The Early Learning Center
AGES 3–5
WELCOME, FUTURE KNIGHTS!
TASIS Portugal is the newest campus in the TASIS family of schools, founded in Switzerland in 1956 by educator and entrepreneur M. Crist Fleming and financially supported by the nonprofit TASIS Foundation. TASIS (Switzerland) was the first American boarding school in Europe, and all TASIS schools maintain the tenets on which it was founded: truth, goodness, and beauty.
Our longstanding traditions, combined with a genuine love of children and their unique qualities, make TASIS Portugal a beautiful place for your child to play, learn, and grow. At TASIS Portugal, we believe the earliest years are just as important as the upper grades, so we focus on developing a love of learning. Carefully planned activities build on a curriculum that, while age appropriate, introduces big ideas early.
We provide opportunities for children to learn through hands-on play while developing curiosity, problem-solving skills, and emotional maturity. This strong foundation prepares students well for their TASIS Portugal Elementary School experience. We teach children to question; one of our favorite words to hear is “why”.
At TASIS Portugal, we raise caring, curious, and competent global citizens in partnership with parents. I invite you to discover more about our special community with a visit to our campus.
Keith Chicquen, Headmaster
THE BEST PREPARATION FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students who transition from our ELC to the Elementary School at TASIS Portugal enjoy distinct advantages academically, socially, and linguistically.
THE ELC ADVANTAGE
Learning to Read
Learning to read is not a skill that develops naturally—it must be taught explicitly. The first step is learning that words are made up of individual speech sounds, called phonemes. Phonemic awareness is a well-researched predictor of later reading success. At TASIS Portugal, ELC students practice phonological awareness skills in a fun, engaging manner using the Heggerty Curriculum™. The ELC years provide students with a solid foundation in reading skills that helps them become successful readers.
Read more: How Children Learn to Read Well (or Don't)
Social-Emotional Learning
Self-regulation is the ability to attend to and adjust emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is a good predictor of academic and social success, helping students pay attention in class and get along with teachers and friends. At TASIS Portugal, during the ELC years, we focus on building a strong foundation in social-emotional learning, which includes self-regulation (following the ELLI framework), mindfulness, and a growth mindset. For students who require additional social-emotional support, we have a dedicated pastoral team that includes an experienced school counselor.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Besides offering a “typical” array of activities designed to develop young students’ fine motor skills, such as building blocks, coloring, painting, and playdough, we also place a strong emphasis on handwriting skills, which remain important even in our high-tech age. We use Handwriting Without Tears™, a curriculum designed by an occupational therapist, to instill handwriting confidence in young learners. In addition to fine motor skill development, we also focus on gross motor skills. Students practice these skills during physical education classes, dance lessons, and yoga in class. There is a wide array of active after-school activities available to them, and they regularly explore the outdoors during forest school outings.
English Immersion
For students who are not yet fluent in English, the ELC provides an English immersion environment and a head start in an international school community. Multilingual co-teachers and assistants ensure rapid English language development. For students who may still require English support upon entering Elementary School, we have a dedicated student support team that works efficiently and effectively to help students achieve proficiency, typically within two years on average.
61
Nationalities
*School-Wide
134
ELC students currently enrolled
1:6
21 ELC Educators
Experts in their Field
Our ELC teachers provide targeted, direct instruction to individuals and groups, as well as create opportunities for whole-class learning. Our goal from the start has been to hire teachers who will leave a lasting impact on students' lives, the ones who believe in them even on their most challenging days, and the ones who make learning easier and more enjoyable. We seek teachers who possess the necessary education and experience in the fundamental aspects of literacy, numeracy, growth mindset, and social-emotional well-being.
Moreover, we value teachers who continue to be lifelong learners themselves, and we incorporate ongoing professional development into our schedule.
Building Background Knowledge
Core Knowledge Curriculum®
The Core Knowledge (CK) Curriculum is a sequential, content-rich curriculum that covers language arts (reading and writing), history and geography, art, and music. Its philosophy is based on the idea that knowledge builds upon knowledge.
Singapore Math
We utilize Singapore Math, widely considered the most effective method of teaching mathematics. As we introduce math, students learn to use manipulatives and apply their mathematical knowledge across other content areas, gaining familiarity with the concepts necessary for deep problem-solving. By teaching children the "why" before the "how", we make skill building enjoyable and accessible.
Next Generation Science Standards
Our Early Learning Center students begin to learn the principles of science through exploration and experimentation. The outdoor classroom is designed to facilitate their understanding of basic concepts such as measurement, hypothesis, cause and effect, and more. We prioritize a fun and engaging approach to science, focusing on enjoyment rather than competition.
Led by Dedicated Specialists
Our highly-trained teachers deliver personalized instruction that allows children to progress through the curriculum at their own pace. They carefully observe and assess the individual needs of each child, and based on that, plan the next steps in their learning journey.
Specialty Classes & Academies
A World of Exploration
Similar to the beautiful landscapes and experiences awaiting in this amazing country, TASIS Portugal has a lot to offer your child as they progress through their studies.
