About Us
Imagine a school where your teachers are your friends and mentors, looking for the best within you, and helping you see strengths within yourself that you may not have known were there…
Imagine a school where helping you develop your character is as important as helping you develop your mind… where helping you be the best person you can be is as important to helping you be the most intelligent person you can be…
Imagine a school that understands that happiness comes from selfless service to others, and prepares you to contribute to building a global society built upon the principle of the oneness of humanity…
Imagine a school where you are a part of a vibrant unified community; where cliques, backbiting, and exclusivity are not accepted; where we strive for friendships that are deep and lasting…
Imagine a school that sees you essentially as a spiritual being, and nurtures the life of the spirit…
Imagine knowing your life can make a difference…
Imagine yourself at Townshend International School…
Our Vision and Culture
At schools, teaching and learning practices are always based on a set of fundamental beliefs or basic assumptions about human beings, such as their essential nature, how they learn, what inspires them, and their role in society.
Without these essential questions being articulated and addressed, practices can become lost in tradition or simply recycled year after year. This is not just true for schools, but for any institution.
Therefore at Townshend we wish to be explicit and clear about our foundational beliefs and the source of their inspiration.
Townshend was founded in 1992 by a family from Austria who were members of the Bahá’í Faith. As such, the school’s philosophy is drawn from the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, which inspires our approach to education, the individual and social progress in the world.
We see you as noble.
Our approach towards education is based upon the concept that each individual is a noble being; a mine rich in gems, which education alone can uncover. Our task then, as educators, is not to just fill a young person with knowledge, but to also unleash the latent potential in each student. We see the best in you - your talents and your qualities - and by holding up a mirror to those qualities, we help you develop the best in yourself. As one graduate put it, “Townshend helped me see something within myself that I did not know was there.” This as among the greatest gifts we give our students.
We emphasise character.
Excellent academics and intellectual development are vital, and at Townshend you will build amazing intellectual capacities. But the world has no shortage of smart people. What the world needs is more people with character – people with ethical values and human virtues. At Townshend, moral development is front and center, along with academic excellence. Our code of conduct is based upon five seminal virtues: Honor, Respect, Responsibility, Leadership, and Commitment. Intellectual development is vital, but when combined with moral development, it is “light upon light.”
We are a vibrant unified community.
The social environment at Townshend is in sharp distinction from what most students have experienced. We work to give you the skills to solve problems through consultation, to have meaningful conversations, and to be a member of the community, taking actions that strengthen unity, such as avoiding backbiting and exclusivity. As one student put it, “There are no cliques here. Everyone knows each other by name, and although not every single person is a close friend, everyone is friendly. Each person has such a big group of friends that it’s hard to classify someone as your ‘best friend.’”
We nurture the life of the spirit.
At Townshend, we take to heart the statement that “man is in reality, a spiritual being, and not until he lives in the spirit is he truly happy.” We prepare you for material success, while recognizing that material things cannot fulfill the deepest yearnings of the soul – the yearning for purpose, for meaning, for connection to one’s Creator, for love and compassion and kindness. And so, we create time to reflect on the life of the spirit. As a diverse community, we nurture spiritual expression for students of all faiths, and of no faith.
We inspire social progress.
Every person has a two-fold moral purpose in life: To pursue their spiritual, material and intellectual growth - and to contribute to the well-being and advancement of society. Over the millennia society has evolved through progressive stages of greater cooperation and interdependence – such as tribes, followed by city-states, growing into nations. The advancement and maturation of society seen in this light means that ever higher levels of acceptance, understanding, justice and peace are needed for an evolving global society built upon the principle of the oneness of humanity.
We foster service.
Education has a purpose beyond providing outstanding credentials and a successful career. Our ultimate goal is to equip you with the knowledge, insights, and skills that will allow you to be of service to others. For it is in service to others that the deepest fulfillment and happiness are to be found. During your time at Townshend you will participate in core activities that will help you become an experienced resource in the community-building process and in shaping human affairs. Motivated by a desire to be of value and to help create a fair global society that is built upon the principle of the oneness of humanity, you will leave Townshend knowing that your life really does make a difference.
