At a glance, it might seem like a simple holiday activity, but The Blue School is far more than an introduction to diving…
Founded by freediving record-holder Pierre Frolla, this unique programme in Monaco opens the underwater world to children aged eight and above through a gentle, immersive experience that blends education, sport, and self-discovery.
Held during the school holidays, the Blue School combines the basics of snorkelling and scuba diving with lessons in marine biology, water safety, knot-tying, and even lifesaving skills, delivered in partnership with Monaco’s aquatic rescue centre. But it’s not just about technique; children learn to identify Mediterranean species, understand marine ecosystems, and engage with environmental stewardship firsthand. The sea becomes their classroom, and their teacher.
Frolla and his team don’t just teach diving. They guide children through fear of the unknown, helping them overcome anxiety and gain confidence by meeting the ocean on its own terms. The approach is calm and incremental, fostering trust and building resilience. The motto: transform the unfamiliar into the familiar.
The school places just as much emphasis on values, like courage, cooperation, and respect, as it does on breathing techniques or identifying sea urchins. It’s about learning to live in community, to make choices together, and to protect what matters.
Back on land, the children speak not only of fish and octopuses but of plastic bags, soda cans, and lost umbrellas, evidence of pollution witnessed during their dives. The lesson is clear and comes not from lectures but lived experience: to love the sea is to protect it.
By the end of the week, what they’ve gained is more than a certificate; it’s pride, joy, and a deeper connection to the natural world. The Blue School leaves children with wide eyes, full hearts, and a future-facing sense of responsibility.
Images: Pierre Frolla and Monaco Info
