About Us

We see every child as a confident, curious inquirer — ready to explore, express, and take ownership of their learning

Philosophy

At Summerhill International School, we believe early childhood is the foundation for lifelong learning. As an IB World School, our philosophy centers on nurturing curious, confident, and compassionate learners through inquiry-based experiences.

For our youngest learners (15 months to 2 years), we draw inspiration from Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches, creating warm, responsive environments that encourage exploration, independence, and sensory learning.

From age 3 onward, our program is rooted in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP), offering a fully inquiry-driven curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.

Across all ages, we emphasize the development of the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively—encouraging independence, collaboration, and a strong sense of self. Our goal is not only to prepare children for school, but to ignite a lifelong love of learning.

2025-2026 Academic Calendar

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The Eight Core Principles of Learning at Summerhill

Children as Capable Communicators and Inquirers
We see every child as a competent, confident, and curious inquirer. As natural communicators and creative thinkers, they demonstrate agency in their learning, constructing meaning and making connections through exploration and expression.
Learning Through Play, Language, and Interaction
Play and conversation are central to early inquiry. Through meaningful interactions, collaborative play, and rich language experiences, children develop communication skills, confidence, and a foundation for lifelong learning.
A Concept-Driven Curriculum with Purpose and Integrity
Grounded in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), our curriculum emphasizes transdisciplinary learning, concept development, and international-mindedness. It supports the whole child — intellectually, emotionally, socially, and ethically.
Learning in Social and Cultural Contexts
We understand that learning occurs within a socio-cultural framework. Children co-construct knowledge through engagement with peers, educators, families, and their environment, nurturing empathy, open-mindedness, and intercultural understanding.

Educators as Reflective Practitioners and Co-Learners
Our teachers are lifelong learners who approach their role as reflective practitioners. They engage in ongoing inquiry, collaboration, and professional learning to deepen their practice and support each child’s unique learning journey.
Intentional, Responsive Learning Environments
Our classrooms are designed as provocations for inquiry — flexible, stimulating, and inclusive spaces that invite exploration, risk-taking, and discovery. Children learn from their environment, peers, and hands-on experiences.
Making Learning Visible Through Documentation
We use pedagogical documentation to make learning visible and meaningful. Through observation, reflection, and shared dialogue, educators capture learning progress, inform next steps, and celebrate student growth and agency.
Partnerships with Families as Learning Communities
We recognize parents as essential partners in the learning process. Through open communication and collaboration, we build a supportive community that values the voice of every family and promotes shared responsibility for each learner’s development.

Language

At Summerhill, we believe in honoring each child’s mother tongue as a vital part of their identity and development. While English is the primary language of instruction across all classes, we create space for children to express themselves in their home language, particularly in the early years, as they build confidence in English through daily exposure and meaningful use.

As part of our commitment to fostering bilingual and bicultural awareness, all students participate in a weekly Japanese Enrichment Class led by a specialist teacher. These engaging, age-appropriate lessons explore Japanese language, culture, songs, and traditions, enriching the children’s experience and strengthening their connection to the world around them.

Research shows that early exposure to multiple languages supports cognitive development, enhances problem-solving skills, and lays the groundwork for lifelong language learning.

For families who wish to deepen their child’s Japanese language skills, we offer additional opportunities to expand on what they learn in class by enrolling in our Japanese Class After School Program, Tsubaki.

Our overarching goal is to grow each child into a confident, capable communicator in all languages.

Our Curriculum

Accredited IB school that offers Primary Years Programme

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