The start of a school year is usually a hopeful time. New teachers, new routines, new friends. But for some children, those first weeks don’t feel exciting at all. They come home quiet, anxious, or simply say, “I don’t like school.”
If you’ve noticed this in your child, you’re not alone. Many parents share the same worries when their child goes to school: Is my child happy? Are they settling in? Do they feel like they belong? These questions are natural, and they matter.
At Nord Anglia International School Dublin (NAIS Dublin), we talk with families about these concerns all the time. And over the years, we’ve learned that with the right environment, children can turn things around quickly - often in just a few weeks.
Every child is different, but there are some common signs that things aren’t going smoothly:
It’s hard to watch your child go through this. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
When children find the right environment, their confidence and joy come back. In our experience, the things that make the biggest difference are often simple:
NAIS Dublin is Ireland’s only school offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) programme from early years to diploma. The IB isn’t just about academic rigour - it encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. We see how this helps children grow in confidence as learners and as people.
Our community is international and inclusive. For children who may feel “different” somewhere else, at NAIS Dublin, we can change that - everyone belongs here.
Because we’re part of Nord Anglia Education, our students also get opportunities that connect learning to the wider world, whether that’s a STEAM challenge inspired by MIT, performing arts projects with Juilliard, or contributing to UNICEF initiatives.
And above all, we put a strong emphasis on wellbeing. A child who feels safe, supported, and encouraged will always learn better than one who doesn’t.
We know that moving schools can feel like a big step. Families often worry it will be disruptive. But in reality, many children adapt quickly when they’re in a place that suits them.
We make transitions as smooth as possible by getting to know each child before they arrive, supporting them with language if they need it, and checking in often with both students and parents.
Parents regularly tell us how surprised they are by the difference after just a short time: children who were once anxious are smiling again, making friends, and talking excitedly about their day.
If your child isn’t settling as you’d hoped this school year, you don’t have to “wait and see.” Sometimes, a change of environment is all it takes to help them flourish.
At Nord Anglia International School Dublin, our focus is on helping every child feel supported, confident, and inspired.
If you’d like to talk about your child’s situation, we’d be glad to listen. You’re welcome to come and see our school, meet our teachers, and decide if this feels like the right place for your family.
Because every child deserves to feel happy at school.