We Cultivate Lifelong Learning and Growth.
At Townshend International School, you are at the heart of a dynamic and evolving learning environment. Our approach is designed to grow with you, adapting through feedback, collaboration, and a deep understanding of your needs and those of the wider community. We believe in lifelong learning, where the insights you gain contribute to improving education on a larger scale.
Here’s what makes your educational experience at Townshend unique:
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You are encouraged to be an active learner—questioning, exploring, and thinking critically.
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Inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary projects allow you to connect ideas across subjects.
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Collaboration is prioritized over competition, fostering teamwork and collective achievement.
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Your daily schedule includes time for prayer and reflection, promoting mindfulness.
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Life-skills education is embedded into your curriculum, helping you grow personally and socially.
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Service projects give you the chance to make meaningful contributions to the community.
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Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, strengthening your relationships with teachers.
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You can take on leadership roles by running Assemblies, managing the Snack Shop, or leading school initiatives.
At Townshend, your education is always evolving. We seek inspiration from leading institutions worldwide, ensuring that your learning experience remains relevant, innovative, and forward-thinking. Together, we are not just preparing for success today—we are building a foundation for your future.
FAQs: Bahá’í-Inspired
Is the school run by the Bahá’í Faith?
No. Townshend is an independent private school inspired by the principles of the Bahá’í Faith but operates entirely separately from its administration. It is not affiliated with any governmental, religious, or philanthropic body and does not receive or contribute funds to such institutions, including the Bahá’í Faith.
Does the school try to convert people to the Bahá’í Faith?
No. The school does not seek to convert anyone, as the Bahá’í Faith strictly prohibits proselytizing, which means pressuring or offering incentives to adopt a religion.
Bahá’í Studies is a subject. Do all students have to take it?
No. While Bahá’í Studies is available as an optional subject from Grade 10 onwards, it is not mandatory. Students of all backgrounds are treated equally and have full freedom in their choice of courses.
Will my child be forced to say prayers?
No. Daily moments of quiet reflection provide an opportunity for prayers and readings from a variety of religious and inspirational sources, including figures like Martin Luther King Jr. Participation is entirely voluntary, with students simply asked to respect the atmosphere of reverence.
How else is the inspiration from the Bahá’í teachings visible in the school routine?
The school calendar includes holidays on Bahá’í Holy Days, and community gatherings may be held on these occasions. While all students are welcome, attendance is optional. Service-oriented learning is also an integral part of the school experience, with student projects and staff training sometimes incorporating materials from the Ruhi Institute, which focuses on moral and spiritual development.
Additionally, some students who are part of the Bahá’í community may invite their friends to separate Bahá’í-organized events outside of school. Participation in such activities is entirely voluntary, reflecting Townshend’s commitment to an inclusive and respectful learning environment.
We invite you to come to Townshend… to live, to learn, and to move the world.
Created to Carry Forward an Ever-Advancing Civilization
We believe that every person has a two-fold moral purpose in life
To pursue their spiritual, material and intellectual growth
To contribute to the well-being and advancement of society
"..the honour and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world’s multitudes should become a source of social good" - Bahá’í writings
Organisation
Board of Governors
As a non-profit organisation, the school is overseen by a Board of Governors whose primary task is to set general policy in line with the vision and mission of the school, and to guide and support the work of the School Director.
Further information on the Board of Governors can be found here.
School Director
Appointed by the Board of Governors, the School Director is responsible for the daily operations of the school, and its strategic growth into the future. The Director, together with the Director's Assistants and the Residential Director, make up the school’s management team, who meet daily to guide the progress of the students, faculty, and staff.
Director's Assistant - Administration
The Director's Assistant - Administration (DAA) is responsible for ensuring that students and faculty have the resources needed to meet the high standards set by the Cambridge curriculum, and for supplementary courses developed by Townshend. Through coordinating the activities of the faculty members and the teaching and learning environment, the DAA plays a major role in the academic life of each student.
