Management
Bénédicte
Founder & Principal
Founder & Principal
" After more than 30 years of experience working with children,
I continue to find joy in nurturing the educational development of children."
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read more about bénédicte
Bénédicte, our school founder, was born in Paris. She has spent her life dedicated to education. With two parents who were teachers, even as a child she grew up in a home that cherished education. Bénédicte lived in London for 10 years where she raised her two children and explored pedagogical approaches to education. During this time, it was difficult to find teaching materials in French. As a result, she created various learning manuals and activity books focused on teaching French to Kindergarten children. Bénédicte wanted to create a curriculum that catered to the specific childhood development of this age group. Working in different schools allowed her to discover multiple pedagogical approaches which would soon become the foundation from which Rainbow School would flourish. In 2003, the dream became a reality with the opening of Rainbow Preschool in Courbevoie, a Nursery school that welcomed children from 3 to 6 years old. In 2011, in response to an increasing demand for Rainbow Preschool’s approach to education, the school moved to La Garenne Colombes in order to expand its services to Primary education. With the development of the school grounds, Rainbow School Paris was born. After more than 30 years of experience working with children, Bénédicte continues to find joy in nurturing the educational development of children. She firmly believes a child learns best when he feels safe, secure and heard. She adapts Rainbow School’s educational approach to the latest teaching methods that evolve with advances in neurosciences. She leads students to recognise their own identity while also encouraging community ethics. This bond of educational and emotional approaches to education is an integral part of the school’s DNA. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, Rainbow School cultivates citizens of tomorrow that carry values such as empathy, respect and curiosity. |
Laurine
Vice Principal " Growing up in Rainbow was a wonderful experience. I am committed to instilling our values into each of the children who walk the halls at Rainbow just as I once did as child. " read more about Laurine
Laurine, the daughter of Bénédicte, is the living embodiment of the Rainbow Spirit. She grew up in tandem with Rainbow School’s own growth, under the tutelage of Bénédicte the mother and educator. Laurine was born in France and grew up in England. At age 10, she returned to France. Laurine is a bilingual English and French speaker. After completing her studies, Laurine worked within the international business world. After several years, she returned to the campus of Rainbow, but this time not as a student. Laurine describes working alongside her mother as a complimentary ying-yang; Bénédicte, the inspirational educator with the grand vision of Rainbow, and Laurine as the pragmatic compliment translating these ideals into realities. Laurine feels privileged to carry on the torch first lit by her mother, seeing the continuation of Rainbow. Growing up, Bénédite instilled in Laurine all the values honoured by Rainbow. Laurine is committed to instilling these into each of the children who walk the halls at Rainbow just as she once did. |
Constance
Mascot " Constance, the daughter of Laurine and grand daughter of Bénédicte, is the new generation growing up in the Rainbow spirit." read more about constance
Constance, the daughter of Laurine and grand daughter of Bénédicte, is the new generation growing up in the Rainbow spirit. While still quite young, she is a frequent visitor to our halls. The students are always excited to see her when she is around. |
Dorian
Deputy head teacher " Here at Rainbow School read more about dorian
Dorian is a published author, seasoned poet, and English teacher from Canada. He speaks English, survival Korean, and is currently studying French so he can properly make France his new home. Dorian graduated from university in 2014 and was the recipient of numerous academic awards. He has been teaching at Rainbow School since Fall 2019. Before France, he taught in South Korea for 4 years as a head teacher specializing in English prose and exam prep. Outside of work, Dorian is a writer and activist. He travels around performing his poetry as well as organizing community events. He is inspired by the author Neil Gaiman who said: “ Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” Dorian admires the community-focus at Rainbow School. He is also inspired by how involved teachers are with developing curriculum, and the support administration provides for extra-curricular development. According to Dorian, Rainbow School provides an important shift away from the public school mentality of focusing on classes as a homogeneous group. Instead, here at Rainbow School students are given individual attention and tailored curriculum. |
Camille
Administrative assistant & FLE teacher " I both transmit knowledge in my classes and read more about Camille
