Cascais · Portugal · Ages 6–12
International Studio
of Innovation
An intimate learning community in Cascais where belonging fuels curiosity, wellbeing and the courage to build what comes next.
When the Child Belongs,
the Community Thrives.
Small by design
Starting Small.
Thinking Big.
Studio One · Ages 6–9
The Wonder Studio
Where innovation begins in wonder. Mixed-age inquiry, foundational literacy and numeracy, hands-on exploration, and the first habits of an entrepreneurial mind.
Studio Two · Ages 10–12
The Venture Studio
Where wonder becomes action. Mixed-age project depth, leadership and real ventures — children ready themselves for MYP and a future they help build.
Belonging
We meet each child
where they are.
Every learner arrives with their own strengths, rhythms, and story. Our approach is built on research, not one-size-fits-all. Wellbeing, inclusion, and neurodiversity are not add-ons — they are the foundation of how we teach.
Wellbeing
Whole-child care
Emotional safety, mindfulness, and movement woven into every day. A child who feels secure learns boldly.
Inclusion
Each at their own pace
Differentiated pathways, formative assessment, and flexible grouping so every learner progresses without being left behind.
Neurodiversity
Strengths-first thinking
We recognise and nurture neurodivergent minds — ADHD, dyslexia, autism, giftedness — with research-informed strategies that unlock potential.
Future-proof learning · voices from the field
What the world's researchers say about the next generation.
UNESCO · Futures of Education
Purpose — a renewed social contract
Education must repair past injustices and prepare us to remake the world. The right to learn is a renewed social contract for humanity.
A day in a studio
Quiet rituals. Deep work.
8:30 start · 16:00 pick up
Morning Gather
We open in a circle. Intentions are set, voices heard, the day begins together.
Deep Inquiry
Long, uninterrupted blocks. Children follow questions into literacy, maths, science and the arts.
Make & Build
Hands on the world — workshops, ventures and projects that turn ideas into something real.
Reflect & Share
We close the day in reflection. What grew, what surprised, what we'll carry into tomorrow.
The continuum · ages 6 → 18+
A clear continuum
for each learner.
From the first wonder of a six-year-old to the purposeful future of a young adult — one continuum of learning in Cascais. ISI grows with your child into MYP and Careers Pathway, while Oxalis Academy remains a partner option. Every learner finds the pathway they belong in.
Ages 6 – 9
The Wonder Studio
Studio One
Where innovation begins in wonder — inquiry, foundational literacy, and the first habits of an entrepreneurial mind.
Ages 10 – 12
The Venture Studio
Studio Two
Where wonder becomes action — project depth, leadership and real ventures that prepare for the next stage.
From age 13, pathways open
ISI — Growing with your child
Develops as numbers grow
Ages 13 – 16
MYP
Middle Years Programme
Inquiry-based learning with interdisciplinary connections. A broad, balanced education that deepens critical thinking and prepares learners for specialisation.
Ages 16 – 18+
Careers Pathway
Vocational & Purpose-Led
Real-world apprenticeships, enterprise projects and industry mentorship. Learners graduate with portfolios, credentials and a clear sense of purpose.
Oxalis Academy — Partner option
Tutorial Method · Same building
Ages 13 – 16
IGCSE Pathway
Oxalis Academy
Oxford-style tutorials, 2–3 students per tutor, daily assessment. A broad academic foundation with personalised attention in the same building.
Ages 16 – 18+
A Levels & University
Oxalis Academy
Specialised A Levels with personalised university counselling — applications, interviews, portfolios, world-ready. The tutorial method continues to graduation.
Same building
One home in Cascais — children grow without leaving the community that knows them.
Same philosophy
Balance, discernment, flourishing. Right challenge, right moment, right rhythm.
Every future
Pathways tuned to each learner — neurodiverse strengths supported at every stage.
Our Frameworks
Future-proofing learning
with inspired IB PYP inquiry — starting the candidacy journey.
Concept-driven, inquiry-based learning — with Cascais as our learning hub.
WEITS™ — Five Pillars
Wellbeing
Entrepreneurship
Innovation
Technology
Sustainability
PPPP™ — Four Dimensions
Philosophy
When the Child Belongs,
the Community Thrives.
Purpose • People • Place • Practice
WEITS™ Framework
- WWellbeing
- EEntrepreneurship
- IInnovation
- TTechnology
- SSustainability
Research-Informed Learning
- IB
- OECD 2030
- UNESCO
- Harvard Project Zero
- Common Sense Media
- CASEL
- Stanford d.school
- youcubed
Learning
Learning Beyond Walls.
Two mixed-age studios. Inspired IB PYP inquiry — starting the candidacy journey. Jo Boaler's youcubed mathematics. Writers Workshop. Project-Based Learning. Outdoor Learning. Design Thinking. Portuguese. English. Visual Arts. Music. Movement. Toddle portfolios. Human-centred technology (Harvard Project Zero · Common Sense Media).
Explore the learning modelCascais as Our Classroom
The town itself becomes
an extension of the studio.
Located in the heart of Cascais, beaches and markets, museums and businesses, history and culture all become living, breathing learning environments.
Our Journey
We are intentionally starting small.
Because relationships matter.
01
Founding Year
Two learning studios. 20–30 learners. A highly personalised environment.
02
Inspired IB PYP Inquiry — Candidacy Journey
Starting the candidacy journey before opening. Professional development and systems aligned to IB standards.
03
Growing Community
Additional studios. Expansion. Community partnerships across Cascais.
04
Full Continuum Vision
PYP · MYP · Careers Programme. A purpose-built campus and global pathways.
Admissions
Finding the right fit matters.
Admissions at ISI are relational, not transactional. We take time to understand every child and family because belonging begins long before the first day.