Early Years & Elementary Principal,
PYP Coordinator
Welcome to the Early Years and Elementary School at Pinewood, where your child's personal academic journey begins.
At Pinewood American International School, we offer a progressive and personalized American international education centered on academic excellence and self-actualization. In our Early Years and Elementary programs, we don't just teach; we inspire students to become curious, creative, and caring thinkers. Our curriculum is built on a foundation of U.S. standards and is enriched by innovative frameworks that prepare students to thrive in a complex, global environment.
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), a transdisciplinary framework, is the cornerstone of our Elementary experience for students aged 4 to 12. This program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, where we move beyond the "what" to explore the "why" and "how," encouraging students to take risks and follow their natural curiosity. By focusing on the whole child, the PYP nurtures academic, social, and emotional well-being, helping students become independent learners who take responsibility for their own growth. Learning is organized around six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, such as "Who we are" and "How the world works," which allows students to make deep, meaningful connections across different subject areas.
Our integrated, specialized programs equip students for a multi-faceted future by fostering innovation from a very young age. Our STEAM program encourages a growth mindset through hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This starts as early as the Early Years, where students engage withLego Education and Messy Play to explore physical principles and enhance spontaneous discovery. As they progress, students develop essential digital literacy skills, beginning with formal IT instruction and moving to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model in Grade 3 to foster responsible digital citizenship and coding abilities.
Our Elementary program provides tailored support to ensure every student flourishes. For students whose first language is not English, we offer a comprehensive English Language Learner (ELL) program aligned with international standards. Our holisticStudent Servicesteam, which includes learning specialists, a school psychologist, and a nurse, addresses the unique academic and emotional needs of every child. Furthermore, students explore a wide range of creative and physical outlets every week through diverse "Specials" including Modern Greek, Music, Physical Education, and Art.
At Pinewood, the Elementary years are the start of a lifelong love of learning. By placing students at the heart of every decision, we provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to reach their full potential as adaptable global citizens.
Sincerely, Karen Georgacacos
EY/Elementary Principal
PYP Coordinator
At Pinewood, we believe every child is unique and deserves an engaging environment to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Following the IB PYP framework, we use an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary approach to build deep conceptual understanding.
We encourage students to take risks, share ideas, and reach their full potential. This includes offering after-school activities to develop their interests.