Camille, a native of La Rochelle, France, possesses an adventurous spirit that thrives on discovery and continuous learning. Fluent in both English and French, with a generous touch of Spanish, she embarked on an international journey to enhance her language skills. Camille spent two enriching years in different English-speaking cities in Canada. Working abroad as an au pair coupled with the experience of imparting French lessons to her charge, sparked her interest in the field of education. She further delved into the world of exploration, backpacking through South America for eight months, immersing herself in Spanish-speaking cultures and broadening her horizons. After her studies, Camille dedicated a year to an educational association, focusing on supporting high school students. As a French as a Foreign Language (FLE) teacher at Rainbow School, Camille finds joy in the mutual exchange of knowledge with her multicultural students. She values the diverse backgrounds and experiences possible at Rainbow, emphasizing the importance of learning not only from textbooks but from each other. According to Camille, this acts as a gateway; “I both transmit knowledge in my classes and learn from my multicultural students; as they share words from their mother tongue with me, it sparks their enthusiasm for language exchange and learning French.” Beyond the classroom, Camille is an avid reader and a creative, exploring abstract drawing and painting with a curiosity for new techniques. Always embracing new knowledge, Camille is inspired to learn from every individual she encounters and every location she explores. This mirrors the spirit of Rainbow School, where a distinctive learning community is crafted from the vibrant threads of diverse backgrounds. |
Viivi
School Counsellor
School Counsellor
"Our students are not only taught to become successful academics but also to become well-rounded global citizens. " |
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read more about viivi
Viivi is a third culture kid at heart. Originally from Finland, she has lived abroad all her life and experienced the international school system first-hand both as a student and as a staff member. She speaks 6 languages and is always open to learning more about the cultures of the world. Viivi always knew that she wanted to work with children. At age 14 she was certain that she wanted to do so through the field of psychology. Today she is splitting her time between her private practice and being a part of the wellbeing project at the Rainbow School as the on-campus school counsellor. She works closely with staff and students in order to create a safe and positive environment for all. She is a strong believer in the open-door policy and is happy to have a chat with anyone who feels they are in need of some one-on-one time. Viivi admires the focus on global development at Rainbow School. The students are not only taught to become successful academics but also to become well-rounded global citizens. The focus on the different needs of each individual be it academically, mentally, or socially, as well as the constant strive for innovation make the Rainbow School a place where children flourish. |
Nursery School
Katrina
Nursery teacher - Nursery coordinator " What I love working about at Rainbow School is that we don’t look down at children when we speak to them, we look at them. They are our smaller equals, and they need us now as much as we will need them. " read more about Katrina
Katrina grew up in the beautiful islands of the Philippines. After graduating from university, she moved to Madrid where she started her career as an educator. She taught in Madrid for 7 years, specializing in Early Childhood Education. When that chapter had ended, she decided to teach in Paris where she also furthered her studies. She is certified in Neuroscience Applied in education and is currently undergoing a certification in Inclusive Education. Her coursework solidified her belief that learning and passion for learning are lifetime pursuits. She instils these values into each of her students. Growing up in a bilingual household of English and Tagalog and having learned and become fluent in Spanish, Italian and quite soon French, she can empathize and understand the complexity of learning two or more languages at the same time. She brings her personal language experiences into the multilingual classrooms at Rainbow, understanding the language support her students need. Her goal as a teacher is to have students experience learning as more than a simple box on a checklist. Rather, she aims to spark a desire, passion, and curiosity toward learning so that her students become invested in their own education. She believes and sees that Rainbow School provides its students with the space, emotional support and tools, and educational resources needed in order to receive a whole-brain education. |
Dana
Nursery assistant " I am happy to work at Rainbow School read more about dana