Play Spaces
Our play spaces are designed to provide opportunities for children to engage in physical activity and develop gross and fine motor skills. Children can run, climb, jump, and balance, and engage in activities which promote physical, social, and emotional development by fostering positive relationships with peers and teachers, teamwork, and cooperation. We are proud to offer this rich and diverse learning environment that can enhance children's cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development at our Early Learning Center.
Designed for the ELC
The Early Learning Center has the benefit of its own spaces, designed exclusively for the ELC: the outdoor classroom, the green top playground, and the multipurpose room, which serves as an exclusive dining hall and assembly area for the ELC only.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
To learn more about our existing facilities and see the exciting projects on the way, please click the button below!
Outdoor Classroom
Our Early Learning Center uniquely emphasizes outdoor learning, incorporating the principles of forest school, a nature-based program that prioritizes holistic child development and inspires learning, including environmental stewardship. We have a dedicated woodland garden and outdoor classroom designed for forest school sessions, where children can explore and discover natural materials, observe and interact with wildlife.
At TASIS, we mix work with play!
ELC students can expect an enriched learning experience, filled with a broad variety of activities. Staying true to Portuguese tradition, young Knights will have the ability to explore the exciting possibilities of the beautiful land we call home. Whether it is receiving hands-on experience with Portugal's rich history, engaging in activities from a diverse global culture, or thriving in the neighboring wilderness with Forest School, an unforgettable adventure awaits!
Healthy Eaters
Parents visiting our Early Learning Center are often pleasantly surprised to witness the enthusiasm and healthy eating habits of our youngest students. We collaborate with an outstanding dining service partner that takes pride in crafting nutritious meals that children genuinely enjoy. In our dedicated ELC dining room, each child has the opportunity to develop manners, etiquette, and an appreciation for making wholesome choices during mealtime. Every day, children are provided with a fresh whole-food lunch and two snacks, and it is not uncommon for them to request second and third helpings.
Our Students Aren't the Only Artists at TASIS, We Also Have a Talented Team of Chefs!
TASIS Portugal partners with Thomas Franks, a high-quality food service provider, to offer nutritious and appealing meals for its students. They focus on clean, locally-sourced ingredients from organic and sustainable growers.
The menu includes diverse options for different dietary preferences. Special attention is given to the nutritional needs of younger children, with tailored menus and opportunities for them to try new flavors. This commitment to healthy eating aligns with the School's philosophy of nurturing both a healthy body and mind, supporting the overall well-being and development of students.
At TASIS, We Take All Forms of Health Seriously
We believe that a healthy body influences a healthy mind and is essential for an optimal learning experience. TASIS Portugal goes above and beyond nutrition – we teach students the value of emotional intelligence through Social Emotional Learning.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
We take pride not only in caring about our students' nutrition but also in ensuring healthy social-emotional development.
Social Emotional Learning
I have two boys at TASIS and we love everything about the school. The social emotional learning program and the school culture based on empathy and respect, the facilities, the after-school activities, and the teachers are all amazing. I recommend this school to everyone who is looking for the best school in area.
- Current TASIS Portugal Parent
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which students develop an understanding of their emotions, learn how to manage them effectively, set and work towards positive goals, demonstrate empathy towards others, establish and maintain healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions by actively solving problems
ELLI Skills
The ELC utilizes the Effective Lifelong Learning Inventory (ELLI) program to impart essential learning skills and traits. ELLI introduces seven learning characteristics, each represented by an animal, through child-friendly stories that allow students to connect their learning skills with their emotions.
In the ELC, we also promote a growth mindset through Glow and Grow reflection time. Children evaluate themselves, engage in discussions with their peers and teachers about their strengths and goals, and express their reflections through drawings, writing, and conversations. "Glows" represent positive aspects, such as accomplishments or behaviors that we take pride in and want to continue. "Grows" refer to areas that have the potential to enhance our learning, perseverance, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Expected Behaviour
When we comprehend a child's feelings, we become more adept at recognizing the areas in which they require support. Through a proactive approach that involves identifying appropriate choices in response to student actions, we foster the development of emotionally healthy behavior. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a school-based framework that emphasizes acknowledging positive behaviors rather than solely focusing on a child's challenges. While PBIS and SEL are effective independently, together they contribute to a comprehensive pastoral program that prioritizes the well-being of each child.
The Chameleon:
Changing and Learning
The Owl:
Strategic Awareness
The Bee:
Learning Relationships
The Spider:
Making Connections
The Cat:
Curiosity
The Tortoise:
Resilience
The Unicorn:
Creativity
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ELC STUDENT
ELC students at TASIS begin their day with Circle Time, fostering early discussions and a love for storytelling. They then explore the world of numbers in Math, followed by a healthy snack. Curiosity blooms in Science class, leading into playful recess. Language skills grow in Portuguese, before a communal lunch. Afternoons are filled with Music & Movement and important Social Emotional Learning, making every day a well-rounded adventure in learning and fun.
The ELC Promise
The Early Learning Center is fortunate to have a team of capable and caring educators who foster a love of learning in each student and prioritize the overall well-being of the child. These dedicated professionals ensure that your young learner is taught with love and encouraged to take ownership of their learning, fostering greater independence in all areas. As a result, students are prepared to enter Elementary School academically, socially, and emotionally ready.
39
Languages Spoken
*School-Wide