Brazil, Santana De Parnaiba
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The school provides an integral education that centers curiosity, autonomy, an investigative spirit, and collective, responsible thinking from the early years through the upper grades. Fundamental I (1st to 5th year) begins this journey, with classrooms designed for diverse experiences such as individual and group activities, workshops, interdisciplinary projects, recreation, and art, guided by educators. Different languages are used in classroom content, with literacy, culture, art and science taught through varied methods, and a digital culture supporting responsible, purposeful learning. Assessments are guided by didactic-pedagogical practices aimed at advancing the student as a human being, with a focus on meaningful learning and growth.
Arts and creativity are integrated through activities in leisure and art, with personal and group projects, workshops, and interdisciplinary work, including opportunities for artistic expression. The school emphasizes experiential and project-based learning that weaves creativity into multiple subjects. Students engage in showcases and collaborative projects that highlight artistic and cultural exploration within the curriculum.
Education International is emphasized with an expanded English program, the inclusion of Spanish, and the possibility of an IB Diploma Programme. Intercultural experiences are promoted through student exchanges, partnerships with international schools, and cultural immersion programs, aiming to develop multilingual literacy and global understanding. The international dimension fosters empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to engage with diverse cultures.
The school hosts events that encourage creativity, collaboration, and cultural engagement, such as the Encontro de Arte, Ciência e Tecnologia which showcases student work across disciplines; the Encontro de Leitores, celebrating reading with author talks, discussions, and workshops; and performances like the Circus Festival and Festa Junina, which involve students, families, and staff in cultural activities and celebrations.
Events and programs involve families and the wider community, promoting shared experiences and collaborative learning. Community-focused activities and exhibitions foster a sense of belonging and collective learning, strengthening ties between the school and its supporters.
The school cultivates a collaborative culture among educators and ongoing professional development. The Centro de Estudos Castanheiras (CECA) and REA Cast (Recursos Educacionais Abertos) support educator training and the sharing of teaching practices, theses, and educational resources to enhance student learning.
The Comer Bem nutrition and wellbeing project promotes healthy eating and nutrition education as part of the school's approach to holistic development. It empowers students to connect food choices with culture, health, social issues, and the environment, and involves the school community in improving meals, menus, and healthy habits.
Escola Castanheiras is a private day school in Alphaville–Tamboré, Santana de Parnaíba, SP, Brazil, offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The school combines an inquiry-based PYP for the younger years with a BNCC-aligned Fundamental II (grades 6–8) and English taught weekly, plus Spanish, supported by the GOA framework to foster self-directed learning. In Ensino Médio, the IB Diploma Programme is available as an option, in a trilingual Portuguese/English/Spanish setting, reinforcing knowledge handling and critical thinking. Castanheiras emphasizes internationalization through expanded English instruction, language study, and global-minded curricula. Facilities include 32 technology-equipped classrooms, a library, multi-purpose laboratories, maker spaces, and open, airy learning spaces guided by knowledge scenography. Sports and arts facilities feature an arena, gym, climbing wall, theatre and dance rooms, and a maker space. The school is a Google Reference School since 2022 and hosts diverse arts, culture, and technology activities globally.