Learning That Reflects the Real World
At ACIL Valencia, we’ve redesigned school to match how people really learn, through curiosity, teamwork, and real connection. Our model combines Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), personalized AI-powered learning with licensed educators, and the Design Thinking Process. It’s a human-centered approach that helps students grow for real life, not just for exams.
And it works:
83% of our students perform above the international average in MAP standardized testing, confirming that deep, personalized, emotionally intelligent learning leads to academic excellence.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Heart of Everything We Do
Core Skills
We believe students learn best when they feel safe, seen, and supported. That’s why we begin each day with Morning Brew - a 30-minute community circle where students check in, set personal goals, and participate in meaningful activities that build emotional awareness, empathy, and connection with peers.
From learning how to name complex emotions to building deep trust in group discussions, SEL is not a side subject - it’s the foundation of our learning community.
More Than Just Book Smarts
At ACIL, we know that success isn't just about acing exams - it’s about thriving in the real world. That’s why we go beyond textbooks and test scores to equip students with the life skills they actually need. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven into everything we do, ensuring our students develop emotional intelligence, relational skills, and critical thinking. Whether they’re tackling a group project, leading a team, or navigating life’s inevitable curveballs, ACIL students are prepared to face challenges with confidence.
Built on the Best Research
Our Social-Emotional Learning approach isn’t just a trend - it’s backed by some of the brightest minds in education. Developed at Stanford d.school and incubated at Stanford’s Institute of Design, our method is rooted in cutting-edge research. ACIL continues to work with Stanford affiliates to refine and enhance our approach, ensuring that our students benefit from the latest innovations in human-centered learning.
Purpose, Belonging, and Future-Ready Skills
What sets ACIL apart? We don’t just teach; we inspire. Our approach fosters a deep sense of purpose and belonging, making students feel seen, heard, and valued. By integrating Social-Emotional Learning with our forward-thinking curriculum, we empower students to connect with others, lead with empathy, and embrace challenges with resilience.
Design Thinking
Curiosity Leads the Way
Our students don’t memorize answers. They ask questions, explore real-world challenges, and take ownership of their learning. The Design Thinking Process gives them a clear path to turn curiosity into action.
At ACIL, inquiry leads to real action.
Our students:
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Launched a clothes upcycling initiative, ending with a public fashion show
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Created a recycling campaign that extended into other Valencia schools
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Performed improv theatre in public parks, bringing laughter and social commentary to the streets
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And developed many more bold, community-centered projects
When students are trusted to lead, they rise with purpose, passion, and impact.
It’s a 6-step creative problem-solving cycle that empowers students to:
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Empathize with real people
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Define meaningful problems
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Ideate bold solutions
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Prototype real products/projects
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Test and improve based on feedback
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Launch. Make an Impact
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Empathize. Start with People
Students explore real, human-centered issues through fieldwork, interviews, observations, and surveys. They gain a deep understanding of people and emotions behind the problem.
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Define. Frame the Challenge
They analyze findings and identify a clear, meaningful problem to solve. This sets direction for the project.
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Ideate. Think Big
Students brainstorm bold ideas, using creative thinking tools and teamwork to generate possibilities.
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Prototype. Bring Ideas to Life
They build tangible versions of their best ideas: campaigns, apps, events, installations, or performances.
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Test. Learn from Feedback
Students share prototypes with peers, facilitators, or community members, then refine based on real input.
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Launch. Make an Impact
They present final products to a public audience: publishing books, creating campaigns, painting murals, or staging performances.
At ACIL, students don’t just complete projects. They transform ideas into action and grow as changemakers in the process.
PE Classes
Revolutionizing Physical Education with Autonomy and Technology
At ACIL, we believe physical education should be flexible, personalized, and student-driven. Instead of traditional PE classes, we empower our students to take charge of their fitness by choosing when, where, and how they engage in physical activity.
With the help of Polar solution, students track their workouts in real time, whether they’re biking, playing soccer, doing yoga, hiking, swimming, or engaging in other physical activities. Their effort and progress are recorded and seamlessly integrated into their PE curriculum.
Daily Schedule
M, Tu, Th, F
9:45 - 10:00
Arrival & Chill
10:00 -10:20
Morning Brews: Community & Belonging
10:25 - 12:55
Core Academics: Math, Elective, Writing, Science, University Courses
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch/Break
14:00 - 15:00
Design Thinking (projects)
15:00- 15:30
Socratic SMART goal time/Lab Maintenance
15:30
End of Day
W
9:00 - 10:00
Arrival to ACIL/ACIL Talks
10:00 - 13:00
Field Experience
13:00
End of Experience
Transferring from another country?
Here's how your grades align with the U.S. education system.
Grade Equivalences
Field Experiences
Academics are important. We equip students with the right tools for subject mastery. We also believe In the research that shows that students significantly perform better In all areas when they see a direct connection between what they learn and real life. That's why we dedicate every Wednesday to real life experiences that empower our students with tools they can use right now. Once a week, our students learn from actual experts In a variety of fields.
Scuba Diving
Sailing
Ceramics
All of our students experience the Padi Open Water Diving Course where they become equipped with the measures and techniques needed to explore marine biology up close. Once students have completed the Padi Open Water Diving Course, they obtain official qualification, which empowers them to dive all over the world.
Sailing is the perfect experience to blend academic skills with social skills. It's an infusion of physics with team collaboration. Students work in groups throughout the month and finish off with a race. This experience also offers certification for students who are at least 16.
Art comes from the deepest part of a human. It's a form of expression. Through this ceramics experience, students will learn techniques and methods that have evolved throughout human history and that have given shape to feelings, emotions, and thoughts. They will create art for display, gift, or sell.
Service Learning
Mindfulness
Culinary arts
Oceanografic and Bioparc are Valencia's wildlife protection and rehabilitation centers. We aim for our students to develop a culture of service and volunteering. Our students are engaged In service learning projects every year. We partner with local places like the Bioparc to not only Inspire students to serve but to also guide our students to make connections with organizations that have effective business plans in serving the community.
Learning culinary arts teaches learners basic cooking skills, promotes healthy eating, and fosters independence. It helps them make better food choices, understand different cultures, and develop responsibility. Cooking also builds teamwork, enhances time management, and boosts confidence. Overall, it prepares learners for a balanced lifestyle with practical knowledge they can use throughout their lives.
Mindfulness helps learners develop better focus, manage stress, and improve their emotional well-being. They stay present, which enhances their concentration and academic performance. It also equips them with tools to handle anxiety, reduce negative thoughts, and build resilience. Additionally, it fosters empathy and positive social interactions, creating a supportive and harmonious school environment.
and many more experiences to choose from...
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Our Address
General Inquiries
Av. Cortes Valencianas, 39
46015 València, ES
+34 (672) 792 813
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