Every Child Is Capable. Every Child Belongs.
At La Scuola International School, we believe – as Loris Malaguzzi taught us – that every child arrives with extraordinary potential, and a hundred languages through which they think, create, and connect with the world. Our role as educators is not to fix or remediate, but to know each child deeply, remove barriers to their flourishing, and create the conditions in which every learner can succeed.
Student Support & Success at La Scuola is not a separate program or a destination for students who are struggling. It is a philosophy – woven into daily classroom life, embedded in our IB framework, and expressed through the trusting, responsive relationships between students, teachers, specialists, and families that are at the heart of a Reggio-inspired education.
Ogni bambino. Ogni punto di forza. Ogni lingua. Ogni giorno.
Our Approach
We believe the classroom is the first and most powerful place of support. Our teachers are skilled at observing, differentiating, and responding to the full range of learners in their care. When a student needs additional support, we move thoughtfully and collaboratively – beginning with what we can do together inside the classroom, and building from there.
Our approach is proactive, not reactive. We don’t wait for students to struggle before we respond. Through ongoing observation, teacher collaboration, and close partnership with our specialist team, we identify needs early and design strategies that honor each student’s strengths while building areas of growth.
When needs extend beyond what the classroom and our internal team can fully address, we work closely with families to explore the right next steps together – connecting students and families with trusted outside providers and resources as needed.
Our Support Team
La Scuola’s student support is carried by a dedicated team of specialists working in close collaboration with classroom teachers, families, and one another. Together, we bring a wraparound approach to student wellbeing, learning, language, and behavior – across our campuses, PreK through Grade 8.
Social-Emotional Wellbeing
Lower School Counselor – Supports students in PreK through Grade 4 with social-emotional development, self-regulation, conflict resolution, and wellbeing. Works closely with teachers and families to nurture a positive, connected classroom community.
Upper School Counselor – Supports students in Grades 5 through 8 with the more complex social, emotional, and developmental needs of the middle school years. Provides individual and group support, and helps students build the self-awareness and resilience they need to thrive.
Our counselors integrate their work directly into the life of the school – collaborating on classroom culture and partnering with families – reflecting the IB’s commitment to educating the whole child.
Learning & Academic Support
Learning Specialist
Partners with classroom teachers to identify and support students with diverse learning needs, designing targeted strategies that keep students connected to the full richness of the curriculum.
English Literacy Specialist
Supports students in developing strong English literacy foundations, working both within the classroom and in small group settings to build reading, writing, and language skills.
Italian Language Specialist
Support students across all levels of Italian language acquisition, honoring La Scuola’s commitment to bilingualism and the cognitive and cultural benefits of language immersion.
Math Specialists
Provide targeted support to help students build confidence, conceptual understanding, and fluency in mathematics – meeting students where they are and stretching them forward.
Behavior & Community
Dean of Students (K–8)
Our Dean of Students supports positive behavior, community accountability, and student access across all grade levels. Working closely with teachers, counselors, and families, the Dean helps students develop the social skills, self-awareness, and sense of responsibility that are central to La Scuola’s community values and the IB Learner Profile.
Partnership With Families
We believe that families are essential partners in every child’s success – not as recipients of information, but as co-investigators in understanding and supporting their child. We communicate early, honestly, and with care. When additional support is needed, we work together to ensure that every family feels informed, included, and empowered to advocate for their child.
We also recognize that some student needs require expertise beyond what any school can offer internally. When that moment arrives, our team is here to help families navigate next steps, identify the right outside providers, and ensure continuity between home, school, and any additional support.