Cedar International School

About the school

Located in the British Virgin Islands, Cedar International School is an IB World School offering programmes from Early Years to the Diploma Programme. The school serves around 259 students, 146 in secondary and 113 in primary, representing approximately 40 nationalities. This diversity mirrors the BVI’s reputation as a vibrant, international community. After facing an upcoming teacher absence, Lanterna worked with Cedar International’s team to ensure their students’ progress remained uninhibited.

challenge

Ensuring Continuity in IB Learning Amid Unexpected Staffing Challenges

When one of Cedar International’s Secondary Spanish teachers was unexpectedly unable to fulfill their role due to health reasons, the administration team at Cedar was faced with filling the role in a quality manner quickly. 

“ We urgently needed a Spanish teacher, we couldn’t afford to disrupt our students’ learning.”
– Zach Pascoe, Head of Secondary, Cedar International School

After initially encountering Lanterna at an IB conference a few years back, the team at Cedar International reached out to Lanterna to help them find a qualified IB teacher who could ensure their students’ learning stayed on track.

Lanterna’s solution

Expert IB Teachers Deliver High-Quality Learning Online

Lanterna provided IB teachers for both MYP and DP Spanish, and a while later another IB teacher for DP Chemistry. The transition to online learning was thoughtfully designed to ensure students could engage effectively and maintain the high standards of learning set by the school.

“The students adapted quickly and worked well with the online teacher to continue their learning.”

Lanterna’s teachers quickly turned out to be capable, engaging, and deeply knowledgeable about the IB. According to Zach, the Spanish teacher was “magic”, connecting with students and parents, preparing pupils for their exams, and even managing internal assessments remotely.

“The Spanish results were strong. The Lanterna teacher knew the IB inside out, engaged with parents well, and supported students right through to their exams.”

The chemistry teacher was equally impressive, stepping in seamlessly when the regular teacher had to be away. 

Hesitations

Engagement Makes the Difference

Initially, there was some natural hesitation from stakeholders, as it pertains to online instruction, but once the classes began the students engaged, and kept progressing – which was the proof everyone needed.

Online Learning as a Strategic Choice

Online Learning That Truly Works

For Zach, the experience underscored an important point, online teaching is a valuable option that meets the educational needs of students when implemented with care and compassion.

The outcome

reliable support with student focus

Cedar International Schools’ experience highlights how small international schools can maintain academic excellence, even amid staffing challenges, with the right partner. 

“Lanterna has been a great support for our school, stepping in when we needed them and consistently meeting our expectations. We’d 100% use Lanterna again. They’re a great option, reliable, high-quality, and genuinely invested in our students’ success.”