Learning with purpose
We promote a wider vision to teaching and learning. Through project work we encourage students to be creative, practice teamwork skills and use critical thinking to organize and resolve challenges. We work project based.
Cross-curricular learning is crucial for children to understand the connections between skills and purpose. The way we do this is by combining several learning journeys, for example teaching art and sports lessons in Spanish. Or by using a writing skill to create an article in English, based on a cooking class earlier that week. Or by applying mathematical calculations for a Bushcrafting project. We make sense of learning!
Well-being
We prioritise the well-being of our students as the fundamental foundation for cultivating healthy minds and bodies, crucial for positive growth and holistic development.
Assemblies
Assemblies take place every Monday before the first lesson of the day. It gives us a good opportunity to reconnect with the children after the weekend, to communicate upcoming events and goals for the week, as well as to talk about our values.
Warm-up activity
Every morning from Tuesday to Friday, the children will start the school day by joining in a Warm-up activity upon arrival, to help them set their minds for a positive start to their learning. We believe Yoga, Reading, Drawing and Relaxation can benefit our young students to direct their focus before the day’s learning begins.
Nutrition
We actively engage in educating and advocating for healthy eating habits and provide nutritious meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce.
Online access
WonderMinds Learning Zone
All children and parents can access WonderMinds Learning Zone. It offers a detailed academic structure for students to know what is expected of them in the upcoming weeks, term and academic year. In the Learning Zone they can also view their weekly timetable, learning objectives, presentations and access online resources. Children and parents can communicate with their teachers using Google Classroom and follow their academic progress.
Online access when abroad
Family life can be challenging when living abroad. ISLA understands this and wants to give families the peace of mind when travelling during academic time. Students (Y5 and up) who cannot attend school (temporarily) will be giving access to core subject classes online (English, Maths, Spanish and Science). Any project work or assignments for other the subjects can be completed through the Learning Zone. They will also have the opportunity to consult with their teachers.
Meet the Team
Saray Segovia
Director
12 years of teaching experience across the ages of 2-16 in the UK and Spain, in state and international schools.
Lives on Mallorca with husband and their two furry pets Otto and Inka.
‘My own learning experience at school is the reason I have never left education. I was an average student with exceptional teachers. They made learning enjoyable and their students feel capable. As once a student and now former teacher, I believe success comes from a joint team effort between teachers, students and a happy learning environment. I created WonderMinds, as an accessible to all Learning Zone where teachers feel supported with a rich curriculum, students inspired and parents assured their child's education is in safe hands.’
Sara Gaya
Mathematics, Spanish, Art & Music.
"Soy mallorquina de nacimiento y vivo aqui junto a mi pareja Guillem y nuestros dos perros Misto y Coco.
Mi mayor ilusión siempre fue ser maestra. Desde muy pequeña, noté la gran falta de atención individualizada en las aulas y sentí la falta de tiempo que disponían los profesores para explicar los contenidos de un modo más adaptado y personalizado.
Al convertirme en docente me propuse nunca dejar desamparado o vulnerable a ningún alumno en mi aula. Con 10 años de experiencia en clases de refuerzo escolar a niños de entre 5 a 14 años, y con 3 años en el mundo educativo en centros escolares, entre infantil y primaria, siento con absoluta convicción que esta es mi vocación."
Carola Milroy
English, Spanish & History
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows, and thus facilitate the bridges to gain knowledge”
Carola holds a Bachelor´s Degree in Arts and in Teaching, with a 28 year experience teaching Literature, Language and Arts. She has always taught in ESL/EFL contexts with undergraduate, secondary and primary years (USA and UK educational programs). Carola is Celta Certified for Cambridge Language Program Courses and Assessments. She has also been a Faculty member in Model United Nations (MUN) Conferences.
Maik Kemper
Sports, Homework Class & Extra Support
Maik arrived in Mallorca in 2023, together with his wife, two children, two dogs, and two guinea pigs. He brings extensive experience as a primary and special education teacher, boasting over 20 years of teaching in Germany across primary, comprehensive, and schools catering to children with special needs. Additionally, he is a experienced teacher trainer.
"You are not the same individual you were a year ago, a month ago, or a week ago. You´re always growing. Experiences don´t stop."
As a special education teacher, my role has always been to nurture children's growth and help them achieve goals that initially seemed unattainable. I am highly proficient in diagnostics and providing tailored support to classes, groups, or individual children. I firmly believe that we can facilitate every child in accessing the resources they need to realise their full academic and social potential.
Taylor White
Math, Science & Sports Coach
"After eleven enriching years at a boarding school in central New Jersey, USA, I've recently made the exciting transition to Mallorca with my wife, Flavia, and our three-year-old daughter, Gabriella. With a master’s degree in Spanish and extensive experience as a teacher, coach, and dorm parent, I’m eager to bring my passion for education and mentorship to this beautiful new setting. Together, we’re embracing this new chapter with open hearts and are looking forward to all the adventures that Mallorca has to offer."
"I believe that the best learning happens when curiosity leads the way. As a teacher, I strive to inspire that same curiosity I felt as a student, encouraging my students to discover their own interests and passions. I’ve learned that some of the most profound lessons come from the natural world, and I’m excited to help students at Isla Academy experience the wonder and insight that learning in nature can bring."
Inge van Schooten
Student Administration
With over 20 years of experience as a secretary / virtual assistant, Inge van Schooten brings expertise and dedication to supporting Isla Academy's operations. Originally from the Netherlands and now based on Gran Canaria, Inge assists our team and families.
With a background in customer service and administrative support, Inge ensures that our team stays organised and connected, contributing to an exceptional experience for our students and their families.
Cooperation with
Back to Balance by Therakids!
ISLA has entered into a partnership with Back to Balance by TheraKids owned by Mark and Sarah Kilimann. Therakids is the largest organisation for equine therapy in Germany and it is now establishing itself in Mallorca too. Together with Mark and Sarah, we are incorporating horses into our curriculum. Back to Balance organises daily activities such as pony club and riding lessons.