staff 10/06/2025 0 comments

Building Global Citizens from the Start

Choosing the right preschool is one of the most meaningful decisions parents make for their children. It’s not simply about finding a safe and happy place for your child — it’s about setting the tone for their lifelong learning journey. At the British American Preschool (BAPS) and the Bilingual European School (BES), we welcome children from the age of 2 to 18 — supporting every stage of their development toward becoming global citizens.

For international families, this choice is even more critical. You are looking for a school that not only welcomes diversity and supports newcomers but also equips your child to thrive in a bilingual, multicultural environment.

At the British American Preschool (BAPS) in Milan, this is exactly what we do. Our holistic approach to early childhood education provides the perfect environment for young children to develop both socially and academically, while naturally acquiring bilingual fluency.

Even more importantly, BAPS is designed to seamlessly prepare students for the next step in their educational journey: the Bilingual European School (BES). Here, children continue to develop both English and Italian to an equally high level, eventually graduating with a mastery of both languages and a deep understanding of multiple cultures — a true foundation for becoming global citizens.

What Defines an Excellent Preschool?

For parents evaluating preschools, certain key elements define quality:

A safe, stimulating environment that encourages exploration and creativity
Motor skills development through age-appropriate physical activity
Social-emotional growth through guided play, cooperation, and empathy-building
Creative and symbolic play to foster imagination and critical thinking
Rich language experiences to support literacy and communication
Sensory exploration through hands-on learning
Nature education to build environmental awareness
Close family-school communication to create a shared educational journey

At BAPS, we intentionally design our learning environment around all of these pillars. Our campus at Via Val Cismon 9 is bright, welcoming, and rich with opportunities for both structured and child-initiated learning. Every classroom connects to an outdoor space, ensuring that nature and movement are integrated into the children’s daily experience.

The Critical Role of Early Language Learning

One of the most powerful advantages you can give your child is bilingual fluency — and the preschool years are the optimal time to begin this journey.

Children’s brains are naturally wired to absorb language during their first six years of life. In this critical window, they acquire new languages easily, in the same natural way they learn their mother tongue. This is why BAPS uses a full immersion English program, where English is the primary language of instruction across all activities.

Rather than separating language instruction from the rest of the curriculum, children encounter English through stories, songs, conversation, and exploration.

Preparing for Bilingualism

BAPS is not just an excellent preschool — it is also a launchpad for the bilingual pathway at BES. International families often worry about how their children will transition into Italian schooling or about navigating dual language expectations.

Our coordinated curriculum ensures that children move naturally from BAPS to BES, building on their strong foundation in both English and Italian. By the time they complete their journey at BES, students are able to master both languages at the same level, achieving literacy and academic proficiency that will open doors in both local and global contexts.

For globally mobile families or those wanting an international future for their children, this pathway provides unmatched value: a child who is equally confident in both English and Italian will be prepared for higher education and career opportunities anywhere in the world.

Why the Outdoor Classroom Matters

Another key element of the BAPS philosophy is the Outdoor Classroom. In an era when many children spend increasing time indoors or on screens, we prioritize daily outdoor learning.

Our outdoor spaces are not just playgrounds — they are dynamic learning environments where children explore, imagine, experiment, and build resilience.

Through autonomous outdoor play, children develop:

Physical competence and coordination
Confidence and independence
Problem-solving and collaboration skills
Environmental awareness and respect for nature

Outdoor experiences also provide rich opportunities for language development. Children engage in conversations about their discoveries, narrate their imaginative games, and expand vocabulary through direct experience.

The Importance of Play-Based Learning

At BAPS, we recognize that play is the most powerful learning tool for children aged 2–6. Our play-based curriculum integrates structured activities with opportunities for child-led exploration.

The learning environments — both indoors and out — are designed as “third teachers,” offering a range of materials and experiences that stimulate curiosity and discovery.

Through play, children develop essential cognitive skills and executive function abilities such as focus, self-regulation, and adaptability — skills that form the foundation for future academic success.

Qualified Teachers, Personalized Learning

The heart of any great preschool is its teachers. At BAPS, all our educators are highly qualified, with specialized training in early childhood education. Many bring international experience and understand the unique needs of children growing up in bilingual, multicultural environments.

Our teachers are not only facilitators of learning, but also nurturing guides who support each child’s individual developmental journey.

Communication and Family Partnership

We believe strongly in building a partnership with parents. Families are kept informed and involved through:

Regular updates via digital platforms
Ongoing observations and assessments of each child’s progress
Formal conferences and informal daily interactions
Open-door policies for additional meetings when needed

For international families settling into a new community, this level of communication and partnership provides essential reassurance and connection.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In today’s world, children need more than academic knowledge — they need adaptability, cultural awareness, linguistic proficiency, and the confidence to navigate different environments.

Schools that offer multilingual learning, outdoor education, and a whole-child approach — as we do at BAPS — provide children with these vital capabilities.

By continuing at BES, children deepen their bilingual proficiency and expand their global understanding, preparing them not just for exams but for a future as flexible, culturally competent global citizens.

An Investment in the Whole Child

For international families seeking a seamless, supportive bilingual pathway, the combination of BAPS and BES offers an exceptional choice. From the earliest years through graduation, your child will be part of an inclusive, dynamic learning community that prepares them for success in any country and in any language.

We warmly invite you to visit our campus at Via Val Cismon 9 and discover firsthand how BAPS can offer your child a joyful, enriching start — one that leads naturally into a world of possibilities.