Supporting the Whole Child: Academics, Wellbeing & Personal Growth
At VIS, we believe that academic success flourishes in an environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging and connection. While we prioritize high-quality education, we also ensure that children thrive socially and emotionally. Our student-centered approach integrates Personal Learning Goals, a Wellbeing Program, and a Positive Discipline Approach, creating a holistic educational experience that nurtures confident, compassionate learners.
Personal learning goals
We believe in nurturing the whole child through our 8 IPC personal goals and VIS UN goal
Adaptable
- I try doing things more than one way
- I can change my ideas and behavior
Collaborator
- I can work in a team
- I can take on different jobs in a team
- I can appreciate everyone
Communicator
- I can express myself
- I can speak more than one language
- I am honest and truthful
Empathetic
- I know everyone learns in different ways
- I show kindness
- I know my words and actions affect others
Ethical
- I recognize rules are there to help us
- I can learn about other cultures’ rules
- I can make good choices
Resilient
- I try more than one time
- I know things don’t always go my way
- I know that leaning takes effort
Respectful
- I treat others as I want to be treated
- I am considerate of others’ personal space and things
- I know we are all different
Thinker
- I imagine solutions to problems
- I reflect on my failures and successes and pick a next step
- I am curious and creative
Advocate
- I know my Universal Rights of the Child
- I take action to help all children experience their rights
Wellbeing Program
In today’s fast-paced world, children face increasing stress, anxiety, and social pressures. To help students navigate these challenges, we have developed a comprehensive Wellbeing Program that integrates mindfulness, emotional regulation, and social-emotional learning (SEL) into daily instruction.
Nurturing Mental Health & Emotional Resilience
🔹 Weekly Wellbeing Classes – Students learn to manage emotions, develop strong friendships, resolve conflicts, and care for their mental health.
🔹 ZEN DEN – A dedicated space with comforting items where students can take short breaks to recharge and refocus when feeling overwhelmed.
🔹 Therapy Dogs on Campus – Research-backed support that reduces anxiety, builds self-esteem, and improves attitudes toward learning. Our two trained therapy dogs provide comfort during stressful moments, difficult discussions, or when students feel frustrated.
A Safe & Supportive Learning Environment
By fostering an empathetic and supportive atmosphere, we empower students to take ownership of their well-being while excelling academically. When children feel safe, supported, and valued, they become more engaged learners and develop essential life skills that prepare them for future success.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing space where every student can thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially.
Positive Discipline & Restorative Justice: Building a Respectful School Community
We believe that all children seek belonging and significance. When misbehavior occurs, it often stems from an unmet need. Instead of relying on traditional punitive measures, we implement a Positive Discipline and Restorative Justice approach to help students understand their actions, develop self-discipline, and cultivate meaningful relationships.
Our approach focuses on identifying the root causes of behavior and collaboratively working with students to find effective, long-term solutions. By fostering an environment built on mutual respect, accountability, and problem-solving, we empower students to become responsible, empathetic individuals.
The Core Principles of Our Approach
At VIS, all behavioral responses align with these five guiding principles:
✔ Fostering Connection – Helping students feel valued and understood.
✔ Mutual Respect & Encouragement – Balancing kindness with firm guidance.
✔ Long-Term Effectiveness – Equipping students with essential conflict resolution and decision-making skills.
✔ Teaching Social & Life Skills – Encouraging responsibility, communication, and emotional intelligence.
✔ Empowering Students – Helping children recognize their capabilities and take ownership of their actions.
Inquiry Based
Our learners explore the world and research through authentic real-life challenges that help them to form conclusions and take action in the world around them. In both IPC and Danish based classes active learning is the goal.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths) is a hands-on approach that presents our learners with problems and challenges to be solved. There is no one correct pre-scripted solution. Instead children have to design, test, and find solutions based on the learning they have previously had in class. This lets them synthesize and apply learning to form new understandings and create an ease in outside of the box thinking.
Multi-lingual
Our primary language of instruction is English with a strong emphasis on Danish. All learners at VIS have Danish daily. In addition, many of our specials are Danish prevalent classes so that both native Danish speakers and new to Danish speakers can interact and use their language in natural environments. We also celebrate home languages and understand that remaining strong in home languages is essential to further learning.