WHAT IS REGGIO EMILIA?

The Reggio Emilia approach has at its core a belief that children are born curious and competent and should be respected and celebrated; that they should be protagonists in their learning and are “co-constructors” with parents and teachers serving as collaborators; that they deserve to have beautiful environments in which to explore and construct knowledge.

Reggio Emilia philosophy evolves from the methods practiced in schools in Reggio Emilia, the town in northern Italy. After World War II Loris Malaguzzi further developed the philosophy which now serves as the foundation for progressive education. Reggio Emilia-inspired education provides an innovative stance on education emphasizing the interaction of children within the context of their community and lives. 

Our inquiry-based learning is aimed at provoking children’s creative and innovative thinking and problem-solving and we are open to different avenues of exploration. Environments are set up to entice the children to explore and experiment in order to host and participate in debate, discussion, and inquiry.

This approach to learning requires dynamic thinking and constant adjustments by teachers as they shape the daily and weekly curriculum within the transdisciplinary themes and central ideas explored. Curriculum planning and implementation of the Plan of Inquiry are supported by the reciprocal nature of teacher-directed and child-initiated activity.

In today’s often disconnected society, we see it as essential that children ask good questions, respect different beliefs and perspectives, and appreciate the joys and beauty of everyday moments. Our school culture revolves around human connections—affecting everything we do, from how we eat meals to how we resolve conflicts to how we greet each other with affection. Just like a big family.

Our students engage in self-directed learning, class discussions flow from their inquiry, instead of a predetermined course. When students are asking the questions, they are also paying attention to the answers and why those answers matter, and our graduates emerge as naturally curious, lifelong learners.