Welcome to the Lycée Français Saint Louis Preschool!
The Lycée Français Saint Louis Foundation runs a preschool following the Swedish curriculum with a French language focus.
The majority of the children have French as their mother tongue or are bilingual in French/Swedish, but all children are welcome!
Structured activities and learning through play
In each section, we follow the same routines with both structured and free activities, which take place in the whole group or smaller groups. The materials and activities are adapted to the children’s age, interests, needs, and the theme the section is currently working on.
Morning gathering on the mat
The day begins with a gathering on the round mat – the center of the section. Here we read stories, sing, play, and discuss together. We practice democracy by allowing children to participate in decision-making, for example, choosing which theme to work on or which playground to visit. The mat serves as a safe point and is revisited between activities to create structure and security.
Language, mathematics, and problem-solving through play
We teach language and mathematics through play and daily dialogue. Children are offered materials that strengthen vocabulary, language comprehension, mathematical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Science and environmental awareness
Children explore plants, animals, and the cycles of nature. We encourage them to ask questions, express ideas, and find answers. Science activities take place both in small groups and in the whole group, and one morning per week, we go on nature walks nearby or on longer excursions. Fostering interest in and respect for the environment is central to our teaching.
Creativity and fine motor skills
Through painting, drawing, cutting, and crafting, children develop fine motor skills and creativity. They also learn different techniques and patterns in creative activities.
Rest and community
After lunch, rest and sleep are offered. The youngest children sleep on beds or mats in the section, while the older children have a shorter rest time with a story or calm music. In the afternoon, the children’s groups are combined, giving them the opportunity to meet other children, discover new materials, and continue to play and explore together.
Free activities – play as learning
During free play, children have access to all our materials, allowing them to explore, try new ideas, and develop different skills at their own pace.
Language, games, and problem-solving
Children use language, games, and puzzles to practice mathematical and logical thinking. They also practice communication, cooperation, social skills, and handling both winning and losing.
Role play and imagination
Through role play, children develop self-confidence, social skills, and empathy. They can try out different roles regardless of gender and use toy kitchens, market stalls, dolls with clothes, toys, and costumes to let their imagination run free. Free play is also an excellent opportunity to practice cooperation and taking turns.
Building and construction corner
In the construction corner, children can create their own structures with blocks, Kapla, Duplo, plastic animals, cars, train tracks, and other materials that stimulate creativity and problem-solving.
Creative corner
Children have free access to pencils, paints, bead plates, and other materials to create their own artworks. This develops fine motor skills, creativity, and artistic ability. Through creative activities, children are also introduced to different techniques, patterns, artists, and artworks, which sparks curiosity and aesthetic interest.
Corridor and dining area – security and independence
We want children to feel safe as soon as they arrive at preschool. Each child has their own cubby and a space to hang their outerwear, clearly labeled with their name. The corridor is decorated with the children’s own creations, giving them the opportunity to showcase and talk about what they have made. Educators are always nearby during dressing and undressing to provide support, while encouraging children to be independent and responsible for themselves and others.
Meals – learning and community
The dining room is more than just a place to eat – it’s where children develop social skills and language abilities. We serve healthy and balanced meals, and children are encouraged to serve themselves and pass dishes to others. After the meal, children help clear and wipe the tables with the support of our kitchen assistant.
Meals take place in three shifts, with the youngest children eating first and the oldest last. Each table seats about six children, and an educator is always present to support self-serving and conversation. Mealtimes are opportunities for children to talk, share experiences, and practice language in a natural and safe environment.
Multipurpose hall and library – creativity and love of reading
Our large and spacious multipurpose hall is a place for movement, music, and creativity. It has a stage, benches, gym mats, microphones, as well as sound and lighting systems, and the preschool also has a piano, guitar, and other instruments.
In the hall, we offer yoga, dance, choreography, obstacle courses, ball games, gymnastics games, and guided play. Children practice coordination, rhythm, language, culture, and drama, while being challenged in both gross and fine motor skills. They also learn common rules, cooperation, and taking turns. The hall is used for singing gatherings, concerts, and monthly discos for the entire preschool.
Library – language and imagination
Each section has its own library, a quiet and cozy corner with cushions, blankets, and stuffed animals. Children can explore the world of books, developing language, reading comprehension, and imagination. They come here to read or browse books, and sometimes an educator reads a story to a small group. Libraries contain books in both Swedish and French, from classic tales to non-fiction.
In addition to the section libraries, we have access to both a Swedish and a French library, from which we often borrow books to provide children with a varied selection of literature and inspire reading and language learning.
Outdoor environment and outdoor pedagogy – play, movement, and exploration
The preschool has two enclosed yards with plants and trees, adapted to the children’s age and needs. The larger yard is equipped with climbing frames, seesaws, rocking horses, a sandbox, picnic tables, and boxes of toys. Buckets, spades, rakes, bandy sticks, kubb games, and jump ropes encourage play and physical activity. The smaller yard is designed for the youngest children, with a climbing frame, swings, sandbox, and picnic table.
Daily outdoor time and physical activity
Drop-off takes place in the large yard, and each day after lunch, children spend 1–2 hours outside, depending on the season and weather. The yards are also used in the mornings for both guided and free activities. Our pedagogy focuses on fostering joy in movement and developing an interest in physical activity.
Excursions and cultural experiences
Throughout the school year, we organize trips to the theater, museums, and concerts. We also visit parks and playgrounds nearby and slightly further away. The aim is to support thematic work, provide cultural experiences, and enrich children’s learning. Children also practice independence and local knowledge, as we travel by bus, tram, or subway to reach our destinations.
Preschool enrollment
To register your child on the waiting list for our preschool, use the City of Stockholm’s digital application system:
https://forskola.stockholm/sok-plats-pa-forskolan/
Important information:
- The child must have a Swedish personal identification number (personnummer) to be registered.
- Applications are made digitally with BankID or in writing via a form.
Allocation of places:
Places are allocated based on the preschool’s capacity and the following priority order:
- Sibling priority – if the child has brothers or sisters already attending the preschool.
- Registration date – the earliest registered child is given priority.
Families not registered in Sweden:
Contact the Preschool Contact Center, City of Stockholm, for information:
- Phone: +46 (8) 508 11 550
- Email: forskola@stockholm.se
Preschool fees:
Fees are calculated according to the City of Stockholm’s “maxtaxa” and are linked to the family’s income.
Note:
- A place at the preschool does not automatically guarantee a place at the French international school.
- Since enrollment for the preschool and the international school is done separately, siblings may be offered a place at the international school even if there is no preschool place available.