Dana is the team-mate to Ms Pil and together they work to bring out the best out of the Penguins class. Dana was born and raised in Romania. She speaks Romanian, French and English fluently. She moved to France in 2010 with her husband, and since then her family has grown to include a bright, young daughter. She joined the Rainbow team in 2011 as the class assistant in the Froggies class. Since 2018, she has been the class assistant in the Penguins class. She works closely with Ms Pil to provide each child with a caring and innovative education. Dana is happy to work at Rainbow School because she appreciates the dynamic team, the warm atmosphere and that everyone comes to work with a smile. She really feels like part of a family. In her spare time she enjoys crafting with her hands through sewing and baking. She especially loves the simple pleasure of spending time with her family. |
Niza
Pre-K teacher " Rainbow School fosters a close-knit environment where each students feels integral to our school community. " read more about niza
Niza is a highly motivated teacher with a truly international teaching career. She was born in the Philippines, and after completing a Bachelor's degree she traveled to Thailand. It was there where she discovered her true passion: teaching children. Niza has been teaching for more than 13 years, first in Thailand and then Dubai. She has also taught children with special needs. Aside from her passion for teaching, Niza loves painting and drawing portraits. She regularly practices yoga and was trained in Muaythai Boxing while living in Thailand. She loves traveling to different countries and learning about different cultures. She speaks English, Tagalog, Thai, and is now learning French. Niza has been living in France since 2019. According to Niza, Rainbow School fosters a close-knit environment where each student feels integral to our school community. |
Laïla
Pre-K assistant " Rainbow School represents a second family in which solidarity, love, sharing and happiness are present throughout the day. " read more about Laïla
Always seen with a smile on her face, Laïla is a nurturing class assistant. She was born and raised in Morocco and speaks Arabic and French fluently. She has also studied English and Italian during her schooling. Laïla loves working with Nursery children and helping guide them through introduction to education. She is the class assistant for the Froggies class, and her day consists of helping the lead teacher Ms Niza support each child in their learning and development. She believes Rainbow School distinguishes itself from other schools by implementing a unique pedagogical approach of creativity, academics, and strong ethics. She considers Rainbow School to be a second family in which solidarity, love, sharing and happiness are present throughout the day. In her free time, Laïla likes to bake for her family, go to the cinema and volunteer at various charities. |
Imo
Kindergarten teacher
Kindergarten teacher
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read more about imo
Mr. Imo has just recently moved from his home country of Australia to Paris. While Australia is home, Mr. Imo has Caribbean heritage with his family being from St Vincent and the Grenadines. Mr. Imo is very interested in anything and everything sports related and is looking forward to seeing Paris host the Olympics in 2024. Other than sport, Mr. Imo takes a keen interest in science and understanding the world through a scientific lens. As a native English speaker, Mr. Imo has begun taking French classes with enthusiasm. Mr. Imo comes from a long line of educators with family members spread across different roles in the educational system. He takes pride in his work in Education as he has the strong value that education has the ability to change the world for communities and individuals no matter the cultural or economic background. Mr Imo looks forward to his new adventure at Rainbow, and is extremely excited to have an opportunity to be a part of such a truly international setting. |
Primary School
Elisabeth
Grade 1 French teacher & FLE Teacher " Ce que j’apprécie le plus dans la Rainbow School, c’est l’ambiance formidable de l’équipe pédagogique. C’est aussi un lieu multiculturel qui permet à chacun de s’épanouir avec une réelle attention portée au bien-être et à la réussite de tous. Je suis persuadée qu’un élève peut tout faire en apprenant à croire en lui, et à son rythme." read more about Elisabeth
J’ai grandit en Bretagne, au fin fond d’un village nommé Plougonvelin. Après des études en design d’objet (spécialisé dans la conception de jeux éducatifs), plusieurs expériences en tant que responsable d’animation dans des centres de loisirs en France et en tant que professeur de français pour des adultes, j’ai décidé de passer mon master pour devenir professeure des écoles. Ce qui me passionne c’est enseigner et créer avec les plus jeunes. Depuis 2020, j’ai travaillé dans différents niveaux de classes, me permettant d’avoir une vue d’ensemble durant mes cours de FLE à la Rainbow School. Je parle français et anglais, et j’adore partager mes passions avec mes élèves pour faire éclore les leurs : la musique, le bricolage ou encore l’art. Je porte une grande attention à mettre en place un cadre bienveillant dans ma classe, en prenant en compte les émotions et les besoins de chacun. |
Talia
Grade 1 English Teacher - Primary coordinator " Back in 2009, I was instantly drawn to Rainbow School's creative approach and the family-like atmosphere of the school. " read more about Talia
