Montessori in Schönenwerd — from nursery to school

As an officially recognised childcare centre, kindergarten and school, we support children throughout their early years, giving them the very best start in life — from their first explorations through to their school years, all under one roof.

The best start in life — from infancy through to school.

Bilingual Montessori education and care in German and English, from a child’s first year through to school age. Set within the historic Ballyhouse, at the heart of the Aarau–Solothurn region.

10+
YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

A place parents can trust.

Officially Recognised
CANTON OF SOLOTHURN
AARAU REGION
Bilingual German / English
NATIVE-SPEAKING EDUCATORS
Montessori Education
AMI-CERTIFIED EDUCATORS
AMS-Certified
SWISS-RECOGNISED
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Full-day Childcare
07:30 - 17:30
Mixed-age Groups
THREE-YEAR AGE RANGE
PER GROUP
programmes

Our programmes at a glance

From their earliest months through to school age, we support children at every stage of development — individually, in mixed-age groups and guided by Montessori principles.

Nido (3–18 months)

A nurturing space for children’s earliest stages of development, within a calm and thoughtfully prepared environment.

Toddler (18 months–3 years)

Encouraging independence, movement and children’s first social experiences within the toddler community.

Children’s House (3–6 years)

Our Montessori Children’s House includes the compulsory kindergarten years. Language, mathematics, sensory exploration and social learning — all within a mixed-age community.

Primary School (Years 1–6)

Our Montessori primary school is currently in the planning stage. Families are welcome to register their interest.

Academy

Montessori courses and professional development for parents and education professionals from across Switzerland.
Not sure which programme is right for your child?
Book a visit
OUR EDUCATIONAL PRINCIPLES

Learn independently, grow together

Encouraging independence

Children learn to make their own decisions and solve problems at their own pace.

Self-directed learning

We follow the child — not a rigid curriculum. Through careful observation and a thoughtfully prepared environment, meaningful learning can flourish.

Holistic development

Academic learning, emotional resilience and social skills develop together — in an environment that supports and nurtures each child as an individual.

Est.
1919
A house with a rich history, surrounded by parkland and ancient trees.
THE SETTING

Ballyhouse am Park — A place for children, just like a home.

Our children learn in a historic building, where high ceilings, warm wooden floors and a garden filled with centuries-old trees create a calm and inspiring environment.
2'800
PRIVATE GARDEN
12
PREPARED LEARNING SPACES
107
YEARS OF HISTORY
the founder

A clear vision lies at the heart of Montessori Biloba

We bring nursery, kindergarten and school together under one educational philosophy, creating a seamless developmental journey for every child.

Personalised support is at the heart of our approach. Each child is encouraged to develop at their own pace, with trust, respect and a clearly structured Montessori environment.

AMS-certified Montessori setting

Certified by the Swiss Montessori Association (AMS) and officially recognised as a Montessori institution.

Bilingual education and care

Bilingual education and care provided by native-speaking educators in German and English.

Officially recognised

Officially recognised by the Canton of Solothurn as a childcare centre, kindergarten and private school.

A holistic learning journey

From 3 months to 12 years.

Mariza Hefty
Gründerin & pädagogische Leitung
Events

Trial days, talks and parent meet-ups.

Get to know Montessori Biloba in person. Whether you join us for a trial day, a parent talk or a parent meet-up, our events offer opportunities to connect, exchange ideas and discover fresh inspiration for everyday family life.
01
Sept. 2026

Independence: "Help me to do it myself."

Sept. 2026
An opportunity to connect and ask questions while your children explore our Montessori environment.
03
Nov 2026

How can children learn from their mistakes?

Nov 2026
An opportunity to connect and ask questions while your children explore our Montessori environment.
04
Nov 2026

The autonomy phase — an important stage of development

Nov 2026
How do children learn to express their emotions, understand boundaries and develop independence?
MON

Taster sessions for parents and children

Monday (on request)
Experience Montessori education first-hand, ask questions and discover whether this approach is right for your child.
01
Dec 2026

Supporting movement and coordination

Dec 2026
An opportunity to connect and ask questions while your children explore our Montessori environment.
Coming in 2027

Freedom within boundaries

Coming in 2027
How does freedom within limits foster independence? How does it give children a sense of security, responsibility and self-control?
Coming in 2027

Insights from neuroscience

Coming in 2027
How does self-directed learning support children’s development?
Coming in 2027

Montessori in everyday school life

Coming in 2027
How do children discover connections, and how can they take on responsibility and develop respect?
MON

Taster sessions for parents and children

Monday (on request)
Experience Montessori education first-hand, ask questions and discover whether this approach is right for your child.
04
Nov 2026

The autonomy phase — an important stage of development

Nov 2026
How do children learn to express their emotions, understand boundaries and develop independence?
Coming in 2027

Freedom within boundaries

Coming in 2027
How does freedom within limits foster independence? How does it give children a sense of security, responsibility and self-control?
Coming in 2027

Insights from neuroscience

Coming in 2027
How does self-directed learning support children’s development?
Coming in 2027

Montessori in everyday school life

Coming in 2027
How do children discover connections, and how can they take on responsibility and develop respect?
Coming in 2027

Why Montessori education?

