Children are truly miraculous beings. Follow them and they will show you, what they need to do.
Preschool
1.5 - 6 years
We bring the world closer to children. They can then do big things.
We accompany children through everyday situations, their joys and worries. With love.
We follow their needs, feelings and wishes. In their way, we show them what they are currently interested in. We let them test and examine with all their senses. Thus, they naturally and joyfully get to know the world and learn to care for themselves and others. And they feel happy, big and important.
We develop confidence and independence in caring for ourselves and our surroundings.
Through Montessori materials, creativity, movement and caring for their environment, the children discover words, numbers, nature, art. They learn to clean up, prepare snacks, and take care of animals, a garden, and a forest. They learn to express their feelings and wishes, to listen to others, to assert themselves and to compromise.
Who we are
Ever since 2010, this family-run Czech-English Montessori school that is truly tailored to children has been our life. In a villa with a garden across from the Kunratice Park and a short walk from the Šeberák Pond, the children meet Czech- and English-speaking teachers and friends every day in two classes: for 1.5 to 3 years of age and for 3 to 6 years of age.
Everything is so low so children can reach it and choose. So small that it fits in their hand. And yet it’s all so adult. Because the smallest ones have the greatest joy when they themselves can do something big. And from this their confidence in themselves and in the world grows.
How we learn
The child is his own creator
Exploring the world beckons to children, they intuitively know what they need to do and discover. When they feel it's time to pour water, touch textures, count, draw or dance, they immerse themselves until the world around them disappears for a while. And every day they return to it until they are satisfied with their ability.
Giving children freedom of choice means natural learning and immense joy from success.
Thus, we don’t have scheduled activities and don’t determine what the children should do and when. They have everything at their disposal and can always go to whatever helps them develop the most.
Environment is a teacher
A classroom full of Montessori aids, a kitchen, a garden, a forest, each of us. Children observe, explore and absorb everything around them, learning from everything and from everyone, wanting to try everything. We prepare inspiration for them, make opportunities available so that they can learn through their own experience, by themselves at their own pace and together.
Children love doing real things just like adults.
That's why they do not only play and prepare for school here, they also clean up, cook, make things, garden. They’re capable of much more than we think. And they’re proud of themselves.
Teachers are guides
With our eyes and hearts, we observe and listen and we accompany the children through each day accordingly, inspiring them, showing them, helping them and sometimes not helping them. Because when the activity is well prepared and the child can handle it without help, advice or correction, he is much happier with himself.
We love each and every child, each one fascinates us and teaches us to seek new paths.
We are always thinking about what he is feeling now, what he is looking for, what he wants to do, how to show him, what to help him with and how.
We all learn from relationships
Who am I, what am I like and who are the others? What makes us the same and what makes us different? How can I be myself, express what I feel and what I need, while not limiting or hurting others? When and how should I assert myself and when make compromises? How to resolve a conflict? We all experience these questions daily in various situations and we learn together how to identify and solve them.
Perceiving ourselves and others, knowing how to express ourselves and come to agreements is the basis of living happily.
That is why we learn to speak about our feelings, needs and wishes and create rules of our coexistence together so that we can enjoy life together.
Not all preschools are the same, and I can absolutely recommend Willowtrees.
From the very first visit, we felt just how pleasant and authentic the entire collective is and that they put their hearts into their work, invest in the children and you can see the results. Most of all, we appreciate everyone's attitude towards the children, their care, concern, and endless patience. We tried applying Montessori principles at home since our son was little, but it was only in preschool that he became truly independent, made friends and enjoys English. Thank you.
The teachers' very personal, kind and respectful approach to each child at Willowtrees is wonderful.
We like how the children are led to mutual respect and learn to communicate together in situations where they need to find a solution together. We really appreciate Martina, who can handle all kinds of situations and even gives valuable ideas to us parents. We like the fact that the children spend a lot of time outdoors, in the garden and in the forest, they love the forest days. We also appreciate the high-quality preparation for school.
Ben didn't want to leave preschool. He was seriously considering the possibility of staying there until adulthood.
On behalf of us parents, I would like to thank the entire team for creating an environment together where the children feel good and where they can develop in the right direction, which is a huge gift for the rest of their lives.
Practical info
Daily rhythm
Afternoon clubs
Ceramics with American artist Chris
Music with flautist Markéta
Exercise with our matron Pavla
Kathak with dancer and puppeteer Ivana
Aikido with 6th dan Mirek "Grandpa Bumbác"
Clubs are included in the tuition, with the exception of art, where a fee of CZK 1,300 per semester is collected for materials.
Cooperation with parents
- Daily contact when picking up children
- Information and photos in Twigsee mobile app
- Individual consultation with teachers
- Observation visits
- Evenings where parents experience our work methods
- Afternoons for preschoolers and parents
- Events and celebrations for parents and the public
- Parent lectures and workshops about work, interests, experiences
Tuition
CZK 7,300 - 17,500
měsíčně od září do června
According to extent of attendance. Does not include meals.
Meals are paid seperately, CZK 115 per day. Morning and afternoon snacks always include a selection of fruits and vegetables. Organic lunches from Bionea with a selection from a meat or vegetarian menu.
A four-week summer program for children aged 7 and up from our school or elsewhere.
Enrolment
We accept children for preschool at any time during the year until reaching full capacity.
We recommend a morning visit by both parents to observe and speak with the teachers, followed by a visit with their child.
To get to know Montessori methods and our preschool better, we organise playrooms for parents and their children every Friday.
Contacts
Contact
Lucie Černická
Children pick-up
+420 608 290 710
For urgent text messages from 7.30 to 17.00