Talia is an American teacher who is passionate about making learning interesting and engaging. She came to France back in 2007 and simply could not leave behind all those fresh baguettes and delicious cheeses. After much effort and a few embarrassing encounters thrown in for good measure, she has managed to learn to speak reasonably fluent French and has yet to embarrass her seven-year-old daughter, at least when it comes to her mother’s French. Talia graduated in 2007 from Seattle Pacific University and she has been employed as a member of the Rainbow team since 2009. She was instantly drawn to Rainbow School’s creative approach and the family-like atmosphere of the school. When Talia is not in the classroom, you can find her engrossed in a book or chasing after her three young children. |
Julie
Grade 2 English teacher and Grade 3 French teacher
Grade 2 English teacher and Grade 3 French teacher
" What I love about Rainbow is that it is a school where both personal and academic skills are valued and developed. Children are truly involved in their learning, and teaching is adapted to their individual profiles and skills. All teachers here are invested in every child’s growth, and teachers can always count on each other’s opinions and experiences to help provide a supportive learning environment for each student. It is a well-known saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and this is what Rainbow feels like ; a community dedicated to each student’s growth and well-being. " |
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read more about Julie
Julie is the English teacher for the Zebras class (CE1/Grade 2) and the French teacher for the Owls (CE2/Grade 3). French native and British by marriage, she loves living between the two languages on a daily basis and finds it extremely enriching. Outside of teaching, she enjoys graphic design, such as creating personalized invitations and announcements for friends and family, as well as adding to her ever-growing pile of board games. She also collects bank notes from around the world, which she feels are a window into each country’s rich culture and history. She has always been passionate about children and education, especially in an international setting, which is what drew her to Rainbow School. She believes that immersion in a bilingual and multicultural world from an early age helps to develop curiosity, independence and an open-minded attitude to the world. It is key to help children grow into kind and well-rounded adults. Julie has been working with international language schools for 10 years, first bringing French students abroad to learn English in an international setting, then focusing on younger children learning English in France, going on to create comprehensive English workbooks that have now been taught at multiple summer camps since 2019. When teaching, she has always tried to create an environment that integrates collaboration and allows children to learn both from their teachers and from their peers. School should be a nurturing learning space for students to discover themselves and the world around them. |
Isabelle
Grade 2,4 and 5 French teacher " What I enjoy the most at Rainbow School is the exchange of pedagogies with colleagues read more about isabelle
Isabelle is a creative teacher who is always looking for new ways to spark the imagination of her students. She was born and raised in Paris. She is the eldest of 4 children and her parents are originally from Portugal. It is because of her diverse background that she is fortunate to speak both French and Portuguese fluently. Throughout her schooling she has learned a little Italian, Spanish and English, but she always says her English has greatly improved since her arrival at the multi-lingual environment of Rainbow School. Ever since Isabelle was a child, she dreamt of becoming a teacher. Today her dream is fulfilled and and it brings her so much joy to infuse her math lessons with innovative and artistic elements. Isabelle began teaching at Rainbow School in 2012, and now she is the teacher for the Owls, Hedgehogs and Lions classes (CE2, CM1 & CM2). What she enjoys the most at Rainbow Schools is the exchange of pedagogies with her colleagues who come from all around the world. She often claims it is this multicultural environment that brings out her best as an educator. When she is not teaching, she enjoys crafting jewellery with a variety of materials. She also likes dancing, especially Latin dance classes. Above all, she loves spending time with her daughter. |
Maddie
Grade 3-5 English teacher " At Rainbow, there is an inspiring balance of exacting standards across core curriculums, read more about Maddie
