What are the most important elements that characterize the vision of GIS – The International School of Lugano?
MC:: «The vision of GIS The International School of Lugano It was born a long time ago, from the consolidated experience of the GIS Group of International Schools, which has been present in the international education landscape for over twenty years. A vision that combines pedagogical innovation and human values, with the ambition of creating an environment where every child can discover their potential, cultivate their identity, and grow as a global citizen.
The experience gained at other international schools previously founded and managed by the same GIS management team has taught us to value the needs of numerous families who choose an international education in English for their children, but who at the same time want to maintain a quality focus on the Italian language and culture.
How are your offices distributed around the world?
MC: GIS - The International School of Lugano is part of the GIS Group of International Schools, an educational network spanning Italy, Brazil, and Switzerland. The group includes established institutions such as GIS Monza and GIS Sao Paulo, as well as collaborations with other IB institutions that share our educational vision.
The goal is to build a coherent system of schools that speak the same educational language, while respecting the specificities of each local area. We want our schools not to lose their identity, rooted in their cultural context, but to develop it as a source of strength.
Can we briefly summarize the pillars on which your educational approach is based?
EF's educational approach is based on five core values that inspire every aspect of school life. These are the guiding values for our students, young and old, teachers, and families.
The Excellence, as a constant commitment to giving the best of oneself and to valorizing the talent of each individual; we cultivate a mindset that aims for excellence, not only academically but for some, for example, also in the arts and sport.
I Human principlesBecause we believe that respect, empathy, collaboration, loyalty, and personal integrity are at the heart of personal growth. Now more than ever, human qualities will be what make the difference, both professionally and personally.
La Global Citizenship, which encourages open-mindedness, curiosity about the world, and responsibility toward community; IB programs instill this open-mindedness from an early age and always offer broad perspectives, teaching flexibility and change.
Il Multilingualism, As a tool for connecting with diverse cultures and thinking flexibly; In addition to the bilingualism of English and Italian, the core languages of the curriculum, we introduce German starting in preschool. For older children, we offer Mandarin, Spanish, and French courses.
The Continuous learning, which accompanies students and teachers on a path of lifelong growth. It's the key to living successfully in an ever-changing society.
In Lugano, these principles come to life in a context inspired by the IB (International Baccalaureate) programs and the pedagogical values of Reggio Emilia, in which the child is the protagonist of his or her own learning."
You recently inaugurated the new campus on Via Senago. How is this facility organized and what services does it offer?
EF: "The new campus on Via Senago perfectly embodies our vision of a school: a place where space becomes an integral part of the educational process. Each space has been designed to be welcoming, bright, and flexible, fostering a sense of belonging, collaboration, and creativity.
It currently houses the preschool, primary school, and middle school sections, but it was conceived as an evolving project, destined to grow alongside our students. In fact, we are already working to open the third floor in January 2026, which will be entirely dedicated to the middle school and the high school opening in September 2026. The entire ground floor is dedicated to children's spaces, with classrooms connected by shared workshops, a Reggio Emilia-style piazza serving as a hub for community activities, and green spaces for outdoor learning.
The primary and middle school spaces are organized to stimulate curiosity and exploration: science and art laboratories, a library, and an area dedicated to sports and student well-being. The school also offers pre- and after-school care, high-quality extracurricular activities, and a lunch service that emphasizes healthy and sustainable nutrition.
How do you achieve your stated goal of combining local roots with an international reach?
EF: This balance is one of the aspects that most defines our identity. Being an international school doesn't mean losing our connection with local culture and traditions, but rather bringing them into dialogue with a global vision. In Lugano, we've chosen a bilingual model, in which English and Italian coexist as the primary languages of learning. This is complemented by the teaching of German, the Swiss language, introduced in preschool. This linguistic approach is not only a tool for communication, but also for identity: it allows children to feel part of the local context, while acquiring skills and an openness to the world.
In our programs, we enhance Ticino's cultural, artistic, and natural heritage, which becomes a playground for exploration and knowledge. At the same time, international projects and connections with the IB school network offer experiences that broaden horizons and foster a global mindset.
How can a school like yours contribute to educating young generations open to becoming global citizens?
MC: "We believe that developing global citizens means, first and foremost, educating aware, responsible individuals capable of critical thinking. Through IB programs, children learn from an early age to ask questions, construct meaning, seek shared answers, and act with empathy and a spirit of collaboration. Our goal is for every student to leave GIS with a strong sense of self and their role in the world, ready to face future challenges with curiosity, courage, and a genuine sense of responsibility toward others and the planet."
