The Reggio Emilia Approach is a birth to age-6 early childhood learning programme which was founded in Italy by Loris Malaguzzi in the early 1960s. The philosophy focuses on child-centered learning, inquiry-based exploration, and collaborative learning.
It is based on a vision of the child as an individual with rights and potential. The environment of a Reggio Emilia classroom is flexible and open-ended with Montessori learning areas being more structured. Reggio Emilia schools are typically preschool only—they do not go beyond kindergarten.
Here are the schools in Thailand that offer the Reggio Emilia Approach Curriculum:
1) International School Bangkok (Early Childhood Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten)
The curriculum follows the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which sees children as capable individuals with ‘a hundred languages’ to express themselves through art, music, drama, movement, and play. This approach values exploration, creativity, and self-expression, encouraging children to learn through hands-on experiences while teachers guide rather than instruct. The classroom is designed to inspire curiosity and problem-solving, allowing children to explore subjects and interests at their own pace.
Their programme also fosters self-guided learning, promoting both independence and collaboration. Teachers provide support to help children develop critical life skills like communication, problem-solving and emotional intelligence. The curriculum is comprehensive, focusing on literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and physical development, tailored to each child’s unique needs. This approach ensures children are well-prepared for both academic and personal growth, equipping them with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
2) Annabel’s Early Years (International Kindergarten & Preschool)
Annabel’s Kindergarten & Preschool offers a blend of the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and a play-based learning environment inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. This combination provides a structured yet flexible education, encouraging children to thrive through exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Located in central Bangkok, near Ekkamai and Thonglor, the school caters to children aged 1 to 6, focusing on their intellectual, social, and creative development. Their approach fosters a love of learning through a variety of enriching activities that support holistic growth.
The EYFS curriculum ensures a strong foundation in areas like communication, literacy, mathematics, and physical development, while the Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes self-expression through art, music, movement, and play. Teachers guide children, allowing them to explore at their own pace and develop essential life skills like problem-solving and emotional intelligence, while nurturing an environment where children feel supported, confident, and ready for lifelong learning.
3) ELC City School – Elementary
At The ELC City School, the personalized learning programmes are designed to bring out the best in every child, providing a meaningful and engaging educational experience. They blend the Ontario Curriculum with a Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy, integrating tailored Project work that equips children with the essential skills needed for both current success and future growth.
The school fosters a vibrant community of learners, where children, teachers, and a skilled pedagogical team work together to support intellectual, social, and emotional development. Collaboration and meaningful dialogue not only expand the children’s understanding of the world but also ignite their creativity and imagination. This approach encourages active participation, self-expression and critical thinking, empowering children to take ownership of their learning.
The City School is proud to be one of only two international schools featured in the ‘Souvenir Album’ for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, an honor that recognizes our significant contribution to education.
4) Hampton International School
Hampton International School offers a unique curriculum that combines the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with the Reggio Emilia approach, tailored to meet the needs of international learners. The school provides a nurturing, homely atmosphere where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. The curriculum emphasizes learning through play, enabling children to engage with concepts in a hands-on and meaningful way.
In the EYFS program, children enjoy specialist lessons in Physical Education (PE), Thai language, and Music, which support their overall development. Activities are designed around themes like colors, animals, and transport, with a view to introducing foundational concepts. The activities also connect the personal experiences of the students with their learning, promoting confidence, creativity and problem-solving.
5) Ruamrudee International School Early Childhood (Pre-Kindergarten)
The Early Childhood curriculum at RIS follows a carefully crafted, developmentally appropriate continuum, grounded in established Early Childhood standards. It incorporates the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where learning is child-centered and shaped by the children’s interests. Teachers observe and guide the children’s explorations, fostering investigation-based learning units that respond to each child’s natural curiosity. This approach ensures that the curriculum remains flexible and engaging, tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.
They recognize the importance of specialized training in Early Childhood education. Pre-Kindergarten teachers are not only certified in Early Childhood Education but are also trained in the Reggio Emilia approach. To maintain the high standards of teaching, our educators participate in ongoing professional development, ensuring they stay current with the latest research and methods in early learning. Each classroom is supported by a certified Early Childhood Special Educator and Teaching Assistants, who work together to meet the developmental needs of every child. RIS’s newly renovated classrooms provide a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for optimal growth and learning.
6) D-PREP International School (Primary School)
They offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) combined with a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, creating a dynamic and child-centered learning experience. This encourages students to learn through exploration, hands-on activities, and collaborative inquiry. The Primary School Program encourages children to think critically, solve real-world problems, and explore new ideas, both individually and in collaboration with their peers.
Throughout the year, students dive into six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry that spark their natural curiosity. These units seamlessly blend subjects like science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, and even creative areas such as visual arts, performing arts, ICT, design thinking, and physical education. As part of the PYP, students gain essential skills in presenting their ideas and solving challenges they never thought possible. By designing and directing their own learning, students develop a lifelong love for discovery and become confident, empowered learners ready for the world ahead.
To find out more about pre-schools in Thailand, make sure to use the powerful School Finder and School Comparison tool on www.EducationDestinationAsia.com.
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