Category: Uncategorized

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Hidden behind a green oasis off the streets that encircle Tokyo Tower, St. Alban’s Nursery School is a cherished institution for more than half a century—a haven of warmth, diversity, and creativity in one of the planet’s most frenetic cities. Established in 1972 by St. Alban’s Anglican-Episcopal Church women, the school was a direct response to a simple need: to build an English-language supportive preschool community for their children when there were few, or maybe no, such schools in Tokyo.

The small, community-based origin has evolved into one of Tokyo’s most esteemed early childhood learning communities, recognized for its family environment, open education, and global character.

A Legacy of Love, Learning, and Community

St. Alban’s Nursery has been based at the same idyllic parish hall for more than 50 years. The tree-lined and serene church garden encircles the school’s large playground, which has become its defining feature—a free area where children play, learn, and grow.

In spite of Tokyo’s urbanization, St. Alban’s maintained its serene, community-oriented nature. The school still reflects its founding principles of care, community, and lifelong learning.

Small School, Big Heart

The most distinctive feature of St. Alban’s Nursery is its small class size. With only 25 children and six full- and part-time staff, every child receives personalized care and attention. The co-aged room, aged 1.5 to 5 years, enables older children to mentor younger ones, teaching them empathy, patience, and cooperation.

It is this “small is beautiful” philosophy that guides the success of the school. One of Tokyo’s better value English-language preschools, graduates of St. Alban’s automatically qualify for top international schools—a reflection of the school’s dedication to excellence in early childhood education.

A Safe and Nurturing Environment

Emotional well-being and safety form the cornerstone of St. Alban’s philosophy. With a low pupil-to-teacher ratio, each child is cared for with individual attention, and mixed-age group interaction encourages tolerance, kindness, and respect. Teachers support children in emotional expression, conflict resolution, and social duty to enable them to learn basic self-help and life skills.

Physical safety, particularly during outdoor play and outings, is of great concern. The nurturing environment encourages children to become confident, independent, and empathetic.

A Montessori-Inspired Approach to Learning

Learning at St. Alban’s is hands-on, interactive, and fun. The school’s Montessori-inspired curriculum combines self-directed learning with systematic thematic teaching. A principal theme each week ties activities in subjects together to present learning in an ordered and interesting way.

The curriculum blends Montessori self-directed discovery and learning with STEAM and Creative Curriculum. Dramatic arts, geography, and science are integrated into weekly lessons through balance of curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity.

Blending Technology and Tradition

St. Alban’s cherishes hands-on learning of the traditional variety but also appreciates the value of digital literacy. Technology is intentionally introduced and in moderation—as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, hands-on learning.

They learn in brief increments with laptops and learning programs to build strong early numeracy and literacy skills, but the bulk of their learning is hands-on and social—story, art, block building, imaginative play. That intentional blend of both enables students to build critical 21st-century skills without sacrificing the beauty of discovery.

Learning Through Nature

Few Tokyo preschools are as lucky as having a private tree-lined garden inside the city. St. Alban’s maximizes its natural resources by conducting daily programs outdoors to allow children to reconnect with nature.

Day and night, children come to the garden as a living classroom where they plant and harvest vegetables such as potatoes and cucumbers, learn about changes in season, and gather leaves. They also conduct outdoor science experiments and gardening activities to develop curiosity, hand-eye coordination, and sensitivity to nature.

These lessons learn not just science but appreciation—appreciation of the rhythm of nature, beauty, and harmony.

A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion

Multiculturalism is at the heart of St. Alban’s Nursery’s identity. Educators and parents of various nationalities, religion, and backgrounds constitute the school community, reflecting the multicultural face of modern Tokyo.

Children from mixed-heritage homes feel embraced, and children with special learning difficulties are given special attention so that they can confidently integrate into mainstream school. This is an inclusive attitude that goes far beyond the classroom context.

Involving Parents as Partners

St. Alban’s discovers that learning in a child is most powerful when parents are involved as active partners. Teachers provide daily reports of progress at drop-off and pick-up times, keeping the lines of communication open between home and school.

Additionally, parent-teacher conferences held twice a year offer in-depth feedback regarding each child’s growth, strengths, and weaknesses. Parents also get to accompany field trips and community events at school, complementing the family-oriented atmosphere that characterizes St. Alban’s community.

Special Programs and Enrichment Activities

There is a lot of scope for creativity, expression, and enjoyment in the school calendar. Special season programs, e.g., a one-week Winter Program and a four-week Summer Program, full of theme-based activities and outdoor activities, are organized by St. Alban’s.

Amongst the normal curriculum, enrichment of course figures. The children appreciate drama lessons from a visiting teacher, building towards confidence, expression, and collaboration. The church organist pays visits every other fortnight to provide music lessons, with children singing in English and Japanese—more often than not rehearsing for the famous Christmas Concert and Graduation Ceremony.

These activities bring about an appreciation of art and public speaking at early ages.

Keeping True to Its Roots

Whereas other schools would need to grow, St. Alban’s Nursery is purposefully small. The school is not interested in growing but in growing the quality of education as well as richness of experience of each child.

Looking forward, St. Alban’s continues with its purpose: to cultivate confident, empathetic, and creative young minds who can thrive anywhere in the world but remain rooted in strong foundations of giving and questioning.

Conclusion

Since more than half a century, St. Alban’s Nursery School has stood as an exemplar of what nursery school can be: warm, happy, welcoming, and full of humanity. Among the garden foliage of its campus and in its cozy classrooms, children don’t merely prepare for school—they embark on a lifetime of exploration, friendship, and learning.

In a changing world, St. Alban’s is still a place where small is beautiful—where every child knows that he is loved and encouraged to grow.

