Practical information

Everything families need to know about daily life at Biloba

From daily routines and holiday dates to childcare vouchers and directions, families can find all the essential information about Montessori Biloba, life at the Ballyhouse and our prepared learning environment in Schönenwerd here.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The daily rhythm at Montessori Biloba

As a state-recognised childcare centre, kindergarten and school, we support children from their earliest years through to school age—all under one roof and with the aim of giving them the best possible start in life.
Mixed-age groups
Across all three settings
Full-day childcare
From 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
Bilingual education
German and English
Before and after school care
Flexible support throughout the school day
Afternoon program
Arts and crafts, cooking, forest and park activities, movement and music
Holiday care & project weeks
A varied programme of activities during the school holidays

Daycare

Open 48 weeks a year

Preschool & School

Open 42 weeks a year

Nido/Toddler

Baby Group
Ages 3–18 months

Toddler Group
Ages 18 months–3 years

Daycare/
Children’s House

Pre-kindergarten and 2 years of compulsory kindergarten (ages 3-6)

School

Ages 6–12
Grades 1–6
Planned opening: August 2027

Nido/Toddler

Baby Group
(3 to 18 months)

Toddler Group
(18 months to 3 years)

Daycare/
Children’s House

Pre-kindergarten and the two compulsory kindergarten years (ages 3–6)

Schule

Ages 6–12
Grades 1–6
Planned opening: August 2027

Nido/Toddler

Baby Group
(3 to 18 months)

Toddler Group
(18 months to 3 years)

Daycare/
Children’s House

Pre-kindergarten and 2 years of compulsory kindergarten (ages 3-6)

School

Ages 6–12
Grades 1–6
Planned opening: August 2027

Nido/Toddler

Baby Group
(3 to 18 months)

Toddler Group
(18 months to 3 years)

Daycare/
Children’s House

Pre-kindergarten and 2 years of compulsory kindergarten (ages 3-6)

School

Ages 6–12
Grades 1–6
Planned opening: August 2027

Nido/Toddler

Baby Group
(3 to 18 months)

Toddler Group
(18 months to 3 years)

Daycare/
Children’s House

Pre-kindergarten and 2 years of compulsory kindergarten (ages 3-6)

School

Ages 6–12
Grades 1–6
Planned opening: August 2027

rhythm

A Day at Montessori Biloba

Our daily routine follows the children’s natural rhythm, with periods of focused work, movement, shared meals, rest and free play flowing harmoniously throughout the day.
7:30 AM
Arrival and Welcome
The children are welcomed and given time to settle in.
8:00 AM
Time for Discovery, Concentration and Self-Chosen Activities
Each child works independently or alongside friends.
9:00 AM
The Nido and Toddler communities enjoy a morning snack together—a calm moment for conversation and connection. Children in the Children’s House choose when they would like to eat and who they would like to sit with.
11:15 AM
Circle Time
We sing, move and make music together. We tell stories, share news from our daily lives and enjoy poems and rhymes.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch and Quiet Conversation
The younger children eat from 11.30 am to 12.00 noon, while the Children’s House children eat from 12.00 to 12.30 pm. While the younger children eat or rest, the Children’s House children enjoy quiet activities and free play.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch and Quiet Conversation
The younger children eat from 11.30 am to 12.00 noon, while the children in the Children’s House eat from 12.00 to 12.30 pm. While the younger children eat or rest, the Children’s House children enjoy quiet activities and free play.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Garden Time, Movement and Creative Activities
The children spend the afternoon playing, making music, exploring rhythm and art, and moving freely—both indoors and outdoors. These activities create opportunities for connection, community and independent discovery.
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
The Day Draws to a Close
The children are collected by their families throughout the afternoon in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
FEES AT A GLANCE

Transparent Fees for Every Programme

VIEW FEES (PDF)

Our fees are based on the number of childcare days selected—from early Nido care through to primary school. Transparent fee structures, flexible additional options and well-organised full-day care give families clarity and confidence when planning everyday life.

  • Nido & Toddler: Care available from two days per week, from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm

  • Children’s House with compulsory kindergarten: Flexible half-day and additional modules, including lunch and afternoon care, available from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm

  • Primary School: Lunchtime and afternoon care included

  • Sibling discounts

  • Holiday childcare available

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT A GLANCE

School Holidays 2026/2027

Our kindergarten and school are closed during the school holidays and public holidays observed by the municipality of Schönenwerd. The following holiday dates apply for the 2026/2027 school year:

Summer Holidays 2026

4 July–9 August 2026

Autumn break 2026

26 September–18 October 2026

Christmas Holidays 2026/2027

December 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Winter Holidays 2027

February 6, 2027 – February 21, 2027

Spring Break 2027

April 10, 2027 – April 25, 2027

Summer Holidays 2027

July 10, 2027 – August 15, 2027

Holiday Care

Holiday care is available during the first week of each school holiday. No holiday care is provided during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The official public holidays of the Canton of Solothurn also apply.

Unterstützung

Financial support

Families can obtain information about childcare vouchers from the relevant authorities in their canton or municipality of residence.

Help with your questions

We are happy to assist with general questions about childcare vouchers and the available application routes.

Personal Consultation

Together, we can help you find the information and options best suited to your circumstances.

Financial support
getting here

Welcome to Montessori Biloba — how to find us

The Ballyhouse enjoys a peaceful location in Schönenwerd and is easy to reach. We look forward to welcoming you to our historic building and spacious garden. Visitor parking is available.

We Look Forward to Meeting You

Arrange a personal introductory meeting or visit us in person. We look forward to getting to know you and your child.

Bereit für den nächsten Schritt?

Erleben Sie Montessori im Ballyhouse

Lernen Sie unsere Pädagogik, die vorbereitete Umgebung und das Biloba-Team persönlich kennen.
Open Day ·
24. Okt. 2026
Ballyhouse am Park
9.30 Kurzvortrag /
10.00 - 14.00 Open Day · Schönenwerd
Keine Anmeldung erforderlich.
Einblick in unsere Montessori-Pädagogik und die vorbereitete Umgebung.
schnuppertag
Besuchen Sie uns unter der Woche und erleben Sie die Pädagogik im Alltag.
Persönliches Gespräch
Wir nehmen uns Zeit für Ihre Fragen.