Coming in 2027
Why education needs a fresh perspective today — and how we can empower children to become confident, self-directed learners.
01
Sept. 2026

Independence: "Help me to do it myself."

Sept. 2026
An opportunity to connect and ask questions while your children explore our Montessori environment.
03
Nov 2026

How can children learn from their mistakes?

Nov 2026
An opportunity to connect and ask questions while your children explore our Montessori environment.
01
Dec 2026

Supporting movement and coordination

Dec 2026
An opportunity to connect and ask questions while your children explore our Montessori environment.
VOICES FROM OUR COMMUNITY

What parents say about us

Experiences shared by parents who trust us to guide and support their children.

“Our three-year-old daughter attends the Montessori Children’s House, where she is free to explore, learn and grow at her own pace.”
Filiz Hüls
Parent, Toddler
“The Montessori kindergarten has helped our son become more independent and explore his interests in his own way. We particularly value that this support extends beyond the classroom, through holistic care and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

We chose to continue his education at a Montessori school primarily because of its child-centred, age-appropriate learning environment and the positive ethos of Montessori education.”
Valerie & Christian
Parent, Toddler
“We chose this school for our son primarily because of its educational approach. After attending one of its first open days, it became clear to us that this was the right choice. Despite the distance from our home, we felt that he would have opportunities here that he might not have elsewhere.

Our little boy began settling in at nine months old. Although he had always been curious and eager to explore his surroundings, being separated from us and adjusting to a new daily routine were challenging for him. Thanks to the time, patience and attention he received, he was able to build a strong, trusting relationship with his educator, entirely at his own pace.

In just two months, we noticed small but meaningful changes in our child. It is clear that he is learning so much through exposure to the new language, the activities he takes part in and his interactions with the other children.

It brings us such joy to see him smile when he arrives at school, and we feel we have made a decision that will have a positive impact on his development.”
Giulia and Michele
“We chose your setting because we wanted to find somewhere Maxim could settle in comfortably and feel at ease. We are especially grateful for the sensitive and personalised settling-in process, which made his start so much easier.

Although saying goodbye in the mornings can still be challenging at times, we can clearly see that it is becoming easier with each passing day. Maxim now really enjoys coming to you and greets me at lunchtime bright-eyed and full of energy.

It is also wonderful to see the bond he has formed with Lara. He has grown very fond of her, and she is a great source of support for him — especially in the mornings, when saying goodbye can still be difficult.

We are incredibly grateful for the warmth and care you provide and delighted to see the positive progress Maxim is making.”
Alexandra Ovciarik
Father, Children's House
“We send our child to Montessori Biloba with deep gratitude and complete confidence. The familiar Montessori approach, with its distinctive learning materials and thoughtfully prepared environment, is very close to our hearts. It brings us great joy to see the enthusiasm, curiosity and confidence with which our child attends each day, benefiting from a rich variety of formative experiences that support and enrich their development.

We especially value Montessori Biloba’s unique location in the Ballyhouse, surrounded by nature and with the beautiful Bally Park right on its doorstep. The entire atmosphere is warm, harmonious and peaceful — a place where children feel safe and secure and are free to flourish. You immediately sense that the children are supported with great sensitivity, care and genuine respect.

We are very much looking forward to the opening of the primary school and to seeing our child continue to receive holistic, personalised and caring support throughout their journey.”
Thabea
Mother, Toddler
"We would like to share the following anonymous feedback:
We chose your school because you prioritize individual development, allowing for free learning and creative expression tailored to each child's own pace."
Kathrin
Father, Children's House
Ready for the next step?

Erleben Sie Montessori im Ballyhouse

Meet the Biloba team and discover our educational approach and carefully prepared environment in person.
Open Day ·
Oct 24, 2026
Ballyhouse am Park
9.30 am — Short presentation
10.00 am–2.00 pm — Open Day
Schönenwerd
No registration required.
Discover our Montessori approach and carefully prepared environment.
taster day
Visit us during the week and experience our Montessori approach in everyday practice.
Personal consultation
We are happy to take the time to answer your questions.