The Little English School

Founded in 2000 in the center of Vicenza, the Little English School is an international school that welcomes children of nursery, primary and middle school ages. At each level, the classroom lessons are taught in English by qualified native teachers. Our program includes the integration of the British National Curriculum and the Italian Ministerial Program.

Under the guidance of our trained staff who work daily with passion and enthusiasm, we have created an environment where problem solving in a creative way is encouraged, and the acquisition of tools for critical thinking is stimulated. Our priority is to support children in their emotional, cognitive and social development, and thus our child-teacher ratio is very low. We give each student the attention he or she needs, as an individual, and as part of a group. The school also places a strong emphasis on the development of civic sense and respect for diversity.

The Little English aims to provide an environment and opportunities which encourage all students to become receptive, independent, creative and responsible world citizens. We recognise the wide range of aptitudes, interests, and cultural backgrounds of every learner and the impact they will have on each other and the wider community in the future. The Little English School aims to nurture and support the potential of every child to become a knowledgeable, proactive and curious student.

We believe our students must be aided in the development of their natural curiosity and supported in the acquisition of the skills that will render them autonomous in the learning process. Our school aims to be a place where children learn to learn, taking joy in doing so.

Our students’ constant exposure to languages other than their mother tongue provides them with an open mind towards other cultures and a strong awareness of diversity. There are significant advantages in learning a second language early in life. Very young children learn through play and first hand experience. Students in our elementary and middle school obtain a strong English proficiency through a differentiated and stimulating program. The Little English School therefore offers a unique educational opportunity for both very young and primary/middle school aged children who attend our facility. Our Goals:

• To create a secure, happy and stimulating environment that supports and stimulates the all-round (academic, physical, social and emotional) development of each child.
• To value each student, taking into account individual diversity.
• To ensure that each student knows how to use language effectively, developing a strong English proficiency.
• To provide a curriculum which covers the subject requirements of the Italian education system.
• To develop self-esteem and awareness of the needs of others.
• To encourage qualities such as creativity, curiosity and imagination, aiding in the development of critical thinking.
• To promote respect for moral values, highlighting multiculturalism.
• To create a school community open to dialogue and cooperation.

We believe in helping each child develop self-confidence, self-respect, and self-reliance as essential ingredients for learning. As part of an international community we also believe that students who have a meaningful connection to different cultures and nationalities will actively seek to create a world in which cooperation, tolerance and kindness will prevail.

The Little English School offers a structure where students feel safe and confident to explore and engage in different experiences. This encourages a strong sense of community between staff, pupils and families. The classrooms are organised so that our students sit and work in small groups. All furniture is child-sized and appropriate for each age group. Students’ work and other educational materials are displayed in the classroom to make the environment lively, colourful and inspiring.