Question 1

What is NovaLumi?

Accepted Answer

NovaLumi is an international educational approach built on more than 20 years of experience with the Lumiar methodology. It combines Relevance-Based Learning, student agency, meaningful projects, competency-based learning, and close support from Tutors and Masters. NovaLumi schools share the same educational foundations while adapting their practice to the culture, curriculum, and requirements of each local context.

Question 2

What makes the NovaLumi approach different?

Accepted Answer

NovaLumi puts relevance at the center of learning. Students have agency and an active role in shaping their learning journeys, while educators provide the intentionality, support, and structure needed to turn their interests, questions, and choices into meaningful learning. The approach brings together Relevance-Based Learning, competency-based and personalized learning, active learning, participatory practices, and innovative technology. Students are also part of a diverse global learning community, with opportunities to connect and learn with peers, educators, and guest Masters from different parts of the world.

Question 3

Will my child be academically prepared?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NovaLumi students develop the knowledge and competencies they need to progress academically, while learning to think critically, make connections, solve problems, and use what they learn in meaningful contexts. Learning across different areas of knowledge is intentionally planned and continuously followed by educators, combining projects and other active learning experiences with more focused moments of study whenever needed. Students are supported to deepen their understanding, address learning gaps, and gradually take greater ownership of their learning. Academic preparation is not separate from autonomy, creativity, and real-world learning: they develop together.

Question 4

Does my child only study what they are interested in?

Accepted Answer

No. Students' interests and needs are important starting points, but they do not replace the curriculum. Tutors and Masters connect relevant questions and real-world contexts with essential knowledge, skills, and competencies. Relevance helps students engage meaningfully with what they need to learn. Even during autonomous study periods and student-chosen learning experiences, there is pedagogical intentionality behind the process: educators follow students' pathways and map the knowledge, skills, and competencies being developed.

Question 5

Who guides my child's learning?

Accepted Answer

Tutors are qualified educators who accompany students closely throughout their learning journey, supporting their development, choices, and progress. Masters are specialists in particular areas of knowledge or practice. They may be members of the school team or guest professionals and experts from outside the school who bring their knowledge, experience, and real-world perspectives into projects and other learning experiences. Together, Tutors and Masters create a rich learning environment in which student agency is supported by pedagogical intentionality, expertise, and meaningful relationships.

Question 6

How do you make sure students cover the curriculum?

Accepted Answer

The Mosaic Curriculum connects curriculum expectations with competencies, students' interests and needs, and meaningful real-world learning experiences. Tutors intentionally plan and follow each student's learning journey, identifying what has been explored, what needs to be deepened, and where further learning opportunities are needed. ArcMosaico is the digital platform that supports this process, allowing learning experiences, competencies, progress, and Learning Evidence to be documented, followed, and shared over time. Together, these elements allow learning pathways to be personalized without losing sight of essential knowledge, curriculum expectations, and meaningful progression.

Question 7

How is learning assessed?

Accepted Answer

Assessment at NovaLumi is continuous and integrated into the learning process. Educators use projects, Learning Evidence, observations, reflection, and feedback to understand students' development across knowledge, skills, and competencies and to determine meaningful next steps. Rather than capturing learning at a single moment, Integrated Assessment helps build a richer picture of each student's development and progress over time. ArcMosaico supports this process by bringing learning records and evidence together and making the learning journey visible to students, educators, and families. Where required, schools also align their assessment practices with local academic and regulatory requirements.

Question 8

What does learning look like in practice?

Accepted Answer

A NovaLumi week may include different active learning modalities, such as Projects, Reading the World, and Workshops, alongside more focused learning sessions, such as Modules, as well as individual work, autonomous study periods, School and Group Circles, and student Committees. For younger children, these learning principles and curricular experiences are adapted to their developmental stage, with more time and space for play, exploration, free time, reading, movement, and rest as integral parts of the school day. Students also learn with Masters, who may work with them in person during collective activities, support individual or small-group projects, or join a Reading the World session from anywhere in the world as guest experts. The exact schedule, combination of learning modalities, and organization vary by school and age group.

Question 9

How do multi-age groups work?

Accepted Answer

Students may learn in groups that include more than one age, creating opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, diverse perspectives, and different levels of challenge. Students can learn from one another while engaging with experiences appropriate to their own stage of development. Multi-age grouping does not replace individual academic progression: educators continue to follow each student's development, learning needs, and curriculum expectations.

Question 10

How much freedom do students really have?

Accepted Answer

Students have meaningful choices and a real voice in their learning, but they are not left to navigate it alone. Tutors help students plan, reflect, make decisions, and take increasing responsibility according to their age and development. Educators also ensure that choices connect with meaningful learning opportunities and broader educational goals. At NovaLumi, autonomy grows together with responsibility, support, and clear learning expectations.

Question 11

What age groups does NovaLumi serve?

Accepted Answer

The NovaLumi educational approach can support learners from Early Years through Upper Secondary Education. The age groups and grade levels offered vary by school and local context. Please check your local NovaLumi school for the stages currently available.

Question 12

How can I visit or apply to a NovaLumi school?

Accepted Answer

Admissions are managed locally by each NovaLumi school. Find the school nearest you to learn about visits, available age groups, applications, enrollment requirements, and the local admissions process.

Question 13

Where can I find NovaLumi schools?

Accepted Answer

NovaLumi and Lumiar schools are part of a growing international learning community, with new schools also in development. Our wider community also includes educational organizations that use ArcMosaico as partners, extending connections and learning opportunities beyond the NovaLumi and Lumiar school network. Explore the map in the Global section of this site for the most up-to-date information on current schools and upcoming openings.

Where learning starts with curiosity and grows with purpose

Where learning starts with curiosity and grows with purpose

Recognized worldwide. Chosen by families.

Founded by Ricardo Semler

Learning starts withwhat is relevant

Students have a real voice in school life

The cost of a labubu versus a lafufu

Is rap the new poetry anthology?

Who is your avatar when nobody's watching?

Why did the river change color this month?

Six pillars, one approach

Active Learning

Integrated Assessment

Mosaic Curriculum

Multi-age groups

Participatory Management

Tutors and Masters

Learning that looks like real life

They buildto understand

The world isthe classroom

Ideas theycan test

See the whole learning journey.

The Thinking Mind

The Inner Compass

The Connected World

ArcMosaico, hands on

Education for a new reality

Read the world

Citizenship in action

Learning with the real world

Learn across ages

Projects beyond the classroom

A mosaic of competencies

A flexible curriculum

Educators in networks

Projects of their own

Love of learning

A growing global learning community

Schools & partners

Find your NovaLumi school

Find your school

Meet & apply

Enroll

Questions parents ask

The approach

Day to day

Talk to Lumi

Curious? Comesee it for yourself

Curious? Comesee it for yourself

Learning starts with
what is relevant

They build
to understand

The world is
the classroom

Ideas they
can test

Curious? Come
see it for yourself

Curious? Come
see it for yourself