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Founded in 2004, Axis International School was established with a clear and purposeful goal: to provide Japanese children with access to a truly international education that could adapt to the realities of a globally mobile world. From its earliest days, the school has focused on continuity, flexibility, and individual student care—values that continue to shape its identity today.

In its formative years, Axis International School partnered with Home Study International, an American homeschool program with more than a century of educational experience. This decision allowed students to follow a consistent academic pathway regardless of where their families relocated, ensuring stability in learning even amid international moves. Over time, as the school community grew and needs evolved, Axis transitioned into a more conventional school model while preserving its commitment to small class sizes and individualized instruction.

A significant milestone came in 2017, when Axis International School joined Griggs International Academy as an affiliate school. This partnership enabled students to progress seamlessly from Preschool through to university within one unified educational system. It also marked a shift away from homeschooling toward a structured, classroom-based program, with class sizes carefully capped at a maximum of eight students per teacher to maintain high levels of personal attention.

A School Designed Around the Child

Axis International School’s mission is simple yet powerful: to help every child achieve their personal best. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of school life, from lesson design to daily interactions between teachers and students. Small class sizes allow educators to address individual questions, learning styles, and challenges on a daily basis, creating an environment where students feel seen, supported, and confident.

Currently, the school operates across two locations in Tokyo. The Preschool campus is situated between Kichijoji and Mitaka, while students in Grades 1 through 12 attend classes at a second building in Kichijoji. While these facilities were not originally purpose-built, they are thoughtfully organized to support learning, and plans are already underway for a future move into a dedicated school campus that will better serve the growing community.

A Family-Like Environment That Sets the School Apart

What truly distinguishes Axis International School, particularly at the early childhood level, is its strong sense of family. Parents consistently describe the environment as caring, warm, and deeply personal—qualities that can be difficult to maintain as schools grow.

Teachers at Axis are not only highly experienced, with all staff bringing more than five years of professional experience and many having served the school for over five years, but they are also deeply invested in their students’ well-being. Relationships are built over time, creating continuity and trust for both children and families.

Practical support further strengthens this bond. The school’s door-to-door bus service is especially valued by parents, offering flexibility when family schedules change. In some cases, students are intentionally placed on later buses so they arrive home when parents return from work—small adjustments that reflect the school’s attentiveness to family needs.

To keep parents connected to daily school life, families receive weekly photo updates at no cost, allowing them to see exactly what their children have been learning and experiencing.

Safety and Care as Daily Priorities

Creating a safe and nurturing environment is a shared responsibility at Axis International School. Weekly staff meetings include regular safety reviews of both facilities and practices, ensuring potential concerns are identified and addressed promptly. All staff members receive annual training in child safety, reinforcing a culture of vigilance and care.

The school also uses internal cameras throughout most areas of its buildings. These recordings provide valuable insight when issues arise, helping staff better understand situations and respond thoughtfully and fairly.

For the youngest learners aged one to three, the presence of a nurse within the classroom adds an additional layer of care. Teachers in this age group are also mothers themselves, bringing firsthand parenting experience into the classroom—an asset that contributes significantly to the nurturing atmosphere parents value so highly.

Thoughtful Use of Technology in Learning

Technology at Axis International School is integrated with intention, supporting learning without replacing traditional methods. The school provides all required technology, ensuring consistency and equitable access for students.

Projectors are used by teachers to support instruction and by students to present projects. In Preschool and Grades 1–3, iPads are introduced gradually. At the Preschool level, they are primarily used by teachers to illustrate concepts visually. In the early elementary years, students learn how to search for information, access the school’s online reading program, and complete standardized assessments.

Reading plays a central role in the elementary program. All students are expected to read for 30 minutes daily using an online system that tracks progress and supports individual growth.

From Grade 4 onward, students use laptops for research, presentations, and selected assessments. Science and Mathematics textbooks are also available in digital format to reduce the physical load students carry, while still preserving printed books for families who prefer them. Online resources remain an option rather than a requirement, reflecting parental preferences for balanced learning.

Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls

Outdoor learning is a consistent part of life at Axis International School. Preschool students visit a nearby park every day, weather permitting, with appropriate clothing ensuring outdoor play continues throughout the year. These daily excursions provide physical activity, sensory exploration, and a strong connection to nature.

Students in Grades 1 through 12 also participate in outdoor physical activities. Younger elementary students walk to a nearby public park, while older students use the expansive Inogashira Park for exercise and sports. Science classes occasionally take advantage of these green spaces as living laboratories, offering hands-on opportunities to study plants, insects, and natural ecosystems.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Axis International School reflects the diversity of the world its students are preparing to enter. The staff represents a wide range of nationalities, including American, British, Filipino, Finnish, Japanese, and South African educators. The student body is equally diverse, with children from 13 different nationalities learning together.

The school places strong value on exposing students to a variety of beliefs, cultures, and perspectives. Students from different faiths learn side by side, developing respect and understanding through daily interaction. While the school currently supports two high-functioning students with special needs and does not yet have dedicated special education teachers, inclusion remains an important part of its ethos.

Strong Parent Partnerships

Parents are active partners in their children’s education at Axis International School. Families are expected to monitor daily homework, reinforcing consistency between home and school. At the start of each semester, Parent Meetings provide opportunities to align expectations and share goals.

A highlight of the school year is the compulsory Family Camp for students aged five and above. With approximately 90 percent parent participation, the camp allows families—particularly fathers who may not regularly visit the school—to experience their child’s learning environment firsthand.

Communication remains frequent and transparent. Parents receive regular updates on programs and events, weekly photo links showcasing classroom activities, and direct access to teachers via email. Preschool families also use daily communication notebooks, ensuring ongoing dialogue and support.

