Language acquisition is one of the most remarkable capacities of the young child. Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children possess what she called the absorbent mind — an extraordinary ability to take in language effortlessly from their environment during the first six years of life. This is why the early years are often called the sensitive period for language, a window of time when the brain is uniquely primed to absorb not just one language, but several.

At Lions Gate Montessori, we honour this sensitive period by offering a bilingual French program across all divisions — from Primary through Elementary. This is not French immersion. English remains the primary language of instruction for all subjects. Instead, our program provides dedicated French practice sessions led by native French-speaking guides, allowing children to develop genuine French proficiency naturally within the Montessori environment.

Bilingual, Not Immersion: An Important Distinction

In a French immersion program, the majority of instruction is delivered in French, and English is secondary. While immersion can be effective, it fundamentally changes the learning experience — children must process academic content in a language they are still acquiring, which can create barriers for some learners.

Our bilingual approach is different. English is the primary language of instruction for all academic areas — mathematics, language arts, science, geography, and history are all presented in English. French is introduced as a dedicated, enriching component of the daily experience. Children engage with French through conversation, stories, songs, cultural exploration, and practical vocabulary — guided by educators for whom French is their mother tongue.

This means children develop strong English literacy and academic foundations while simultaneously building authentic French language skills. Neither language is compromised.

Native French-Speaking Guides

The quality of language exposure matters enormously. Children do not learn language from recordings or apps — they learn it from meaningful interactions with real people. This is why we are privileged to have native French-speaking guides on our team.

Flora Marckert, our Elementary Montessori Guide, brings French language and culture into the daily life of the elementary classroom. With her AMI Elementary Diploma from MTCBC and her native fluency, she creates an environment where French is not a "subject" but a living language used in authentic contexts.

Charlotte Leguy, M.A., serves as our French Specialist across both Primary and Elementary divisions. With her Master's degree and certification in French as a Foreign Language, Charlotte brings professional expertise in language pedagogy alongside her native fluency. She designs French sessions that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with Montessori principles.

How It Works in Practice

In the Primary Classroom (Ages 2.5–6)

Young children in the sensitive period for language absorb French naturally through daily exposure. Charlotte leads sessions that include French songs, finger plays, vocabulary games, and simple conversations. Children learn to greet each other in French, name everyday objects, and express basic needs. The emphasis is on oral language and listening comprehension — building the foundation for later literacy.

In the Elementary Classroom (Ages 6–12)

Elementary students engage with French at a deeper level. They read simple French texts, write in French, explore Francophone cultures and geography, and engage in more complex conversations. Flora integrates French naturally into the classroom environment, while Charlotte provides structured language development sessions. Students develop genuine bilingual competence that will serve them throughout their education and lives.

The Montessori Advantage

Montessori education is uniquely suited to bilingual language development for several reasons:

The prepared environment can be labelled in both languages, providing constant, natural exposure. Children see French and English side by side on materials, shelves, and classroom labels.

Mixed-age groupings mean that younger children hear older children using French, providing natural modelling and motivation. Older children, in turn, reinforce their own French skills by helping younger peers.

The emphasis on concrete, hands-on learning means that language is always connected to real objects and experiences — not abstract grammar drills. When a child learns the French word for "cube" while holding the pink tower, the word is anchored in sensory experience.

The three-year cycle provides continuity. Children are not starting over each year with a new teacher and a new approach. They build their French skills progressively over three years with consistent guides who know them deeply.

Why Bilingual Education Matters

Research consistently demonstrates that bilingual children develop stronger executive function, greater cognitive flexibility, enhanced metalinguistic awareness (understanding how language works), and deeper cultural empathy. These benefits extend far beyond language itself — they support academic achievement, social development, and lifelong learning.

In a city as diverse as Vancouver, bilingual competence is not just an academic advantage — it is a life skill. French, as one of Canada's official languages, opens doors to opportunities across the country and around the world.

A Natural Extension of Montessori Philosophy

Dr. Montessori envisioned education as preparation for life — not just for tests or grades, but for full participation in the human community. Language is the primary tool through which we connect with others, understand different perspectives, and contribute to a peaceful world. By offering children the gift of a second language during the years when their minds are most receptive, we are honouring both the science of child development and Dr. Montessori's vision of education for peace.

We invite you to visit Lions Gate Montessori and see our bilingual program in action. Book a tour to observe how our native French-speaking guides bring language to life in every classroom.