Strengthening Our Foundations

As another academic year draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on life at Esol Education schools - bustling campuses filled with creativity, curiosity, and the daily rhythm of discovery. Across continents and time zones, our school communities continue to flourish through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to student success.

This issue of STRIDES invites you to explore both the visible and the unseen threads that make up the fabric of our educational ecosystem. In our cover feature, we turn the lens inward with Behind the Scenes. While our school communities are filled with the energy of student-teacher interaction, take a peek behind the curtain to see the Esol Education organization quietly supporting this dynamic landscape-strategically guiding our schools and ensuring they are well-resourced and future-ready.

In a world where Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we teach and learn, our Chief Information Officer, Dr. Joseph Nettikaden, explores how schools can adopt AI thoughtfully and responsibly in Navigating the AI Fastlane. Our interview feature, New Game. New Playbook, revisits our long-standing relationship with the Middle States Association, whose President, Christian Talbot, offers compelling insights into K–12 education in an evolving world, from cutting-edge teaching practices to the transformative force of AI in education.

Step into school life in The Brief, where you’ll find snapshots of inspiring student initiatives and campus happenings from across our global network. In Trailblazers, we proudly celebrate Omar Marmoush, AIS Egypt alumnus and Manchester City forward, alongside Ismahene Elouafi, an Esol parent and one of TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2025. 

Our In Class section takes you on a musical journey, highlighting the achievements of the music program at American School Hong Kong. Dunecrest American School shares how a data-informed approach is helping students thrive emotionally and socially through continuous digital surveys that measure student and staff sentiment. Environmental sustainability takes center stage at the newly inaugurated Greenhouse at AIS West, a shining example of how parent-school partnerships can bring green learning to life. 

Turn to Meeting Minds, where we connect with John Jalsevac, whose leadership journey through three Esol schools reveals the dedication and vision that continue to shape our network. Don’t miss our Unexplored section, where Dr. Bassem Akl, Middle School Principal at Universal College, Aley, guides us through the ancient Phoenician world, tracing the origins of maritime trade and literacy to the historic city of Byblos in Lebanon—a cultural legacy that echoes into our present. Finally, in Last Word, Dr. Andrew Torris reflects on a future that’s more hopeful than robotic, reminding us that while AI may change the world, it’s human purpose and connection that will define it.

We hope this edition of Strides leaves you informed, inspired, and connected to the extraordinary journey we are all on together. Thank you to our teachers, school leaders, parents, and students for your continued passion and partnership.

Wishing you all a restful, joyful summer,
Sincerely,
The Esol Education Team