We are Round Square
Many of life’s important lessons come from practical experience. These lessons stick with us, helping us build character, discover our capabilities, and find purpose.
This understanding lies at the heart of the educational philosophy shared by more than 260 Round Square schools. We enable students to realize their full potential in 50 countries across six continents.
We focus on experiential learning to empower schools to collaborate, share best practice, and connect both physically and virtually. This approach celebrates diversity, develops character, and builds leadership skills, equipping young people to be positive contributors to society and proactive future leaders.
Round Square in Numbers

Round Square IDEALS and Discoveries
The Round Square community share six learning themes that form the basis of our approach to character education – called the IDEALS because the first letter of each theme put together spells IDEALS – Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
As young people embrace the Spirit of the RS IDEALS, they uncover 12 key Discoveries on their learning journey. These include inquisitiveness, tenacity, courage, compassion, inventiveness, problem-solving, self-awareness, responsibility, diversity appreciation, sustainability commitment, communication, and teamwork skills.

Our Story
In 1966, the Heads of eight schools came together to celebrate Experiential Education Pioneer Kurt Hahn’s 80th birthday.
Some of these schools had previously worked together to send students to help in the aftermath of an earthquake that struck in Argostoli on the Greek Island of Kefalonia in 1953.
At the birthday party, the Heads agreed to repeat the experience. They met again in 1967 and this conference was officially named Round Square.