Located in Grand-Bassam, Brightsteps International School is an English-based institution that blends the American Common Core Standards with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. Our mission is 鈥淣urturing Lifelong Learners and Global Citizens.鈥� At Brightsteps, we provide a warm, inquiry-driven environment where children from 18 months to Grade 5 explore, create, and grow through hands-on learning, bilingual exposure, and strong values education. We empower every child to become an independent thinker, compassionate leader, and confident learner ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Brightsteps International School (BIS) 鈥� Grand-Bassam, C么te d鈥橧voire
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About Us
Brightsteps International School is a private, English-based institution located in the serene coastal city of Grand-Bassam, C么te d鈥橧voire. Founded with a vision to nurture lifelong learners and global citizens, BIS offers a world-class education that blends the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) framework with the U.S. Common Core Standards.
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Our school welcomes children from 18 months through Grade 5, providing a rich, inquiry-driven learning environment where curiosity, creativity, and character are at the heart of every experience.
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Our Philosophy
At Brightsteps, we believe that every child is naturally curious and capable of deep thinking when given the right tools, environment, and guidance.
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Our approach focuses on:
Inquiry-Based Learning, students learn through exploration, questioning, and reflection.
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Whole Child Development: We balance academic excellence with emotional, social, and physical well-being.
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Bilingual Foundation: English immersion with strong exposure to French ensures that students thrive in both local and global contexts.
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Community & Connection: We see education as a partnership among students, teachers, and families, with shared responsibility for every child鈥檚 growth.
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Academic Approach
Our curriculum merges the rigor of the American Common Core (for literacy, numeracy, and science foundations) with the transdisciplinary philosophy of the IB PYP, where learning connects across subjects and real-life contexts.
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Each academic year revolves around four transdisciplinary themes, allowing students to explore who they are, how the world works, and how they can make a difference.
Mini-assessments, project-based learning, and student-led exhibitions help build independence, confidence, and critical thinking skills.
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Programs Offered
Early Years (18 months 鈥� 5 years)
Our Early Years Programme follows the IB PYP framework, where children learn through play, inquiry, and exploration. Each day encourages curiosity, communication, and creativity while building strong foundations in early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. We nurture confident, caring, and independent learners who love to discover the world around them.
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Elementary (Grades 1 鈥� 5)
Our Elementary Programme follows the IB PYP framework, integrating the U.S. Common Core Standards for strong academic foundations. Learning is inquiry-driven and student-centered, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. Students learn in English with French classes 2鈥�5 times a week, and explore science, arts, ICT, swimming, music, and global citizenship through hands-on, transdisciplinary projects.
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After-School Activities 鈥� Swimming, dance, football, robotics, and English reading clubs, baking.
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Our Environment
The BIS campus is designed to feel like a learning village, with bright classrooms, a mini farm and school garden, and open green spaces that invite outdoor learning.
Students learn through experience and interaction 鈥� planting vegetables, observing nature, engaging in community projects, and practicing sustainability from a young age.
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Our Team
Our educators are qualified, passionate, and internationally minded, combining modern teaching strategies with genuine care for each student. The faculty receives ongoing professional development in both IB inquiry practices and Common Core methodologies, ensuring that our classrooms are dynamic and student-centered.
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Our Promise
Brightsteps International School is more than a school; it is a community of families and educators united by a shared belief:
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鈥淓very child can shine when guided with purpose, compassion, and excellence.鈥�
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We aim to prepare students not only for academic success but also for life as confident communicators, caring thinkers, and responsible global citizens.