Enrichment Beyond the Curriculum

In response to parent feedback, Axis International School introduced a daily afternoon dance class for students from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., offered free of charge. Additionally, children aged five and above can participate in optional swimming lessons at an external facility, with transportation provided by the school bus.

Looking Ahead

As enrollment approaches building capacity, Axis International School is actively planning a move to a larger facility in the future. The school also intends to introduce new community events, including a School Picnic and Sports Day, further strengthening connections among students, families, and staff.

With its emphasis on care, continuity, and close relationships, Axis International School continues to offer an educational experience where students are supported academically, emotionally, and socially—preparing them for a global future while remaining grounded in a strong sense of community.

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In the bustling heart of Osaka, a city known for its innovation, diversity, and cultural vibrancy, stands a school that mirrors these very qualities: Abroad International School Osaka (AIS Osaka). Since its founding, AIS Osaka has steadily grown from a small language school into a thriving international institution that now serves learners from early childhood through middle school, with ambitious plans to launch its high school and IB Diploma Programme (DP) by 2026. With a philosophy deeply rooted in inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and holistic development, AIS Osaka is shaping the next generation of compassionate, respectful, and responsible global citizens.

A Vision for Holistic Global Education

At the core of AIS Osaka’s identity is its mission: to foster compassionate, respectful, and responsible global citizens through inquiry-driven learning. The school envisions itself as a leading international school in Japan, empowering students to become open-minded, principled individuals who take meaningful action in their communities and beyond. Its values—Be Compassionate, Be Respectful, Be Responsible—resonate throughout the school culture, guiding students in both academic and personal growth.

This vision is supported by modern facilities, including technology-equipped classrooms, a science lab, art and design studios, a music room, a Japanese language center, a growing multilingual library, a gymnasium, and even plans for an artificial turf playground in 2025. Together, these spaces nurture creativity, inquiry, and well-being.

Setting a New Standard in Early Childhood Education

AIS Osaka’s nursery and pre-school programs stand out in Japan for their innovative approach. Few early childhood centers in the country implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Early Years framework as authentically and intentionally. This play-based, inquiry-driven model places children at the center of their learning journey, cultivating curiosity and critical thinking from the earliest age.

The program is further distinguished by highly qualified international educators who provide personalized care. English immersion is balanced with meaningful Japanese cultural integration. Purpose-built early years spaces include safe indoor classrooms, outdoor exploration areas, and sensory corners. A strong focus on holistic development is reflected in activities across the arts, music, movement, and social-emotional learning, while close partnerships with families, including parent mornings, performances, and classroom visits, ensure that every child thrives in a supportive community.

Safety and Nurturing at the Forefront

The well-being of children is central to AIS Osaka’s philosophy. From rounded corners and secure outdoor play areas to strict health and hygiene protocols, every detail is designed with child safety in mind. Educators are trained in first aid, CPR, safeguarding, and responsive caregiving, while security systems, gated entries, and CCTV ensure a safe campus. Social-emotional support is equally prioritized, with small class sizes, comfort routines, and conflict-resolution practices fostering trust and belonging. Through transparent parent communication—daily updates, conferences, and open classrooms—the school strengthens its nurturing ecosystem, ensuring children are seen, heard, and valued.

A Blend of the World’s Best Teaching Philosophies

AIS Osaka’s teaching approach is a tapestry woven from globally respected educational philosophies. Montessori inspires independence and hands-on exploration. Reggio Emilia values children as capable thinkers, with projects guided by their interests. The UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) ensures balanced development across literacy, numeracy, physical growth, and emotional well-being. The IB PYP integrates inquiry-driven, concept-based learning that fosters critical thinking and global citizenship. This unique blend empowers students to not only acquire knowledge but also question, connect, and take action, preparing them to thrive in a dynamic world.

Technology with Balance

AIS Osaka embraces technology as a tool for creativity and inquiry, without overshadowing the importance of traditional learning. Early Years learners engage with interactive smartboards alongside sensory play and group activities. Primary students use tools like RazKids, Britannica School, and Google Workspace for research, reading, and collaboration. Middle Years Programme (MYP) students access IXL, Follett Destiny, and JSTOR, preparing them for the IB DP and higher education research. The integration is purposeful and age-appropriate, paired with strong lessons in digital citizenship to foster responsible use.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Outdoor and nature-based learning is a hallmark of AIS Osaka. From bug hunts and gardening in the Early Years to ecological investigations in the MYP, students engage directly with the environment. Field trips to parks, museums, farms, and cultural landmarks connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, while events such as Sports Day and nature-focused excursions cultivate resilience, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

A Truly Inclusive, Diverse Community

Diversity and inclusion are lived values at AIS Osaka. With over thirty nationalities represented among students and staff, the school celebrates multiculturalism through its curriculum and community events such as International Day and Japanese Culture Day. Multilingualism is valued, with English as the medium of instruction and home languages honored through presentations and activities. Support systems for English as an Additional Language (EAL), Special Education Needs (SEN), and pastoral care ensure every learner has equitable access to success. The result is a vibrant, inclusive community where every student feels a strong sense of belonging.

Parents as Partners in Learning

AIS Osaka recognizes parents as essential partners in the educational journey. From student-led conferences and curriculum nights to open classroom visits and an active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), families are closely connected to their child’s growth. Digital platforms like Toddle provide real-time updates and reflections, ensuring parents remain informed and engaged every step of the way. Community-building events, including family picnics, cultural festivals, and sports days, further strengthen the school’s collaborative spirit.

