Parent
Our son joined Stepping Stones preschool in 2019. He absolutely loves the school and its teachers and so do we. It’s a five stars plus school.
In terms of academics it manages to find the right balance between structure, guidance and a traditional preschool curriculum on the one hand and free play, fun and creativity on the other hand. The quality of the education is fantastic. Even more amazing is the fun the kids have learning. The school is truly bilingual French and English – which is often written on schools’ webpages but unfortunately not that often true in practice. Our son didn’t speak English nor French when he joined preschool and he learned both languages via immersion at Stepping Stones. The school offers stages during holiday times which is great for kids and parents.
The teachers are all very qualified. They are warm-hearted and passionate. They love the children and vice versa. This also made the start in preschool easy for our son. His teachers gave him such a warm welcome each morning that he was prepared to start a day full of adventures. At this age every child has its own pace. The teachers manage to focus on each individual kid and its needs in a way which is outstanding. They will update you regularly in a highly professional and lovely way and won’t keep you waiting if you feel the urge to catch up individually. This is possible because the classes are small. But also because the teachers will go the extra mile for the kid and its well-being.
The atmosphere in school is one of warmth, respect, curiosity, diversity and friendship.
The preschool is located on a big street with a busy pavement. There are only few public parking spaces and hardly any space for bikes. This makes drop off and pickup a bit difficult. Teachers watch out closely when the kids leave the school area but a traffic sign stating the presence of a school would be helpful for the parents but hasn’t been installed by the city so far. The building is a townhouse with very nice, bright rooms carefully decorated and dedicated to inter alia art, music, Montessori class etc. They have a dormitory for the small kids who still need a nap when starting preschool and they have a secured outdoor space with a playground. The children will go outside once or even twice a day – even when it was snowing. The “snowboard” event in the garden is unforgotten.
Overall for us it is the school you are looking for. We are very happy there and recommended it to all our friends.
10 other reviews for Stepping Stones Bilingual School - (Reviews aren't verified )
Parent
There are always improvements to be made anywhere and schools that "think outside of the box" are not everyone's cup of tea, but this review focuses on those aspects that made us score the school a 5. For us as parents whose mother tongue is not French, Stepping Stones gave us peace of mind after years of struggle in the Belgian school system. My daughter feels she is given the right stimulus to learn a language that she has unfortunately so far disliked (French) while being able to express herself and be understood in her paternal tongue (English). She has coincidentally stopped having nightmares every day or wondering if she is the wrong type of kid etc. I don't claim to always understand the pedagogical tools used in the school since I come from a very traditional schooling background myself but I can see the benefits in terms of her overall learning and acquired skills. Sinc... read full review
Parent
Our son attended Stepping Stones from age 3 to 6.5 and had an incredible experience. As parents, we were thrilled with how much the staff cared about the students, the variety of curriculum including some Montessory activities, and the excellent commun... read full review
Parent
Our daughter spent all her pre-school years at Stepping Stones coming right from kindergarten.
We were immediately impressed by, and grateful for, the understanding and the compassion that all teachers and supporting staff showed towards her and to the family, as she had some difficulties separating from her parents.
All teachers are extremely competent and, very important to us, kind, human and respectful towards the children. Children are loved and taken really good care of. All of this contribute to the excellent atmosphere in the school.
From an academic point of view, we always liked the structure that the school provided. We were particularly happy with the right mix of ‘directed’ activities and ‘Montessori activities’. We were impressed by the quality, the variety and the quantity of the materials available (for art work or any other activities), of the various toys, t... read full review
Parent
I've been a parent at this school for a little longer than a year, and I have seen them through Covid, quick changes of rules as regards safety and lockdowns, change of staff, and normal daily life; they have always managed to keep a high standard of education, and also care for the children. Both really go together in Stepping Stones. It is a small school and the children are very much loved. The teachers are great: you can tell that children love and respect them, and they provide a real range of activities and learning opportunities. They are also available to talk, listen, and explain to parents, and you can work in a team with them. I also really like the end of terms' reports, they are accurate and honest.
So absolutely 5 stars for level of education, affection for the children, passion for teaching subjects and values, variety of activities; and also the fact that they o... read full review
Parent
Our two girls went to stepping stones. One is still there. There are so many things I really appreciate about this school : the kindness of the teaching team and the beautiful energy that unites and carries them. Also the educational project which places the well-being of the child at the center of its learnings. Montessori pedagogy and learning to read in a small group. Music, art and gymnastic lessons with great teachers too.
I’m full of gratitude to see my girls there flourish and grow with confidence and joy. It seems to me that the school really answers to the children’s needs.
Parent
School in which you can be assured that your child will be listened to and considered with love and respect. Thank you to the very positive AND ANAZING director who sets the tone for the school, for Adela, for all of the GREAT team.
Parent
Our kids, as different as they are, have each been able to learn and grow in a way that builds their confidence, is fun, and responds to their varied needs.
Parent
My 2 children attend this school and I must say I am very satisfied and feel good about the quality of education they are getting - very good combination of learnings, self-learnings, singing/dancing, outdoor activities, arts, civic teaching, maths/science, languages... During the covid19 period, the staff have gone the extra mile producing a lot of online material. This demonstrates the strong commitment of the teachers and a positive culture towards learning ! Soon, they will be opening a primary school (2021) and the same fundamentals will apply, while there will be more than anywhere in brussels cultural activities outside of the school (museums, exhibitions, science....).
Parent
Our son has spent all his preshcool years are Stepping Stones and will switch to primary next Sept. He is very curious by nature and we want to help him quench his thirst for knowledge. Putting him at Stepping Stones was the best decision we made. He have watched him - and his classmates - grow from toddlers into confident, considerate, compassionate children, open to the world, able to beautifully express themselves in French and English, and with so much knowledge already for their age. The mix of active and led pedagogy, with the right amount of freedom and structure, is a wonderful way to teach children, learning has become a pleasure for them, and the results are obvious. The school team is simply the best, the numbers of students is limited, and it is such a pleasure to be able to fully trust those who care for your child during the day. Last, but not least, the fees remain... read full review
Parent
Ideal environment for a child's learning and development. Excellent facilities and attentive staff. A wonderful school.
