The Reggio Emilia approach inspires us to learn alongside our students, with curiosity and wonder.

What is the Reggio Emilia

Philosophy?

Map of Italy with a black dot marking Reggio Emilia and a black and white portrait of an older man with white hair, wearing a sweater over a collared shirt.

Reggio refers to the philosophy of early childhood education that originated in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

This educational approach was founded by the visionary teacher and humanitarian, Loris Malaguzzi, after the devastation of World War II.

Children are naturally curious, intelligent and full of potential.

BELIEF IN CHILDREN

Two children, one looking down at a device and the other raising hands, inside an exhibit with a textured ceiling and wall
Two young boys operating a small sawmill in a classroom or workshop setting, with other students visible in the background.

This approach begins with a strong and optimistic view of children, believing that the child is born with infinite capability, creativity and intelligence.

Malaguzzi expresses the infinite ability of children through his poem “The Hundred Languages”.

INFINITE ABILITY

See a video tribute to Loris Malaguzzi’s “The Hundred Languages” from our school, Tree Top Academy in Jupiter, Florida.

COLLABORATION

Children creating art on a light table with pinecones, leaves, and small objects.

Teachers are seen, not only as an instructor, but as a co-learner and collaborator

Teachers actively and mutually participate in the learning experience with the children, resulting in real enthusiasm and curiosity by everyone in the classroom.

MUTUAL LEARNING

The layout of the environment promotes relationships, collaboration, and exploration

ENVIRONMENT

A bare decorative tree with no leaves, placed in a white container, casting a shadow on the wall. To the right, a shelf with a spherical lamp, a picture frame, and a potted plant. There are dice and a small cylindrical object on the table in the foreground.
Books and decorative items on a white bookshelf in front of a window with potted plants.

Every space within our school has its own identity and purpose. Materials and furnishings are thoughtfully chosen and places to evoke interactions with people and with things.

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN

Art as a way to process information, explore ideas and express emotions

Child with curly hair holding a ball to their face, looking sideways against a blurred background.

“Children become even more curious, interested, and confident as they contemplate the meaning of what they have achieved.”

— Loris Mallaguzzi

Documentation is a standard part of the classroom.Visual representations created by the children serve as resources for further exploration and are treated with respect.

DOCUMENTATION OF LEARNING

A child observing and pointing at glass exhibit with butterflies inside an indoor display case, with another person nearby.

A vital component of our school culture is family involvement. Family involvement is a valuable resource that can take many different forms within the school.

SCHOOL FAMILY

To see and learn how we interpret the Reggio Emilia Philosphy in our day-to-day school life, we invite you to our Study Tour & Conference.

Learn more