Explore · Discover · Belong
A new kind of education, by the sea
Reggio Emilia and forest school-inspired learning where play, nature, creativity and wonder are the foundation of every day.
Opening as an early years & kindergarten community, with primary school to follow
Six pillars of learning
Our days are shaped around what matters most to growing children — not worksheets, not screens, not sitting still.
Our Philosophy
Reggio Emilia & forest school-inspired
We see children as capable, curious and full of potential. Learning begins not with instruction, but with relationship, wonder, play and the hundred languages through which children naturally express themselves.
Inspired by the educational philosophy born in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and the nature-immersive principles of forest schooling, we believe in the child as a thinker, maker, questioner and storyteller — and in the environment, the teacher and the family as partners in that journey.
Our tropical setting brings forest school to life — barefoot exploration through gardens, beach, and wild spaces where children take supported risks, build resilience and connect deeply with the natural world.
Discover our approach →The image of the child — capable, curious, expressive
The hundred languages — art, movement, music, nature, dramatic play
The environment as educator — forest, beach, garden as classroom
Teachers as observers, guides and co-researchers
Risk-rich outdoor play — climbing, building, exploring freely
Families as partners in the learning journey
The Third Teacher
Our environment
Every space is designed with intention — the environment is the third teacher.
Learning studios
Heritage circular houses reimagined as intimate creative spaces.
Tropical gardens
Shaded pathways, growing herbs and butterfly gardens.
The beach
Steps from our gate — sand play, tidal pools, ocean air.
The classrooms
Purpose-built spaces with thatched roofs, teal details and sandy play areas.
From Our Families
What parents say
“We moved to Samui looking for something different — a childhood rooted in nature, not screens. Taling Ngam feels like the school we dreamed about but never thought we'd find.”
Sarah & James
Founding family, relocated from Melbourne
Founder & Head of School
Violeta Tzvetkov
“I want to create a school where children are not rushed out of childhood, but deeply supported within it — a place where play is respected, creativity is central, and the natural world is part of everyday learning.”
An educator from Perth, Western Australia who draws on five years working with the ASDAN approach, Violeta is shaping Taling Ngam International Academy as a warm, international learning community — inspired by Reggio Emilia and forest schooling — for young children on the south-west coast of Koh Samui.
Read more about Violeta →
For founding families
We are building this school with intention and care, not speed. Our founding families will help shape the culture, rhythm and community of Taling Ngam International Academy from the very beginning.
Places are limited. If this resonates with your family, we'd love to hear from you.
Register Your Interest