Welcome From The Head

Welcome to California International School

When I first joined the CIS community five years ago, I knew I had found something truly special. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving this school in different roles, and each one deepened my appreciation for what we have built here together. Now, as Head of School, I am more excited than ever about the journey ahead.

At CIS, we believe that the richness of our community is one of our greatest educational assets. Our families come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and lived experiences, and we embrace that diversity as a gift. When children learn alongside peers whose traditions, perspectives, and stories differ from their own, they develop empathy, open-mindedness, and a genuine curiosity about the world. That is not a byproduct of what we do here; it is central to it.

Our commitment to small class sizes, high standards, and personalized learning ensures that every child is truly known and supported. Rooted in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, our classrooms are intentionally designed to inspire inquiry, collaboration, and deep thinking. Students take on projects connected to the real world, ask big questions, and develop both the academic skills and the interpersonal skills that will serve them throughout their lives. The IB PYP framework gives our students a structured yet expansive way to explore ideas, understand different cultures, and grow into confident, globally minded learners. We are dedicated to educating the whole child, academically, emotionally, and culturally.

Community and partnership are at the core of everything I do. I believe that schools thrive when families and educators work together as true partners, and I am deeply committed to fostering that relationship with each of you. Whether your family has been part of CIS for years or you are just beginning to explore us, I welcome you warmly and want you to know that your voice matters here.

Our hope is that when students graduate from CIS, they carry with them the confidence, compassion, and cultural awareness to make meaningful contributions, not just in our school and local community, but in the world at large. I believe wholeheartedly that children can change the world, and it is our honor to help them discover that power within themselves.

I warmly invite you to visit our campus, meet our faculty, and experience our community firsthand. I am confident you will find a place where your child can truly belong and flourish.

I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Warmly,

Christine DeNinno

Head of School

California International School