Enrichment Opportunities for All

AIS Osaka extends learning through a rich variety of extracurricular activities that include sports, arts, language clubs, chess, and sustainability-focused initiatives like the SDGs Club. These activities encourage students to discover new passions, develop leadership, and embody the IB learner profile attributes of being thinkers, risk-takers, and caring citizens. Even its youngest learners engage in enrichment, with sports, dance, and field trips designed to expand curiosity and confidence.

Looking Ahead: Growth with Purpose

AIS Osaka’s future is marked by ambition and innovation. Upcoming milestones include the launch of the high school and IB Diploma Programme by 2026 and the shift to a September academic calendar aligning with international schools globally. Plans also include enhanced early years programs with expanded outdoor learning, parent workshops, and specialist support, as well as strengthened family engagement through expanded Community Club initiatives. Continued facility development in STEM, arts, athletics, and early childhood spaces is also planned, alongside a deepened focus on global citizenship, sustainability, and future-ready skills.

Conclusion

From its beginnings as a small language school to its current status as a dynamic IB World School, Abroad International School Osaka has continually evolved to meet the needs of students and families. With a commitment to safety, inclusion, inquiry, and holistic development, AIS Osaka is more than just a school—it is a thriving community where children are empowered to learn, grow, and lead with compassion. As it prepares for its next chapter, AIS Osaka stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Japan, nurturing learners who will shape a brighter, more connected world.

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Nestled in the sun-kissed coastal city of Brindisi, the International School of Brindisi aspires to be the beacon for modern and inclusive education in southern Italy. ISB has grown far beyond an international school; it is an innovation, diversity, and holistic learning hub that would enable each child to develop intellectually, in character, and in curiosity.

A Vision Rooted in Global Education

Learning at ISB is rigorous yet deeply human. The core of the school’s curriculum is American-style, aligned with both the Common Core and AERO standards, yet rich in international best practices that assure academic excellence while cultivating creativity and critical thinking all at once.

At the core of how ISB operates is the iCARE Values Program set upon Integrity, Curiosity, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy. These are the ideals guiding students not only in academic studies but also in building compassion, resilience, and responsibility toward citizenship.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity at ISB is not merely an abstract ideal but a tangible reality. The students come together to form a tapestry of nationality, culture, and language. Teachers and staff are equally conscious and make every effort to ensure that each student is valued, seen, and supported. Students appreciate the beauty in the differences of multicultural perspectives that draw lessons from literature, history, and the arts.

Inclusion means so much more than academics: teachers make differential accommodations to every learner’s needs, whether linguistic or cognitive, with extra support given to learners of English as an additional language. Also, cultural awareness training with the staff keeps the classrooms fair and compassionate. This produces a community in which mutual respect and collaboration happen as a matter of course.

From the celebration of cultures and language days to international festivals, ISB promotes after-school activities and invites families to share in their culture. The PTA at this school also plays a very important role in bringing local and international families together to further solidify the spirit of belonging.

Partnerships That Make Real-World Connections

True to its philosophy of learning by doing, ISB partners with both local and international organizations. Such sports clubs – Terra Rossa Tennis Club, Brindisi Valtur Basketball Team, and Brindisi Calcio Football Team – extend the aims of physical education at ISB while teaching teamwork and leadership skills.

The school’s ties to the United Nations community in Brindisi also open doors for cultural exchange and civic learning. Through outreach to universities, local businesses, and cultural centers, ISB enriches students’ experiences and strengthens its contribution to the broader Puglian community. These partnerships turn learning into a shared endeavor—linking classrooms to the real world.

Open Communication, Stronger Connections

For ISB, communication is the backbone of this warm and closely-knit community. Families are kept informed and connected by periodic updates given through the director’s monthly newsletter, The Current. The teachers keep the lines open through Seesaw, Google Classroom, and direct messaging, thereby ensuring parents stay in constant touch with their child.

The PTA ensures cooperation and dialogue; parent-teacher conferences allow deeper deliberation on the progress of each child. This is communication based on trust, one of the very qualities defining ISB’s approach to education as much as its academics.

Mindfulness projects, art therapies, and sports activities find their places in the children’s daily routine to enable them to express themselves and build confidence. Smaller class sizes ensure that no student goes unnoticed, every child has a voice, and every success is celebrated.

Encouraging Creativity and Critical Thinking

Creativity and Critical Thinking is encouraged always At ISB, creativity goes far beyond the arts. Students learn to express ideas and emotion, finding flexibility in thought through visual art, drama, and music. Inquiry-based learning instills in them the habit of questioning, investigating, and solving problems, while cross-disciplinary projects connect science and technology with the humanities.

This helps in developing not just academic abilities but also important traits such as adaptability-a big plus in today’s ever-changing environment. This is how the learner turns into an independent thinker, able communicator, and confident innovator.

A Thoughtful Use of Technology

At ISB, technology is a partner in learning, not a distraction. Tools like Google Classroom, Seesaw, and Khan Academy support interactive lessons and differentiated instruction. Students explore subjects through virtual labs, coding challenges, and digital storytelling, while teachers use data-driven tools to personalize feedback and monitor progress.

Digital citizenship is equally emphasized. From early grades, children learn to navigate technology responsibly—developing an ethical understanding of online behavior, privacy, and collaboration.

Excellence Through Support and Challenge

Academic rigor at ISB is not about competition; it’s about balance. The curriculum combines high expectations with compassionate support, creating an atmosphere where effort and growth are celebrated alongside achievement. Teachers employ formative assessments and adaptive tools such as NWEA MAP Growth to identify student progress and tailor instruction accordingly.

Professional development ensures faculty remain at the forefront of pedagogical innovation. Together, these efforts create an environment where excellence is achieved through collaboration, creativity, and care.

