction in both languages ​​(French and English). These sessions can be led by two teachers and may take place with the full class or in smaller groups, allowing for more personalized support.

An additional one-hour session in a whole group setting completes the program.

In total, children benefit from 4 hours of bilingual exposure across 5 sessions per week.

Learn more about our language pathways

A Truly Multilingual Education

We offer a multilingual journey designed for each child, focusing on strong French foundations while introducing English from an early age. This international approach equips children with the language skills and global mindset they need to thrive in an interconnected world.

Explore our programmes
At pre-school, learning is an enriching and stimulating adventure.

Learn about what comes next