By Ally St. Pierre, Admissions and Marketing Manager
Moving to a new country is a big adventure, especially for families with young children. Between navigating new cultures, languages, and routines, finding the right school can make all the difference. For many NATO families stationed in the Virginia Beach area, Strelitz International Academy (SIA) has become that place of comfort, connection, and joy.
A Warm, Playful, and Loving Start
When choosing a school, NATO parents consistently emphasized what truly matters: a nurturing environment, caring teachers, and room to play and grow.
“We wanted small groups, lots of outdoor space, and a warm welcome from the staff,” one parent shared. “It was important that our children could learn through play and feel safe and excited to go to school.”
From the very first visit, many families say they felt that warmth.
“When we entered SIA, it immediately felt like a welcoming place for children—colorful, warm, and loving. Walking through the hallway felt like stepping into a happy home.”
Parents also appreciate SIA’s flexible, child-centered approach.
“No other school we saw was so open to new ways of raising children,” said one mother. “There’s no forcing kids to eat or nap—they can read, play, and explore. The swimming lessons are the highlight of the week, and the teachers are so open-minded and supportive.”
A Thoughtful Welcome to International Families
Adjusting to a new school system in a different country can be daunting, but SIA’s staff go out of their way to make international families feel comfortable from day one.
“Our child couldn’t speak any English at first, and the teachers did an amazing job helping him settle in, even learning a few German words!” shared one parent.
Another family described how teachers used translation tools and patience to ensure clear communication. “We always felt supported,” they said. “From the very beginning, there was help for everything.”
Many also felt reassured knowing that SIA had already welcomed numerous NATO families.
“We’d heard from other families that SIA was used to having international students, so we knew we were in good hands.”
A Community That Feels Like Family
For NATO parents, SIA isn’t just a school; it’s a community that embraces every culture and background.
“Everyone is friendly and genuinely interested in our culture,” one parent said. “The teachers gave our children space to start slowly, and the daily updates helped us feel connected.”
Families who are not Jewish especially value SIA’s inclusive environment and the warmth with which Jewish traditions are shared.
“The Jewish traditions are full of love for all people,” one parent reflected. “I’ve even started learning about the holidays and singing Hebrew songs at home. It’s beautiful to see that kind of openness.”
A Place for Growth and Joy
Parents consistently remark on how much their children have grown—socially, emotionally, and academically—since joining SIA.
“Our son now speaks English better than I,” one parent laughed. “He knows his letters, can count in English and Hebrew, and loves coming to school every day.”
Another family noted, “Our daughters have gained confidence, made friends, and become bilingual learners. They feel accepted and happy just being themselves.”
Memories That Last
Whether it’s the excitement of the Fall Festival or the pride of the End-of-Year Celebration, SIA families treasure their time together.
“Every morning, our kids run to their classrooms with huge smiles,” said one family. “That’s when we know we made the right choice.”
Even though SIA serves many students, parents say it still feels intimate and connected.
“It doesn’t feel big once you get to know it,” a parent explained. “The community is strong, and everyone knows each other.”
Global Citizenship in Action
As an International Baccalaureate® (IB) school, SIA encourages children to think globally and act with compassion, something that resonates deeply with international families.
“The transition for our kids—and for us—has been so smooth because SIA understands and appreciates international families,” said one NATO parent.
Advice from One NATO Family to Another
When asked what they’d tell other families arriving in Virginia Beach, NATO parents didn’t hesitate:
“Tour the school—there’s nothing else like it.”
“We saw every other option, but SIA listened to our needs and worked with us.”
“No need to look further—SIA is your place.”
For these families, Strelitz International Academy offers more than an exceptional education. It provides a loving, inclusive, and globally minded community where children thrive, and where families from around the world feel right at home.
