Explore · Discover · Belong
Where curiosity, nature and meaningful relationships shape every child's first years of learning.
Boutique International Early Years Academy
Our greatest classroom is the island itself.
Every child is truly seen.
Nature woven through every day.
Flexible, and shaped around each child.
A close, connected family of families.
Qualified, caring, and here for your child.
We believe childhood should be filled with wonder, curiosity, and connection to nature. Every child deserves a place where they are known, nurtured, and inspired to grow.
We are creating a boutique international early years academy on Koh Samui's peaceful south coast — where every child is known by name, curiosity is celebrated, and learning begins in nature.
Inspired by internationally recognised early years approaches, we combine meaningful relationships, purposeful play, and outdoor exploration to help children flourish.
Our story is only just beginning. We'd love to welcome your family as part of our first chapter.
Our small groups allow us to care for the whole child — how they feel, how they connect with others, how they discover the world, and how they develop as learners — ensuring every child is truly seen.
We recognise that every child arrives with their own ideas, curiosity, emotions, creativity, and ways of making sense of their experiences. Through caring relationships, thoughtful guidance, play, and discovery, we create space for each child to grow in their own way — honouring and valuing the whole child.
Because of where we are, the island is woven into every day. The shoreline, the gardens, and the natural world around us become places to wonder, question, discover, and grow — creating a sense of belonging and connection, truly inspired by the island.
Picture your child learning barefoot on the sand, questioning, creating and connecting with the natural world around them.
Nestled exclusively on the south coast of Koh Samui — where the pace is slower and the sea is sheltered by the Five Islands — the shoreline, the gardens and the sea itself become our learning spaces.
Our name and our identity — the Grandmother Banyan, the Wave and the Five Islands just off our shoreline. These elements hold it all together. This is more than where we are. It's who we are.
Artist's impressions — computer-generated visualisations of our vision.
Envision your child as part of a small, connected community — known by name, supported as an individual, and welcomed into something from its very beginning. Like the Five Islands that shelter our coastline, we create a place of protection, identity and belonging.
We're only just beginning, and we'd love for your family to be part of our story from the very start.
"We are all a person, no matter how small."— Dr. Seuss
Growing up in Australia after being born overseas, I have experienced firsthand the richness that different cultures, perspectives, and experiences bring to childhood.
I feel privileged to have built a diverse career in education in Australia and internationally, leading and empowering individuals within diverse learning contexts and across different stages of life. I hold a Master's degree in Special Needs Education and have a deep understanding of inclusive practice and English as an Additional Language (EAL). Through these varied contexts, I have gained the ability to understand individual strengths and translate that understanding into intentional planning, purposeful approaches, and opportunities for growth.
Our surroundings have a profound impact on how we feel, engage, and thrive. When I discovered the beautiful coastal space that is now home to Taling Ngam International Academy, I envisioned something truly special — an environment where childhood could flourish through relationships with the natural world, movement, creativity, and authentic experiences.
TNIA was founded on the belief that children thrive when they are seen, understood, and valued as individuals. We recognise that each child explores, communicates, and develops in their own unique way, and our approach is centred around creating an inclusive and supportive environment where children and families feel respected and welcomed.
At the heart of TNIA is a commitment to nurturing a place where every child feels inspired to explore, encouraged to discover, and truly knows they belong.
Join our founding TNIA community. Registering your interest is the first step — there's no commitment, it simply means we'll keep you updated as the academy grows, and you'll be among the first to hear about open days, enrolment and news.
Not ready to register yet? Follow along as the academy takes shape — we'd love to have you with us.