Nursery school at Conde de Orgaz (age 2-5)
A fundamental stage in a child’s education
The nursery school of the Lycée Français de Madrid is an essential stage in the children’s educational journey. It welcomes children from the age of 2 and plays a decisive role in their personal, social, and academic development.
Organised into four levels — “Toute Petite Section” (TPS) – age 2, “Petite Section” (PS) – age 3, “Moyenne Section” (MS) – age 4, and “Grande Section” (GS) – age 5 — its primary mission is to foster a love for learning, nurture each child’s curiosity, and support the gradual development of their personality.
A place to discover and live together, the nursery school enables children to grow together, learn to live with others, and thrive in a caring, respectful, and secure environment.
Learning, growing, and becoming independent
At the Lycée Français de Madrid nursery school, learning is built in a playful, active, and progressive way, respecting each child’s pace.
Children can play and engage in hands-on activities that encourage exploration, memorisation, and problem-solving in real-life situations, fostering self-reliance, creativity, and a love of learning.
Learning is organised around key priorities:
language, physical and artistic activities, mathematics, and the understanding of the world.This will also enable pupils to develop psychosocial and social-emotional skills, promoting self-respect and consideration for others. In this way, the nursery school lays the foundation for a smooth transition to primary school.
Teaching follows the curriculum set by the French Department for Education
recognised for its high standards and expertise, and implemented by dedicated, regularly trained teams. Pupils primarily develop oral language skills in French, Spanish, and English, while being gradually introduced to writing, early mathematical concepts, and an understanding of the world around them.
An environment designed for the youngest learners
The LFM nursery school welcomes children in a setting that is:
- modern and adapted to the needs of young learners,
- connected to family, younger and older peers, and community
- calm and secure, promoting well-being and confidence.
Spaces and facilities are designed to encourage self-reliance, creativity, and a love of learning, within a structured and innovative educational framework.
Our priority is clear: to ensure the well-being of every child, an essential condition for growing, thriving, and succeeding in tomorrow’s world.
Multilingualism from an early age
Multilingualism is at the heart of the nursery school’s educational project.
From the earliest years, children grow in a rich linguistic environment that stimulates their cognitive development, adaptability, and cultural openness.
French is the main language of tuition, while also promoting:
- Spanish language and culture from the earliest age (“Toute Petite Section” – age 2),
- a progressive learning of English starting the following year (“Petite Section” – age 3).
The weekly timetable includes 26 hours of tuition:
- 21 hours in French,
- 3 hours in Spanish,
- 2 hours in English.
This linguistic and cultural journey enables children to build confidence, communicate in several languages, and prepares them to thrive in an open and diverse world.
Our team is here to listen
The nursery school team is composed of:
- 1 director and 1 executive assistant
- French teachers, Spanish teachers, English teachers
- ASEMs* (1 full-time per class in TPS and PS; 1 per two classes in MS and GS)
- Librarians
- 1 School Life Service (“”Vie scolaire””) : Education Assistants and Student Supervisors
- 1 Health Service: 1 Doctor, 2 Psychologists, and Nurses
*ASEM: Specialized Early Childhood Assistant (classroom support staff)
FAQ
My child does not speak French or Spanish: can they still attend the LFM?
Enrollment in nursery school (maternelle) is open to all families. Knowledge of French is not a prerequisite. Children learn through immersion in an environment where multiple languages coexist naturally.
I live far from the LFM. Is there a school transport service?
L’APA propose un service de transport scolaire (les “rutas”). Vous pouvez les contacter pour obtenir plus d’informations sur les arrêts à proximité de votre domicile. Learn more
What activities are offered after school?
Conde de Orgaz Campus
We offer after-school care between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, where children are supervised by the classroom’s specialized nursery school assistant (“ASEM”). Check our pricing here
Extracurricular activities are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and on Wednesday afternoons. Learn more
La Moraleja Campus
Several activities are offered from 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm, Monday to Thursday, and on Friday afternoons:
• After-school care
• Workshops or supervised homework provided by teachers
• Extracurricular activities (sports, music, visual arts, etc.)
What are the specific features of the French educational system?
The French system is based on active and dynamic learning, focusing on a project-based education that places the child at the center of the process. Through concrete and fun activities, students learn by playing, experimenting, manipulating, and practicing. The curriculum is centered on various priorities: language, early mathematical tools, self-discovery, discovery of their surroundings, as well as physical and artistic activities. This approach fosters engagement, curiosity, and cooperation, while respecting each child’s rhythm and offering adaptations based on individual needs and skills.
What language pathway is offered at the LFM?
Starting in the first year of nursery (“Toute Petite Section” – age 2), children follow classes in French. From the year after (“Petite Section” – age 3), they receive 3 hours of Spanish and 2 hours of English tuition per week. Additional language courses may be added in elementary, middle, and high school. All our students graduate with an excellent level in three—and sometimes four—languages (adding German or Italian), as proven by our excellent Baccalaureate results.
What are the career prospects after the final exam (“Baccalauréat”)?
The excellence of our students allows them to gain admission to prestigious universities in France, Spain, and abroad.
Link to University Placements / Career Paths
Will my child be able to study in Spain with a French Baccalaureate?
A large majority of our graduates continue their studies in Spain. Our French programmes have successfully adapted to the Spanish university admission system, offering specific teaching modules to prepare for the UNED PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) exams.
For more information, please contact the Director of Spanish Studies.
What are split-level classes?
A split-level class (or multi-age class) groups students from two different levels within the same group, such as age 2 / age 3 pupils (“TPS / PS”), age 3 / age 4 pupils (“PS / MS”), or age 4 / age 5 (“MS / GS”). This pedagogical organisation is intentional and designed to meet specific educational goals based on proven practices in French nursery schools.
The teacher adapts activities and organises work into small groups for individualised support. Younger children gain independence by observing and receiving help from older peers, while older pupils feel valued by taking on responsibilities. This dynamic encourages mutual aid, empathy, and social skills, while reinforcing the older pupils’ own knowledge as they explain or demonstrate tasks.
When can I enroll my child?
Enrollment is open all year-round via this link.
Our teams also welcome you during our Open Days in November, where you can explore our working environment and meet the teaching staff.
Individual visits can also be organised upon request by contacting the Head Assistant. Contact Nursery School Office
How does the cafeteria work?
Nursery pupils eat in a dedicated refectory with children of their own age. Meals are prepared on-site and adapted for young children. Specialised meals are available upon request for specific dietary requirements or allergies.
Do the children take naps?
The youngest children in “TPS” – age 2 and “PS” – age 3): they have nap time after lunch in dedicated rooms, supervised by specialised assistants (“ASEMs”). Children wake up progressively so their individual sleep cycles are respected.
the older children (“MS” – age 4): they have a rest period at the beginning of the afternoon in their classrooms. Throughout the year, this rest time is gradually reduced based on their needs.
Is there a school health service?
The Lycée Français de Madrid has a school health service consisting of a medical doctor, five nurses, and two school psychologists.
On the Conde de Orgaz campus, a dedicated nursery school health office is open every day from 10:30 am to 2:00 am to meet the specific needs of our youngest pupils.