The Parent Engagement Program (PEP) is a comprehensive initiative at The International School of Florence, which aims to include families in their children’s learning journey. The program is designed to engage families on topics ranging from student well-being to teaching methodology and learning strategies, and recognizes that education is a collective effort. Parents and guardians have welcomed the chance to actively participate in the ISF experience, and the program continues to expand.
The PEP provides workshops, conferences and interactive meetings; it is a partnership designed to promote communication, mutual understanding and shared responsibility. By involving parents in their child’s education, the program empowers families to take active roles in shaping their children’s academic, social and emotional growth. When parents engage in their child’s education, it sends a powerful message: school is important.
One session early in the school year focused on an Overview of the Primary Years Programme offered at ISF and the approach to inquiry-based learning, which not all families are accustomed to. Blended Learning equipped parents with practical strategies and targeted resources to support their children’s learning during hometime or school vacations. This session helps parents integrate effective educational activities into daily routines, ensuring continuity in their child’s learning process and reinforcing skills developed at school. Another key workshop, Window into Well-Being, provided an overview of ISF’s approach to student well-being. This session focused on the ISF comprehensive well-being program that supports the mental, emotional and social health of all students, ensuring they thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Research consistently highlights the benefits of parental involvement in education. Students with engaged parents tend to perform better academically, maintain regular school attendance and develop a lifelong passion for learning. The PEP provides families with the tools and knowledge they need to support their children effectively, while offering insights into ISF’s teaching philosophy and methods. One parent, after attending a Mathematics presentation, noted how the teaching of mathematics has evolved significantly, which had left her unsure about curricular expectations. Another parent confirmed that the session Understanding Assessment in the International Baccalaureate Programme provided valuable insights into how assessment practices offer constructive feedback, empowering students to grow and excel.
Frequent engagement between parents and the school fosters open dialogue and builds trust, creating a platform for collaboration. For international families, the program serves as an invaluable resource for understanding ISF’s unique approach and terminology. It also provides opportunities for parents to engage with the school community on a deeper level, helping them feel more connected and confident in navigating their child’s education. In many sessions, parents are encouraged to experience hands-on activities similar to what their children are doing in school.
When parents actively participate in school activities, children feel a greater sense of belonging and support. This involvement boosts students’ confidence and emotional well-being, providing them with the security they need to flourish. At the same time, parents benefit directly from the program, attending workshops on effective parenting, navigating the international curriculum and understanding key developmental stages. These sessions empower parents to guide their children through challenges and celebrate their successes. The Parent Engagement Program at ISF is a refreshing reminder that education thrives on collaboration. By working together, parents and educators can nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators and compassionate world citizens.
