NFI Logo

Next Frontier Inclusion

Supporting schools in becoming increasingly inclusive at a systems level.

NFI is a non-profit, mission-driven association founded in 2009.  Our mission is to support the system development of inclusive school cultures and growing a network of interdependent international schools advocating for learning diversity.

Professional conversations

Professional Conversations

NFI designs these conversations based on incoming data from international schools.

Conferences

Specialized Conferences & Facilitated Conversations

Schools can ask for help in facilitating conversations on their behalf.

Discussion

Advocacy

Schools write and seek help on specific matters particular to their current needs.

NFI Team

Program Audits

Member schools may ask for reviews of their support programs.

Leading the way

Leading the Way

NFI’s research strand. A school may ask to learn more about a given topic in the context of international schools.

Defining Inclusive International Schools

The inclusion of children with neurodiverse learning profiles in international schools is a right that we serve to promote.

An international school is inclusive when it has made the deliberate decision to welcome and serve students with a wide range of learning and linguistic profiles. These schools take a systems approach to building capacity amongst community members. Inclusive schools are intentional in developing diverse student and faculty populations that reflect society as a whole, including multilingual learners and students with varied learning profiles. They offer universal design for access to all aspects of school life and responsibly manage resources to ensure high-quality opportunities for learning.

Tickets now available

Collaborative data practices for inclusion: Enhancing learner-centered decision-making in adaptive tiered systems. January 15th-17th, 2026

Tickets will be 425 Euros with a 10% reduction for member schools.

Collaborative data practices for inclusion

Enhancing learner-centered decision-making in adaptive tiered systems

When Data Serves Learners, Inclusion Grows – There was real joy in the dialogue educators listening deeply, challenging assumptions, sharing practices, and learning with one another across contexts, cultures, and systems.

We explored how data, when used thoughtfully and collaboratively, can:

  • Strengthen adaptive, tiered supports
  • Center dignity, belonging, and learner voice
  • Drive inclusive, learner-centered decisions


This work reflects the heart of Next Frontier Inclusion and our mission to build a global, interdependent network of schools committed to honoring learning diversity and creating inclusive cultures that truly serve every learner.

Thank you to Zurich International School for graciously hosting the conversation and your engagement and commitment to inclusion!!

Publication

AI article with ISLES

In April 2023, ISLES and NFI partnered to issue a joint statement on the role of Generative AI in learning support. Our assessment was that Gen AI could be a valuable asset in education if used thoughtfully and ethically, with a focus on developing students’ higher-order thinking skills and understanding of AI’s limitations.

Since then, GenAI has exploded. The exponential development of this technology and the integration of these tools into our daily lives has meant that the conversation has shifted very quickly from “should we use AI?” to “how should we use AI?” and schools and educators feel like they are walking a tightrope and managing the tension of the rope at the same time.

view-futuristic-robot-school-environment
meeting-seminar-conference-audience-training

General Assembly Meeting

26th November 2025

This years’ General Assembly will include:

  1. General assembly members vote on supervisory board’s opinion on next year’s budget and action plan
  2. General assembly members assess and vote on next year’s budget and action plan

International partnership on leadership

Inclusion & Impact 2027

Join us at the International School of Kuala Lumpur as NFI and the International School of Leaders of Education Support (ISLES) come together to host a dynamic two-day international conference on inclusion leadership.

Who should attend?

  • Aspiring & experienced educators
  • Leaders & administrators
  • Changemakers & advocates

Explore bold ideas, practical strategies, and collaborative approaches to designing schools where every learner thrives.

  • Launch of the new NFI & ISLES joint leadership publication
  • Interactive workshops & inclusive leadership conversations
  • Opportunities for meaningful global networking & collaboration

5th-6th March 2027 at the International School of Kuala Lumpur

NFI around the world

Shaded countries show schools that have partnerships with NFI. Dots represent NFI conferences.

NFI Contact Update & Membership Interest

Moving to another role next year? Update your information with us here so that we can stay in touch with you!

If you are not yet a member school, consider joining us.

Articles

This site shares educational ideas and information for general use. It is not official curriculum or professional advice. Readers should adapt content to their own needs and confirm details with reliable sources. Links are for reference only and do not imply endorsement.

Join the conversation

Membership now available

Andrew Bumgarner

Originally from North Carolina, I bring a slight drawl, a healthy dose of Southern hospitality, and a deep commitment to inclusive education wherever I go. With a special education and school leadership background, my career has been driven by one central belief: that thoughtfully integrated technology can transform learning for students with unique learner profiles.

I’ve led student support programs in the U.S., Thailand, China, Paraguay, Switzerland, and now Hong Kong, always with a collaborative mindset and a focus on meeting the needs of diverse learners. What excites me most is the growing potential of instructional technology to remove barriers, personalize instruction, and empower students to engage with content in ways that work for them.

I hold master’s degrees in School Administration (Western Carolina University) and Special Education (University of North Carolina at Charlotte), and am currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Technology at Appalachian State University. My research centers on how generative AI can enhance curriculum accessibility for all students.

Outside the classroom, I’m happiest on a trail run or spending time with my family, which keeps me grounded and energized for the work I love.