A Vision for the Future

Recently, the milestone that the International School of Brindisi achieved was that of becoming the first-ever officially recognized “Foreign School” through the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit in the Puglia region. This designation seals not only ISB’s commitment to international education but also marks it as the only accredited international school south of Naples.

Looking ahead, ISB will go on growing, both in academic programs and facilities. Other new initiatives include an AP program, enriched STEM and robotics tracks, and the further integration of more digital tools to support 21st-century learning. New links with local universities and international organizations will be created, with further opportunities provided for mentorship, research, and service learning.

At its very core, the International School of Brindisi espouses the same vision upon which it was founded-to raise globally aware, intellectually curious, compassionate students, part of a well-known region due to its hospitality and richness in culture. ISB rises as testimony to what education can achieve when guided by purpose, diversity, and care.

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It is set in the heart of Italy’s capital, at a point where two worlds of education come into contact: Swiss precision and Italian creativity. For nearly eight decades, the SSR has fostered generations of multilingual students with a world perspective who can connect cultures and ideas across international borders.

What makes the SSR special is not the academic achievement alone but rather the coming together of curiosity, empathy, and intercultural dialogue under one roof. Its classrooms hum with energy shaped by the belief that education should challenge the mind while it nurtures the heart.

Where Two Systems Become One

The curriculum at this school comes from Lehrplan21, which is the educational framework for 21 German-speaking cantons in Switzerland, adding in selected elements of the Italian national curriculum to create a bilingual-bicultural learning experience.

Such a dual structure gives students both the academic rigor of Swiss education and the cultural adaptability of the Italian system. Teachers employ inquiry-based learning, project work, and cross-subject lessons that make students develop the ability to see how subjects are interlinked in life. Reflection and formative feedback are built into each stage, enabling students to take ownership of their learning.

SSR technology is supportive of the classroom, but it doesn’t define it. Digital tools are introduced with intention and only when they really enhance understanding. It’s a philosophy that supports human interaction, observation, and creativity at the center of learning.

A multilingual, inclusive community

Enter any hallway in the Swiss School of Rome, and you will hear a medley of languages: German, Italian, English, and French. Multilingualism is not a school subject; it’s a way of life.

It is a multinational community, with students from more than twenty nationalities and teachers from Switzerland, Italy, and beyond. Lessons, celebrations, and traditions flow naturally among cultures. This is supported through language integration programs and intercultural projects, which help students see the differences not as barriers but as bridges.

Inclusion is not a parallel program; it’s a way of life. Through the Support and Inclusion Framework, the school is guided to ensure that every learner receives attention, whether multilingual, gifted, or in need of extra support. It is to this end that teachers, psychologists, and parents collaborate in building an individual path for every learner.

Partnerships That Open Doors

Based in Rome, the SSR has an unprecedented network of embassies, cultural institutions, and scientific organizations quite literally at its fingertips. In addition to state-of-the-art study facilities, this offers students educational opportunities directly linked to current events. Students participate in conferences, exhibitions, and workshops that take learning far beyond classroom walls.

The school collaborates in an international environment with educationsuisse, the umbrella association that brings together 17 Swiss schools abroad, and is part of Students’ United Nations – SUN: a unique event since 1953 in Geneva, modelled according to the format of Model United Nations. In this conference, students model mock diplomatic sessions and learn to debate, negotiate, and reach consensus on current global issues.

It is through such experiences that the young people at SSR gain knowledge and confidence in voicing their ideas in a multicultural world.

Communication and collaboration at all levels

Open dialogue characterizes the relations between teachers, parents, and students at SSR: periodic meetings, through digital platforms, and the presence of class representatives. Each level of education has a coordinator to support effective collaboration and continuity in the students’ progress.

This structure will enable the parents to feel that they are real partners in the education of their children, part of a community where trust, respect, and cooperation form the basis of learning.

Nurturing Well-being and Balance

Behind the academic successes has been the deep-seated belief that learning can be fostered only when the students feel safe, noticed, and respected.

Well-being is at the heart of the SSR philosophy. Individual support at higher levels is available through a school psychologist and student counseling services. In cooperation with external specialists, emotional and academic needs are holistically tended to.

The cornerstone of the Kindergarten and Primary approach is early observation and preventive care. This helps in the early identification of needs, thus preventing such needs from turning into challenges. Teachers are constantly in training in regard to social and emotional education. The activities of mindfulness, art, and sports form an integral part of the school week. Such practices help nurture the children into resilient, empathetic, and balanced persons-skills as vital as academic success.

Encouraging Creativity and Independent Thinking

Creativity and critical thinking are at the heart of the SSR experience. Pupils start early in their learning to debate, question, and connect ideas across subjects.

Practical projects in science, technology, art, and music feed curiosity and problem-solving. This is further emphasized in the required Matura project for a Swiss diploma, where students are guided in designing and conducting an independent investigation on a chosen topic-a process through which one learns not only to find the answers but also to ask the right questions.

It is through these experiences that our students leave SSR, not only ready for university but ready to think, adapt, and lead.

The Responsible Use of Technology

The Swiss School of Rome decided to take an unusually considered approach in this screen-dominant world, in which technology would appear in the early years only when it serves to aid comprehension, provided the core of communication, creativity, and direct experience remains.

During Secondary School, students make increasing use of digital tools for independent research, collaboration, and project work. Throughout the day, mobile phones remain out of sight: completely up to Grade 5 and up to Grade 12 with few exceptions. This policy encourages focus, authentic interaction, and respect for learning spaces.

Not less important is that students leave the university not just ‘digitally skilled’ but also ‘digitally wise’, using technology responsibly and with purpose.

Excellence through Balance

The Swiss Bilingual Matura diploma is considered the most prestigious in all of Europe. However, at SSR, rigor is balanced with care: small class sizes, individual feedback, and differentiated teaching allow each student to develop according to his or her potential, free from unnecessary stress.

Here, excellence is perceived as a process of growth, not as a race for grades. Students come to realize that real achievement comes from curiosity, reflection, and motivation.

Looking Ahead

As the Swiss School of Rome approaches its 80th anniversary, it remains a work in progress, underpinned by its founding vision. Further developments are based on digital learning environments, sustainable education, and university and cultural partnerships.

Teacher training remains highly important, along with new interdisciplinary research initiatives linking science, the arts, and civic engagement.

Rooted in the legacy of Alberto and Elly Wirth, founders of the Swiss School of Rome, education remains a means for connecting cultures – one that creates bridges among them, founded upon dialogue and peace.

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In the vibrant heart of Milan, MILE Bilingual School represents the epitome of modern education, mixing Italian tradition with innovation coming from every part of the world. Founded in 2003, MILE has turned into a trusted choice for families, offering a bilingual pathway for children not just toward academic success but also toward connection and change.

Learning at MILE is both in Italian and in English, taking students from nursery to middle school in an inquiry-based, creative, and curious environment. Lessons, guided by the principle of learning by doing, are thus crafted in such a way that students find a connection between the knowledge acquired and real life for the development of skills that allow them to act with confidence and think critically.

Where Innovation Meets Experience

As one of the prestigious scuole paritarie in Milan, MILE is accredited both by the Italian Ministry of Education and Cambridge International Education. The school perfectly merges these two systems into one curriculum. Students follow the Italian National Curriculum and interact with the Cambridge Pathway, from Early Years (age 3+). which guarantees high standards academically and truly bilingual learners.

Innovation is not a buzzword at MILE; it is in the DNA of the school. From STEAM Week, where lessons are given over to hands-on labs and experiments, to the Science Fair, which celebrates the students’ discoveries, each experience is consciously crafted to trigger curiosity. More recently, MILE has introduced Innovamat, a mathematics program for early years and primary students, especially appealing through exploration and problem-solving using interactive play.

The students also participate in various ISP global initiatives, such as the ISP Changemakers, ISP MUN, ISP Virtual Exchange, and ISP Chess, which connect them with their peers around the world while building up leadership, communication, and cultural understanding.

A Community of Cultures and Inclusion

With the presence of students from more than 30 nationalities, MILE is a true microcosm of the world. This coming together of the community within the school forms the bedrock of its inclusive ethos. Every child is encouraged to take pride in his or her identity and be receptive to learning about others. Teachers adapt instruction to meet the needs of individual learning styles through Personalized Didactic Plans (PDPs) and dedicated EAL/IAL support, meaning that linguistic diversity is transformed into an asset rather than an obstacle.

According to Principal Elena Bignardi, diversity at MILE is lived every day, not just celebrated. “Our classrooms are places where languages and cultures meet, where respect and curiosity guide every interaction.” It is this global outlook that makes them so empathetic and adaptable-skills needed very much in the future.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

MILE is convinced that education goes well beyond textbooks and classrooms. Thanks to the collaboration with Fondazione Carolina, Assolombarda, and Execellentia Academy, students are put into contact with real challenges and professional contexts. The Io Clicco Positivo project educates on the responsible use of technology and digital citizenship, while the TalentOnAir project introduces students to podcasting and storytelling, helping them find their voice and shape their ideas in a creative way.

Sports and physical education play a major role in this. Students learn resilience, team spirit, and respect for healthy competition through MILE on ICE, MILE on SKI, and MILE on BIKE. These are not only activities but rather the philosophy of the school, where learning should involve both body and mind.

Technology with a purpose

In this era of digital literacy, the use of technology at MILE has been balanced and well thought out. The children use digital tools as instruments for creativity, research, and collaboration-not as distractions.

Workshops in cybersecurity, online safety, and the ethical use of AI have helped students understand both the opportunities and risks of the digital world. By incorporating technology in meaningful ways throughout lessons at the school, this helps students become informed and responsible digital citizens who know when to disconnect as much as when to connect.

The STEAM Mindset: Thinking Like Innovators

Only a few schools in Italy have taken up STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics—with such vigor as MILE. Every year, STEAM Week transforms its classrooms into hotbeds of innovation. The students create models, carry out experiments, and then showcase their projects in the Science Fair, where families are invited to see the work in action.

Beyond the sciences, the school also seems to encourage creativity with projects such as the Museo Prêt-à-Porter: a “portable museum” totally designed and built by students. For one day, their classroom is transformed into a space of imagination and design, a temporary exhibition that values ideas over permanence and collaboration over competition.

MILE’s Changemakers Project takes learning to the next level and engages students in pressing global issues like climate change and sustainability. They brainstorm and put into place practical solutions—sometimes beginning with their immediate school environment. “We want our students to see themselves as agents of change,” says Bignardi, “not just observers.”

A Culture of Communication and Care

Indeed, the philosophy has at its center a powerful partnership between the family and the educator: communication is open, frequent, and personal, from parent meetings to digital platforms to casual conversations at drop-off.

Regular newsletters, open classes, and community events keep parents in touch with daily life at school, and the leadership team actively asks for feedback and collaboration. “Families are part of our learning ecosystem,” explains Bignardi. “Together, we create a safe, nurturing space where children can thrive.”

Equal importance is given to the students’ welfare in the institution. Students learn to recognize and manage emotions constructively through various programs such as Emotional Literacy Workshops, Counselling, and Mindfulness Programs. The Cyber Safety and Digital Mindfulness programs further reinforce mental health in a connected world.

