École Freinet, Progressive education school in Vence, France
École Freinet is a public primary school on Chemin Célestin-Freinet in Vence, made up of eleven white and blue buildings on a plot of over one hectare overlooking the Cagne. The buildings are plain and decorated with pupils' work, and the grounds provide space for physical activity.
Élise and Célestin Freinet opened the school on 1 October 1933 as l'École Moderne, with thirteen pupils and Élise's mother Julie Lagier-Bruno among the founders. In 1936 and 1937 it took in many workers' children and Spanish children fleeing the Civil War. In 1940 it was closed and Freinet interned for communist propaganda; it reopened in 1946 as l'École de Vence, and in 1966 became the state school l'École Freinet.
The school grounds display artworks and sculptures created by students under Élise Freinet's direction, scattered throughout the open spaces. These creations reflect a teaching approach that places artistic expression and hands-on learning at the center of education.
The school is accessible via 1133 Chemin Célestin-Freinet in Vence and operates as an active educational institution. Since it remains a working school, visitors should contact ahead to arrange a suitable time for exploration of the grounds.
The school was bought by the French state in 1991, after decades of family management: Élise Freinet ran it alone from Célestin's death in 1966 until 1983, then their daughter Madeleine and her husband Jacques Bens took over. Carmen Montès, appointed by Élise in 1975, served as director from 1980 to 2009.
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