Director's Assistant - Student Services
The Director's Assistant - Student Services (DASS) is the main day-to-day point of contact for students’ routines and their well being. They are responsible for managing the development and progress of positive student behaviour, whilst monitoring uniforms, deportment and absences. The DASS is an accessible and pivotal point of reference for parents and students.
Residential Director
Responsible for the well-being of the dormitory students, the Residential Director works with a staff of dorm parents, counselors, medical professionals, and youth volunteers to enrich the lives of students entrusted to the school. The Residential Director stays in close contact with students, parents, and staff, and has a finger on the pulse of campus life.
Educational Board
The Educational Board is comprised of a nominee of the Director, a teacher elected by the teachers, and a parent elected by the parents. It is a requirement of Czech law that relates to our school from Grade 1 to 9. Among other tasks, the Educational Board gives its opinion on the proposals of teaching programmes and their implementation, and participates in drawing up strategic objectives for school development.
Relevant Documents
History
Townshend International School was founded as a non-profit organisation in 1992 by dedicated parents who had moved to South Bohemia from their home in Austria, seeking to contribute to the social and economic development of the country after the fall of communism. In a desire to provide an enriching educational experience for their then 11-year-old daughter, they opened Townshend International School, named after the great Irish scholar and humanist, George Townshend (1876-1957).
With the support of the town of Hluboka, the school started in a rented wing of the local elementary school, with 23 students spanning grades 7, 8, and 9. Inspired by a vision to combine academic excellence with character development, the school began to attract families from around the world, growing rapidly into an International School serving students from Pre-K through high school.
It soon became clear that the school was quickly outgrowing its rented facilities, and a search began for a suitable location for a dedicated school campus. Ground was broken in 1999 on a field overlooking the peaceful lakes and forests of Hluboka, and beyond to the hills of South Bohemia and Austria.
In the summer of 2001 the new campus, with its 5000 square meter building housing classrooms, laboratories, seminar and meeting rooms, administrative offices, library and dining hall, along with two dormitory buildings, was dedicated before an audience of families, friends and dignitaries from around the world.
In 2009 Townshend adopted the internationally renowned Cambridge curriculum and became an associate member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). With the Cambridge curriculum, students receive an internationally recognized credential of the highest caliber that is welcomed in schools and universities worldwide.
Over the years, Townshend has attracted students from 106 countries and territories, who have gone on to study and work around the world.
Currently, the school serves 140 students, from pre-K through high school, with 70 boarding students ages 12 and up.
Testimonials
Townshend International School is shaped by the experiences of its students, parents, and alumni. Their stories offer a glimpse into daily life at our school and the impact it has had on their journeys. We invite you to explore their testimonials and see what makes Townshend special through their eyes.
Director's Response
What makes Townshend International School unique? In this exclusive interview, our school director shares insights into our educational philosophy, community values, and what sets our school apart. Learn more about our approach to learning, character development, and global citizenship.
Click the button below to read the full interview.
The Czech Republic
Safe.
Beautiful.
Cultured.
Friendly.
These are some of the first few words that come to mind when describing the Czech Republic and its population. If you are not from Europe, you may not be familiar with this modern nation. The Czech Republic:
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Has been a member of the European Union (EU) since 2004, with a high standard of living, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
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It's capital, Prague, is ranked consistently as one of the 10 most beautiful cities in the world, and has been voted Europe's Prettiest City.
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Is rated one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world on the international Global Peace Index (GPI).
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Has more UNESCO world heritage sites per square meter than any other country in the world. It is a place with rich history and natural beauty.
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Has had 5 Nobel Prize winners - 2 in Medicine, 1 in Chemistry, 1 in Literature, and 1 Nobel Peace Prize winner. Three have been men, and two have been women.
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Is world renowned in the film industry, and has been the location for such Hollywood blockbusters as Amadeus, Mission Impossible, Anthropoid, and Casino Royale.
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Has over 7 million tourists annually.
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Has non-stop flights to 137 cities around the world (including Beijing and Seoul), and is less than 2 hours from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Berlin.
Here is a video that shows some of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Czech Republic:
And here is a video of Ceske Budejovice, where Townshend's students and staff spend much of their weekends visiting the square, eating at restaurants, or browsing in the modern shopping centers: