Early Years

The educational path is divided into Pioneers (Pre-Nursery: from 20 months to 2 years), Explorers (Nursery: 3-4 years), Discoverers & Investigators (Pre-k & Kindergarten: mixed group of 4-6 years old)

The program integrates hands-on, creative and interactive activities fostering the development of cognitive, motor, social and emotional skills, making the International School of Turin an excellent choice among private preschools in Turin.

The Early Years day at the International School of Turin is designed to provide the youngest students with a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for developing their potential.

Organization

The International School of Turin organizes its Early Childhood Program into four main levels:

Pioneers
(Pre-Nursery – 20 months to 2 years)

8:30 am to 4:45 pm
(possible dismissal at 3:30 pm)

Explorers
(Nursery – 3-4 years)

9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Discoverers & Investigators
(4- 6 years)

9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Due bambine, una bruna dai lineamenti asiatici, l’altra con i capelli rossi, sono sedute alla base di uno scivolo nell’area giochi dell’IST, leader tra le scuole materne private a torino

Education

In Early Years at IST young learners are immersed in a vibrant, play-based environment conducted fully in English to ensure natural language acquisition from day one. Guided by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) transdisciplinary framework, students explore the world through hands-on activities that naturally introduce English phonics, pre-mathematics, social studies, and science. This joyful approach builds essential vocabulary while fostering the holistic development of cognitive, motor, and social skills.

The program is divided into four main groups:

Pioneers (Pre-nursery: from 20months old to 3 years old)

In our Pioneers class, toddlers take their first steps along their preschool pathway within a safe, warm, and welcoming environment. This program is deeply focused on emotional well-being, helping children build self-awareness and core emotional, social, and relational skills to lay the foundation for a serene educational journey.

A central focus of this stage is the development of both fine and gross motor skills, achieved primarily through rich sensory activities and purposeful outdoor play. Children learn through play, exploration, and action, fully respecting the unique individual pace of each child as they develop independence, self-confidence, and curiosity.

The activities offered include:

  • Motor & Sensory Development
  • Social & Emotional Growth
  • Natural Language Exposure
  • Independence & Curiosity

Explorers (Nursery: 3-4 years old)

In our Explorers class, three-year-old learners are immersed in a vibrant, play-based environment conducted fully in English to ensure natural language acquisition from day one. Building upon the social and emotional foundations of early childhood, students explore the world through hands-on activities guided by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) transdisciplinary themes. This rich framework naturally exposes children to early
English phonics, pre-mathematics, social studies, and science in an integrated, meaningful way.

In addition to classroom inquiry, students actively practice their fine and gross motor skills daily through creative sensory activities and purposeful outdoor play.

To foster holistic development and creative expression, Explorers enjoy dedicated lessons with specialized teachers for Art, Music, and Physical Education (PE) twice a week.

Le mani di due bambini giocano con orsetti di plastica colorati di rosso, giallo, verde, blu e viola. Lo scolaro in basso ha una felpa azzurra, l’altro un fine braccialetto metallico

Discoverers & Investigators (Pre-k & Kindergarten mixed groups: 4-6 years old)

In our mixed-age Discoverers & Investigators program, children work and play together in a collaborative community. This unique setting naturally encourages peer mentoring, allowing older children to reinforce their own skills by teaching and guiding their younger classmates, while younger children are inspired and supported by their more experienced peers. To ensure tailored academic growth, students are dynamically grouped by age for targeted English phonics and pre-mathematics lessons, while remaining together for all other interactive experiences.
Lungo e luminoso corridoio con porta a vetri finale. Sul lato destro file di armadietti azzurri per gli alunni, a sinistra scaffali con dossier e appendiabiti a misura di bambino

Throughout the day, learning is supported by a low teacher-to-child ratio, ensuring every child receives personalized guidance as they explore our dedicated play areas, outdoor mud pitch, and regular field trips.

To support a smooth educational journey, 5-year-olds receive a gentle, “soft preparation” in the Italian language twice a week, introducing them to foundational vocabulary and cultural concepts in an age-appropriate way.

Nutrition
and wellbeing

In the Early Years program at the International School of Turin, meals are a key aspect in ensuring children’s wellbeing. Served in a dedicated area of the cafeteria, with balanced menus designed for their needs, meals provide not just healthy nutrition, but also an opportunity to promote autonomy, socialization and respect for table rules, contributing to their overall development.

Un bambino dai capelli castani con una polo bianca dell’IST, seduto a un tavolo chiaro, impugna con la sinistra un cucchiaio per raccogliere il contenuto del piatto davanti a sé

Learning environment

Early Year program spaces at the International School of Turin are designed to meet the needs of children aged 20 months to 6 years. The bright and welcoming classrooms create a stimulating learning environment, whereas the renovated outdoors areas, equipped with age appropriate games, encourage motor development through play. For the youngest students of Pre-Nursery, a dedicated nap room is also available, providing relaxation time in a safe and cosy environment. Every space is designed to promote children’s safety, creativity and wellbeing.