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Philippines, Manila
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Greatstart International School Manila traces its origins to Greatstart Early Learning, a U.S. brand that began in New Jersey in the early 2000s. The original center opened in 2004 as Stepping Stones Learning Center and later adopted the Greatstart name as it expanded within the United States. In 2008, current owners Johanna and Peter Badenhop took over the New Jersey operation and helped refine the GR.A.C.E curriculum and broaden the program. The Manila campus represents the brand's first international location, created to bring the GR.A.C.E program and U.S.-style early learning standards to the Philippines. The Manila site is part of an international expansion that emphasizes English-language learning and family partnerships.
Greatstart International School Manila emphasizes a collaborative school community that includes families, teachers, and staff. Parents are encouraged to contribute volunteer hours and to participate in regular progress consultations. The school invites families to events such as International Day, house competitions, and Parents Night Out, and offers parent workshops and safety training to support learning at home. This ongoing partnership aims to reinforce students' academic and social development across school and home.
Greatstart International School Manila operates a formal parent involvement program that functions similarly to a PTA. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and to participate in regular consultations and progress reviews with teachers. The parent community helps organize and participate in events such as International Day, house-based competitions, and Parents Night Out. They also engage in ongoing learning through workshops on literacy and mathematics activities for home, child safety training, and Back to School Night. Regular communications and family involvement are framed as essential to maintaining program quality and supporting students' social and academic growth.
Greatstart International School Manila offers early childhood education under the GR.A.C.E. Learning Program, a proprietary curriculum based on The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and aligned with state and national early learning standards. The Manila campus is located at 187 Dona Soledad Ave. Extension, Better Living, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, near Nuat Thai and Alfamart. Programs start with Toddlers (as young as 18 months) and run through School Age (up to 12 years), including Toddlers, Nursery I, Nursery II, Pre-K, Kindergarten, School Age, and a Summer Camp. The school day runs Monday–Friday with optional extended care and after-school programs; bus service is available through an accredited provider. Instruction is in English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support if needed. The GR.A.C.E. program emphasizes social development, international-mindedness, and a structured yet creative approach to learning. For inquiries, contact the Manila center.