Rigor and Joy in Balance

MILE’s approach to evaluation mirrors its philosophy that learning should be challenging yet gratifying. The school uses standard grades, supplemented by descriptive assessments, in order to afford the families much greater detail on each child’s progress. This approach is consistent with the Cambridge reporting system, which also focuses on clear, constructive feedback and a growth mindset.

Academic rigor is balanced with empathy and creativity, while teachers are trained to find strengths and areas of growth for each child, so every student feels supported yet inspired.

Looking Ahead: Education for a Changing World

As MILE ushers in its third decade, the vision remains clear: to continue sculpting independent thinkers, confident communicators, and compassionate leaders. Future plans include expanding programs in Economics and Global Insights, strengthening AI literacy, and broadening international collaborations.

Guided by Elena Bignardi, MILE remains resolutely committed to its mission: that of educating the next generation of responsible, creative, and globally minded citizens.

“Education,” she says, “is about preparing children to live with purpose, empathy, and courage. Our goal is to help them not just succeed-but make a difference.”

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At the center of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Modena’s International School (ISM) is a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, inspiring visionary students with a worldview. As part of Inspired Education Group, a selective group of high-performing schools around the world, ISM combines outstanding academics with cutting-edge technology and authentic human learning principles—giving all students the knowledge, confidence, and empathy to thrive in a changing world.

Shaping the Future of Learning

As a leading Inspired school in Europe, ISM is a leader in education technology. Classrooms at ISM are hotspots for learning with AI technology from Century Tech and virtual reality experiences backing up lessons. Students learn about events in history through simulated virtual reality experiences or receive AI-provided feedback on assignment.

These innovations are never intended to replace the conventional way of teaching but supplement it—enabling learning to become dynamic, significant, and exhilarating. Inspired AI being part of ISM gives teachers immediate feedback on student progress and enables the application of unique learning tracks that adjust based on the capabilities and weaknesses of individuals.

A Truly International and Inclusive Community

With over 35 nationalities, ISM is a cosmopolitan microcosm of the global community. Its friendly atmosphere ensures that each student—regardless of his/her background or learning type—is valued, cared for, and encouraged to succeed.

ISM is an IB World School that fosters intercultural awareness and tolerance through exploration of transdisciplinary themes and international-mindedness. Lessons are not only designed to foster academic success but also to create empathy, cooperation, and open-mindedness.

Since the day of admission, students are immersed in a diversity culture of strength and inspiration. ISM’s policy of inclusion enables students from diverse cultural, linguistic, or educational requirements to be facilitated one-to-one by ISM’s dedicated Inclusion Team, who co-operate very closely with the teachers and families to facilitate global development.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

ISM education goes far beyond books and classroom. ISM’s varied calendar of educational outings and collaborations throughout Italy bridges the distance between theory and actual application. From art museums to technology centers or historical sites, students experience Italy’s history and industry firsthand.

These experiences make learning richer and more engaging, allowing students to more easily discover connections between what they are studying and the world beyond. Working with the community, ISM brings learning to life, making it experiential, situated, and community-based.

Communication and Collaboration at the Core

Open and honest communication is a common strength of the ISM culture. The school’s open-door policy offers a promise that families are active partners in their children’s education. Workshops held on a regular basis, weekly newsletters, and school events build strong parent-teacher-administrator relationships.

Educational technologies such as Microsoft Teams, ManageBac, and Seesaw offer instant feedback and instant messaging that give parents and students real-time access to assignments, progress reports, and announcements. This open communication promotes a culture of teamwork where home and school come together to support each child’s journey.

Supporting Every Child’s Journey

ISM’s individualized learning method guarantees the individual academic, emotional, and social development of every student. Inclusion Team members including learning support specialists, English as an Additional Language (EAL) specialists, and student well-being specialists work in partnership with classroom teachers to deliver specific interventions and enrichments.

This differentiation empowers all students, from our newest to our graduating IB students, to develop academically and personally. Explain.

Prioritizing Well-being and Balance

It is as much a matter of the head as of the heart at ISM that one learns. The school PSHE curriculum, built on a cross-curricular strategy for Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education, promotes resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence. Children learn through well-being workshops and mindfulness, online safety, empathy, and leadership workshops.

Beyond the classroom, ISM offers an extensive range of clubs and extracurricular activities—arts, sports, coding and computer programming, to name only a few. These encourage teamwork, creativity, and balance, as well as the opportunity for students to pursue complementary interests outside of school study.

Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking

ISM’s curriculum is designed to create future innovators and problem solvers. Interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on projects encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving as a form of exploration.

Special events such as STEAM Day also support the school’s focus on creativity and innovation. With theme days, students discover interrelations among science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—learning through experiment and imagination.

Regardless of whether they are building green models, developing immersive games, or producing digital artwork, students at ISM learn to think beyond the boundaries and act with compassion.

Technology That Empowers

Everyday learning at ISM incorporates technology in a manner in which students learn to become masters of 21st-century digital abilities. With lessons empowered by AI, virtual reality features, and tutorials on IT literacy, students enjoy pertinent, technology-rich learning that fosters critical thinking instead of passive consumption.

Continuing teacher training is also a blessing for teachers, where they remain abreast with education innovation. ISM has therefore raised the bar in the Inspired network for successfully adopting educational technology and also doing it ethically.

Sustaining Academic Excellence

Cognitive challenge is coupled with concern and support in ISM. The students are closely monitored and feedback provided in ways that invite growth rather than stress. The teacher observations are used to create both individualized interventions and extension exercises.

