about us
Where curiosity, connection, and creativity come to life.
Free to be Kidz was created in 2005 because there were just too many schools slapping a set curriculum on a child. After looking at hundreds of curriculums, we came across Reggio Emilia.
It respected a child’s own creativity and need….
Bachelor's degree in Education
Studied Reggio Emilia in Italy
30+ years in early childhood education
OUR FOUNDER
Karina Carvalho
Karina is an early childhood educator and a mother of two. She has been studying the Reggio Emilia Approach since 2003, and in 2004 she visited the city of Reggio Emilia in Italy. That experience changed the way she saw education.
What stood out most was the deep respect for children’s voices. She was inspired by environments where children were encouraged to explore their own interests, express themselves in many different ways, and take part in meaningful learning experiences. As both an educator and a mother, she saw how powerful it was when children were trusted to follow their curiosity instead of being confined to a fixed path.
After embracing this philosophy, Karina knew she could not imagine building a school rooted in anything else. Free to be Kidz became a natural expression of her belief that children deserve to learn in a space where they are heard, respected, and free to grow into who they are.
What stood out most was the deep respect for children’s voices. She was inspired by environments where children were encouraged to explore their own interests, express themselves in many different ways, and take part in meaningful learning experiences. As both an educator and a mother, she saw how powerful it was when children were trusted to follow their curiosity instead of being confined to a fixed path.
After embracing this philosophy, Karina knew she could not imagine building a school rooted in anything else. Free to be Kidz became a natural expression of her belief that children deserve to learn in a space where they are heard, respected, and free to grow into who they are.
TEAM
Our teachers
LEVEL 3
Leticia
LEVEL 3
Anielly
(FLOATER) LEVEL 1
Katia
level 3
Larissa
LEVEL 3
Jamie
LEVEL 1
Michelli
(FLOATER) LEVEL 1
Natali
LEVEL 3
Fabiane
LEVEL 2
Ruth
LEVEL 1
Karen
Our core values
These values shape everything we do — how we teach, learn, and grow together.
“Since I discovered Reggio Emilia approach, I haven’t been able to imagine any other way of doing education.”
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Karina Carvalho
Founder
Our space
Natural materials and children’s artwork bring learning to life, with every corner inspiring curiosity, creativity, and wonder, even on rainy days.
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