Deep in the heart of Antwerp, lies a boutique school. A hub of education and community which caters for expats and locals alike. The Da Vinci International School (DVIS) started over 25 years ago. It was founded in a Belgian front room and is now an internationally recognised centre of excellence.
But why has it become so important to the expat community? To understand that we need to start with a little history lesson.
'"We believe that learning is at the heart of everything we do. In a welcoming and caring environment, all students are encouraged to reach their full potential, developing into engaged, lifelong learners. Parents and staff work together promoting international mindedness with the goal of helping future generations become true citizens of the world." '
Unusual beginnings
Whilst the Da Vinci International School was founded in 1997, its history goes back much further as the dream of founder, Ms Ilse De Souter.
Ilse had a life-long dream to be an educator. From a very young age, she was clear that this was her one and only aim. So, it’s not a surprise that her first role when she left education was for the, now defunct, EEC International School in Antwerp. A role she stayed in for the duration of her four-year contract.
It was then that fate would intervene. As Ilse was considering her next move, she was contacted by first one, then many more of the parents of her EEC students. The children were part-way through their two-year A-level course, and their parents knew that having a consistent teacher during this time was the surest route to success. Still looking for her new role, Ilse quickly found herself with seven children taking classes in her front room.
By the second year this grew to over 40 students, well beyond the capacity of her home. It was at this point that the Kindergarten and Primary school Ilse attended as a child became available. With the support of some of her ex-teachers, she was able set up the Da Vinci International School at this location in the Verbondstraat in central Antwerp.
Taking students from ages 2.5 to 18, the school quickly grew again. But always retained a focus on quality education and community, living their motto:
“Opening hearts, minds, and doors to the future.”
DVIS has been a centre for Edexcel and Cambridge education systems over the years. Quickly becoming an exam centre and known for excellence in education. And, whilst this is true, you’ll still find Ilse at the door each morning, welcoming the students to school.
A strong future for your children
The Da Vinci International School offers the very highest quality of education. This is achieved in part by the school maintaining a student to teacher ratio of around 6 to 1. This ensures a personal, focussed attention on the needs of each and every student.
DVIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme across all ages at the school. For over 50 years, the four age-banded programmes of the IB have developed to deliver excellence in all aspects of a child’s education.
The aim of the IB is to develop well-rounded individuals who can respond to today’s challenges with optimism and an open mind and never has this been more important or relevant.
This curriculum is offered by over 5,800 schools across 162 countries. With a standardised approach at its core, this enables expat to move their children from one school to another, with minimal disruption to the child’s education. This can be a different school in the same country or on a different continent. By choosing an IB school, you can be assured of a consistent, quality education for your child.
No where is this standard better exemplified than at DVIS, where students have achieved a 97% pass rate in the last exams before entry into University or higher education.
This is in-part due to the close-knit team of teachers and staff at the heart of DVIS. With several teachers having been with school for over 20 years. This includes the current headmaster, Ian Stanley.
Beyond the classroom, DVIS offers comprehensive after school and extra-curricular activities. These include field trips, international travel, sporting trips and cultural trips to discover Belgium.
More than just a classroom
DVIS is so much more than a school, however. With 87% of students coming from expat families, the school is a hub of community for the parents as well.
With support from the School’s External Relations and Admissions lead, Manou Cohen, the school not only encourages but provides opportunities for parents to meet, make friends and support each other.
The most visible of these are the weekly Parent Teacher Association meetings on a Wednesday. Over 40 parents meet for a coffee and discussion of the school, questions, concerns and planning. Then, with the work done, they often retire for a brunch and chat.
The team at DVIS also organises a Christmas show, and seasonal markets, which parents are actively involved with.
Manou also helps with connecting parents from similar cultures with each other. Enabling new arrivals to access a pool of checked information to make their arrival and settling in Belgium that much easier. Need a Russian-speaking Doctor? One of the parents will know one. Not sure where to find a specific food? Someone can help.
For expats moving to Belgium with children, finding a suitable school for your children can be a major concern. But, if you’re relocating to Antwerp, it’s well worth having a chat with Ilse and Manou at the Da Vinci school. The school offers a comprehensive, world-class education which, crucially, can be continued if you need to move again.
More than this, the team also offers support for your family in moving to a new country. A ready-made community of people who uniquely understand and have experienced exactly what you’re all going through. If you’d like to know more about the Da Vinci International School or would like to speak to them to find out more, we recommend you check out their website here.
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