Professional development is something the faculty values. With teachers’ growth mindset, the school permits teaching to be informed by new research and best practices—meeting global education standards at the highest level.

A Vision for the Future

As ISM grows, its vision never changes: a world-class education filled with innovation, inclusivity, and integrity. ISM is adding new courses, emerging technologies, and forward-looking initiatives that prepare students for an interdependent world.

Driven by its Inspired Education philosophy, ISM aims to link learners as empathetic leaders, reflective thinkers, and global citizens ready to create a positive impact.

Conclusion

The International School of Modena is more than a school—it’s an international community that lives on the synergistic fusion of tradition and innovation, where each child is nurtured to dream, to explore, and to thrive. Through its technology-driven, innovative spirit, its heart-based approach, and its commitment to wellbeing, ISM remains at the forefront of learning today.

In a time of unbroken change, ISM is a beacon of vision—a school that doesn’t merely teach but inspire.

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In Playa del Carmen, where blues meet color streets, Viva Idioma Spanish School has reset the standards for learning a language. It is not just a school but an experience of Mexican living, laughs, and life-long friendship, coupled with immersion in languages.

The notion for the school came to life during the lockdown, when the creator and Annabella, current Academic Coordinator, saw that they needed to do something unique: make a place where students would not only learn Spanish, but live Spanish. Following the principle that vida sola hay una—we only live once—their objective has been unwavering: to offer a warm, personalized, and adaptable space where learning is fun and memorable.

Why Spanish, and Why Viva Idioma?

Viva Idioma specializes only in Spanish, providing courses for students of any age and proficiency, from A1 beginners to C2 advanced speakers. Students are children to seniors, all with their own motivations for learning—work, travel, love of culture, or relocation to Mexico.

The school has both group lessons and one-on-one lessons, in-person or online, with complete flexibility. Even online lessons can be rescheduled through a 24-hour process, making the school particularly convenient for busy students.

A Methodology Built on Joy and Connection

What differentiates Viva Idioma is its methodology. Conversation underpins the teaching approach with listening and reading comprehension integrated in line with DELE international standards. Younger students immerse themselves in Spanish via card games, board games, and fun activities, while adults participate in animated debates and real-life situations.

But the actual secret ingredient? Joy. Laughter, humor, and positive reinforcement fill the classrooms. This easygoing, warm environment gives students the freedom to practice with confidence and grow organically—turning Spanish into a part of life, rather than just a subject.

Teachers Who Go Beyond the Classroom

Viva Idioma’s teaching staff is handpicked not only for their foreign language Spanish certifications, but for motivation, flexibility, and passion. Teachers arrive with empathy and receptivity, making each learner feel understood and nurtured.

Their commitment goes way beyond the classroom. Teachers frequently accompany students for nights of salsa, yoga practice, stand-up paddleboarding, or “wine & paint” nights, providing everyday settings in which to use Spanish while forging true friendships. This interesting combination of structured study and relaxed interaction is what makes the school’s family atmosphere so remarkable.

Where Learning Meets Culture

At Viva Idioma, learning Spanish and Mexican culture go hand in hand. Weekly graduation ceremonies honor student achievements with celebratory traditions, whether breaking open a piñata or sharing Rosca de Reyes during Día de los Reyes.

The school also has partnerships with local organizations to plan visits to Mayan ruins, cenotes, and islands, giving students more insight into Mexico’s natural beauty and heritage. Students’ favorite event is the language café, where teachers and students have a meal together, practice Spanish, and usually round off the night with salsa dancing.

These events make learning a language memorable, emotive, and lasting.

Success Stories that Inspire

The effect of Viva Idioma can best be explained by the experiences of its pupils. One American student described her stay at the school as “the best decision in all 31 years of my life”. She commended the school’s friendly community, her understanding and pleasant teacher Annabella, and her homestay host Silvia, who accepted her like family. She departed Playa not only with improved Spanish, but with lifelong friendships.

Another student’s experience went even beyond—after finishing his Spanish course, he invested in a home in Playa del Carmen for his family. He comes back each year to carry on lessons, his connection with the school gradually developing into a genuine friendship.

These endorsements demonstrate Viva Idioma’s purpose: not only to teach Spanish, but to change lives.

Accreditations and Credibility

Quality is the foundation of all that Viva Idioma does. The school is DELE-accredited, fully qualified to get students ready for international Spanish exams, and approved in a number of German federal states for Bildungsurlaub (educational leave schemes).

However above formal accreditation, the credibility of the school is established on trust, openness, and the real relationships that it makes. Students are not dealt with as statistics, but as genuine individuals with their own stories and aspirations.

Technology and Flexibility

Viva Idioma welcomes technology to make learning available throughout the globe. Materials exist both online and in hard copy, and online classes enable students who started out in Playa del Carmen to pick up right where they left off when they returned home. This blended strategy keeps the learners in touch with their teachers, peers, and the school community—wherever they may be.

Looking Ahead

Viva Idioma’s vision is bold but firmly based on its origins. It hopes to continue as the first choice for Spanish immersion in Playa del Carmen, as well as grow its web-based programs to serve students worldwide.

For its founder, success is not only in exam scores but in the smiles of students who depart Playa with new skills, irrepressible memories, and the knowledge of belonging to family.

Conclusion

In a few short years, Viva Idioma Spanish School has grown from a school into an institution—it has become a community of learners, instructors, and friends united by passion for language and culture. By marrying high standards with warmth, flexibility, and joy, the school provides an example of how language instruction can really change lives.

For anyone who wishes to learn Spanish, yes, but to live it as well, Viva Idioma has the ideal combination of learning, laughter, and Latin spirit—a time as unforgettable as Mexico itself.