When asked at school what she wanted to be when she grew up, Maddie answered, "Either a mermaid or a teacher." Unfortunately, due to the distinct lack of any tail or fin-like features, the first option seemed rather unlikely. After graduating from Birmingham University, Maddie travelled to Asia and Australia, before briefly, and without much enthusiasm, working in marketing. Maddie then waved goodbye to her family in the UK and bought a one-way ticket to Paris, impatient for hot baguettes and buttery croissants. Maddie is fluent in English and French and is currently learning "Toddler Franglais" at home with her 2-year-old daughter. A difficult language to master, made even harder by the frequent tears and tantrums of the tiny instructor. Maddie started her career in education as an assistant in the art classroom at Samworth Academy in Leicester and has continued teaching in bilingual schools and institutions in Paris since 2012. Outside of teaching, Maddie enjoys creating her own illustrations for use on greeting cards, fabrics, and book covers, as well as exploring the museums, galleries, and exhibitions in Paris. She is also an avid reader and enjoys sharing her passion for literature with her students. A firm believer that, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go." - The marvellous Dr. Seuss. Maddie is the English teacher for the Owls class (CE2), the Hedgehogs class (CM1), and the Lions class (CM2) at Rainbow School. She loves working in a multicultural environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and growth. The role of school education is evolving across the world, and we are beginning to understand the importance of nurturing personal skills as well as academic skills for the futures of our students. At Rainbow, there is an inspiring balance of exacting standards across core curriculums, but also a learning program that focuses on the children's well-being, emotional intelligence, growth mindset, and critical self-reflection. The children are motivated to do their best with continued individual support and socially relevant subject material. |
Afterschool
Baptiste
Afterschool instructor
Afterschool instructor
" My work here allows me to share special moments with each child. " |
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read more about baptiste
Baptiste was born in London where he lived until he was 5 years old. He went to an English school, and this first contact with a dynamic, international school sparked his imagination. His natural curiosity and creativity were encouraged and developed by his teachers. Baptiste works in Rainbow School's clubs, such as After School Club and Holiday Club. His work here allows him to share special moments with each child. He helps them with their homework as well as leads fitness-based or creative activities. This form of interaction through play is an intentional practice to connect with children and facilitate learning. Baptiste works as a part-time assistant for Rainbow School because he is a full-time student. He is also the president of his school’s Sports Association where he plays rugby. He enjoys the creative pursuit of photography and capturing moments with his friends. For him, Rainbow School Paris is different from other schools because there is a genuine exchange and collaboration between administration, staff and educators. |
Philippe
P.E Teacher "Rainbow School is special to me because of the interchange between cultures and the caring attitude between teachers and children. " read more about philippe
Philippe is a health-minded sports enthusiast. He was born in Paris. Since the founding of Rainbow School in 2003, he has worked as the Gym teacher. During Gym class, Philippe adapts his activities to develop the children’s gross motor skills. These physical activities foster coordination, flexibility, and fitness. Thanks to his class, students learn the values of sportsmanship and following rules. Students practice conflict resolution and management skills in team-based games. Rainbow School is special to him because of the interchange between cultures and the caring attitude between teachers and children. Outside his work at Rainbow School, Philippe is also a personal coach and a Coach Athlé Santé for the French Athletics Federation. In his free time he enjoys paddling, hiking on trails and cooking healthy meals while listening to soul music. |
Liz Del Pilar
Dance Teacher " I believe Rainbow School is a unique learning environment because of the strong sense of community brought together by our diversity and international backgrounds. Our diversity is our strength. " read more about liz
Liz is an accomplished dancer, artist, and teacher from Colombia. She has an extensive educational background. She has travelled the world studying Theatre Direction and Fine Arts first in Colombia, then Cuba, and finally in America. As a life-long learner, Liz has been furthering her studies in a painting class at the École de Beau-Arts of Paris. For over 17 years, Liz worked as a choreographer and drama teacher in Colombia at different schools and cultural organisations. She is a contemporary dancer and studied the discipline of yoga in both Colombia and America. Liz belonged to a group dedicated to theatre research in La Corporacion Colombiana de Teatro. Her time as an artist is varied and enriching. She has participated in painting exhibitions, both solo and collective, in galleries across the United States and France. In Paris, she volunteers her time teaching a course for international women wanting to learn to paint as a form of self-expression. Liz believes Rainbow School is a unique learning environment because of the strong sense of community brought together by our diversity and international backgrounds. Our diversity is our strength. |
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