Schooled Away was founded when Joe and Vittoria had the crazy idea to move with their two kids to Tamarindo in 2021. After exploring the local schooling options, they decided to put their combined 30 years of teaching experience to work and open a school that would allow their kids the level of education they were receiving back in Toronto, only better - with monkeys and a beach!
But it doesn’t stop there. Our school is founded on the idea that every child should have a safe, stimulating and fun space to learn, regardless of who they are or where they come from. We focus on fostering creativity, collaboration, community and a lifelong love of learning in the young people we work with, all while ensuring a standard of academic excellence in line with the schools Joe and Vittoria taught in back in Toronto.
While we place a strong focus on standard curriculum guidelines, Schooled Away also works hard to reinforce that learning happens everywhere and that our failures and challenges should not inhibit us, but rather be valued as stepping stones on our journeys.
We work under a model of constant assessment, ensuring every child has a roadmap for achievement that is within reach and designed according to their unique learning needs and goals.
We believe strongly that young people are exactly who they are meant to be and that they already have the tools to succeed at whatever they choose to explore. School should be a place where they can thrive as individuals, where they set their own goals and where their confidence soars.
You Belong Here
Meet our Educators
Joe Lasko BA, BEd, MA
Joe’s teaching journey began in 2007 when he received his Bachelor of Education from Western University. He then went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Literature from Brock University, where he was later invited to take on a Professorship. Following his time at Brock, Joe accepted the role of Program Director for a Toronto based non-profit offering innovative writing, arts and education workshops for kids. From there, Joe joined the Toronto District School Board where he taught grades 2 through 12 and a variety of subjects including music, math, english, coding, phys-ed and library. In 2022 Joe moved to Tamarindo and founded SOLE, a boutique school devoted to fostering self-direction, self-confidence and community in young people and then Schooled Away, where you can find him today.
Joe’s philosophy of education stems from the belief that every child is born perfect and with all of the tools they need to succeed. It is an educator’s responsibility to foster those tools and help kids realize their powers in a way that doesn’t inhibit self-confidence but rather promotes a growth-mindset and life-long love of learning. Kids should get as excited about learning as they do about play. And why shouldn’t they? Both provide equally valuable opportunities to experiment, grow and thrive. This is achieved when a trusting, respectful and fun environment is nourished.
In addition to his passion for education, Joe is also a burgeoning writer, musician, surfer and tennis player. Joe is thrilled to be sharing his educational vision here in Tamarindo and to be continuing his work with the amazing kids who will be joining us this year and beyond…
Vittoria Di Cesare-Lasko BA, BEd
Vittoria knew she wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. After completing degrees in Geography and English, she was accepted into the Bachelor of Education program at Western University. Following graduation she traveled to London, England to teach before returning to Toronto where she immediately began her 20-year teaching career. Vittoria has a real passion for young people and believes that every child should have a safe, caring and stimulating environment to learn.
Prior to teaching, Vittoria was a thriving soccer player, occupying positions on the Ontario provincial soccer team and received several scholarship offers to play on various University teams. She continues to play here in Tamarindo and also enjoys sharing those skills with the kids she coaches both in school and recreationally.
Moving to Tamarindo with her husband and two children has been a defining moment in Vittoria’s life, opening a door to self-discovery and providing the opportunity to integrate her unique skill set at Schooled Away.
Community and Collaboration
Schooled Away is a community. Whether student, teacher, peer, parent or sibling, we all share a responsibility to ensure a safe, happy and fun environment for all. We place a constant focus on modeling respectful relationships where our students feel free to share, ask questions and collaborate with one another. We have fun together, lean on and learn from one another.
Our Pillars
Critical Thought
We take an inquiry based approach, encouraging kids to think outside the box, be creative and ask questions. We want every student at to know that there is no such thing as the wrong question. Our message is simple: follow your lead, investigate, debate and never be afraid to challenge.
As a methodology, we start each day with meaningful discussion, often by asking a philosophical question that encourages our students to think critically, disagree respectfully and most importantly, become comfortable changing their points of view.
Empowerment
Learning happens everywhere; not just in the classroom. To many of us this is a given; however, for many kids, this is not so obvious. From a young age, we encourage our students to think outside the classroom. This means providing them with the tools to investigate, question, explore and to validate their own thoughts and ideas. The goal is to empower each learner to discover what type of learner they are, who they want to be and how to actualize their goals.
Global Citizenship
Empowering kids to be global citizens involves fostering curiosity, empathy, and awareness of the world beyond their immediate surroundings. By encouraging them to explore diverse cultures, learn about global issues, and engage in acts of kindness and service, we equip children with the skills and mindset needed to navigate an interconnected world with compassion and understanding. Through education, exposure, and encouragement, we inspire kids to embrace their role as active participants in creating positive change on a global scale.