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Beatrice Tierney — Founder
Beatrice established Children’s International School in 1985 in Arlington, Virginia, drawing from her own experience as an immigrant child and a passionate ESL and language development educator. Her foundational mission was to provide young children with the language tools, cultural understanding, and self-confidence needed to thrive in the American school system. A true pioneer in early childhood education, Beatrice spent years volunteering and studying methodologies across Europe and Asia, including traveling to Italy in 1980 to study the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach firsthand. Her 40-year legacy of holistic, play-based learning remains the guiding compass for all four of our campuses today.

CIS Leadership Team
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