HISTORY AND ETHOS

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History

The Tanto International School was established more than 30 years ago by the former Principal of Stockholm International School, Mrs. Connie Näslund and her colleague Ms. Ann Haldane. 

Their aim was to establish a small, independent international school in order to meet the needs of families who wished for a smaller independent setting with a personal touch.  Mrs Näslund’s experience was that many children, who move abroad with their families, need an environment with which they can settle quickly into in order to continue their education successfully. For many children moving to Sweden, the move means not only a new country  but it also means a new climate, a new culture and learning new languages. 

To ensure the best possible education, The Tanto International School aims to eliminate as many transitional problems as possible. The classes are small, the school day has a carefully planned timetable where routines play an essential part and all school days run the same hours. As a result, children can quickly overcome any transitional problems and carry on learning to the best of their ability. Being a small, independent school allows all staff to know every child. The school works actively to ensure that the children feel safe with everyone but more than this The Tanto International School aims to be a new family away from your family.

When the old School Board chose to retire in 2001, the school continued operating with a new Board which consisted of educators employed at the school at the time with Mr. Ray Riley taking over as Principal. He continued in this post until 2012 when he took up retirement. He is currently the Director of the Tanto International School and maintains a keen interest in the events and progress of the school and children alike. It has remained in the care of this same Board since 2001. As educators, they have aimed to develop the school in order to continuously ensure the best possible educational environment without changing its successful formula. The school offers a unique blend of family values, care and great educational opportunities to all who attend.

The school's name ‘Tanto’ derives from the beautiful area that the school is located in called ‘Tantolunden’. This area is part of inner city Stockholm, yet it consists of large green park areas right by the scenic water front. The area is hugely popular for recreational purposes and offers a virtually traffic free space for playing, swimming, walking, canoeing and picnics. 

During the 30 years that the school has been operating, Tanto has built up a substantial community around the world. We are pleased to be the small but ambitious choice of education, whose arms now stretch out far and wide. As one of our Year 4/5 students recently described the school, ‘ A small school in a big world; a big world in a small school’. We frequently get visits from ex-students; some who have now graduated from university, or are visiting Sweden with their own children as well as messages from ex-students sent to us from all over the world.

As a result of the consistent constellation of the school’s management, these visits mean that our former Head Teachers and Principals, who are still active on the Board, can greet those old students on a first name basis. This personal touch is something we are proud of and something we feel ensures The Tanto International School stands out.

While other schools, as institutions in Sweden, invest in growth and branching out,  The Tanto International School invests in quality by doing what we do best; focussing on each individual child’s education year after year by remaining ‘the small independent alternative’.

Whilst taking pride in our history,  we continue to look forward; searching for new opportunities to educate future generations and leaders.  In doing so, we understand the importance of our mission and responsibility; to aid Tanto children in becoming exceptional adults who can change the world to a better place. 

Ethos

The Tanto International School’s motto is the Tanto “3 C's: Care, Cooperation and Courtesy”. The motto aims to sum up our moral educational ethos to the students and families at Tanto. 

Any school can offer a child an education but at Tanto we believe that children are best served with high educational standards in combination with the 3 C’s.

When a child is taught to Care - care about others, care about themselves, care about the environment, and to care about their future and achievements, to Cooperate  - to work with others, to compromise and be flexible, and to show Courtesy - to be respectful, polite and socially confident, it will open endless possibilities and opportunities in life.

Growing up learning, and being the 3 C’s, is something that gives each child the tools they need as adults to navigate an ever changing world. To feel confident whilst treating other people and our environment with genuine respect is key.  Academic content can always be learned throughout a life if you have the right attitude, a passion for learning and the confidence to do so. 

The Tanto International School aims to instill, in each child, the importance of our ethos to ensure social and moral growth.

The Tanto 3 C's: Care, Cooperation and Courtesy is embedded throughout the school and evident in all we do and represent. To demonstrate the very best character and always strive to show interest, empathy and openness when interacting with the diverse nature of our constantly developing world. The high level of integrity and passion for all aspects of our school life means that our children are regularly praised by the wider community for their actions and approach to life. These qualities are something that the children, parents and staff are extremely proud of and something that we feel adds to our unique educational environment. 

In our efforts to live by the 3 C’s, on a wider scale, we aim to become a certified Unicef school. By doing so we acknowledge children’s rights and human rights on a global scale.