L'Alternative Teaching School Community
A public primary school teacher for nearly ten years, Vanessa Gervolino seeks to bring her vision of education and an international outlook to the school she founded.
Bilingual and aware of the unique position New Caledonia holds within its geographic region, she aims to help children become global citizens. Over the years, the school has grown: from a single-class structure, JCIS quickly evolved into a fully fledged institution encompassing both preschool and primary.
The school continued to expand and launched its secondary program in 2011. Built on the « Alternative Teaching School Community »educational model, the school promotes a culture of care and respect.
This approach is grounded in strong human values, a commitment to education, and the dedication of a deeply engaged team.
The school project
Our vision
EIJC bases its teaching on open-mindedness. Each child is seen as a unique individual, as all children need to succeed in an environment that is respectful and attentive to their well-being.
In our school, emphasis is placed on the harmonious, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of every child.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment of excellence that develops critical thinking while conveying important values such as respect, understanding, cooperation, empathy, and open-mindedness. We also aim to provide a rich and meaningful learning experience where students can find opportunities to demonstrate self-motivation, leadership, creativity, and resourcefulness — essential qualities they need to become active, successful, and responsible citizens of the world.
Our values
“Your children are our priority” — the JCIS project is founded on values that families are expected to embrace upon enrolling in the school. The involvement of students, parents, and the educational team is a fundamental requirement in the learning process. This partnership ensures the commitment of all parties. Built around bilingual learning in English and French, the school draws inspiration from both French and international educational systems, offering an educational environment that differs from the traditional French system.
We have a great story to tell you
Since its founding in 2007 by Vanessa Gervolino, the James Cook International School has grown from a small primary school in Ducos into a fully accredited international institution. Step by step, it has expanded its programs, embraced innovation in education, and built strong partnerships — becoming a recognized leader in academic excellence and bilingual learning in New Caledonia and beyond.
