EBI Opens New Playground at San Pablo Campus

Grade 3 students helped inaugurate a space designed for play, connection, and discovery

EMERYVILLE, Calif., September 28, 2026 — Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) celebrated the opening of its new playground at the San Pablo campus on Sunday, September 27. EBI students gathered along the sidewalk as grade 3 students joined Head of School Ben Griggs, Director of Advancement Lisa Omar, and the EBI community to cut the ribbon. The grade 3 students took the first turn on the playground, then invited their classmates to join them.

The opening offered a glimpse of what the new space will bring to the school day. On a playground, students can invent a game, work out how to include someone new, encourage a friend to try something challenging, or begin again when an idea does not work. Those small moments help children practice communication, cooperation, creativity, and independence.

“Play is an essential part of childhood and of learning,” said Griggs. “Children learn about themselves and one another when they have the freedom to explore together. It was especially meaningful to see our grade 3 students welcome their classmates onto the playground. That spirit of invitation is what we hope this space will inspire every day.”

The playground expands the opportunities for students to move and connect during the school day. It also reflects EBI’s belief that learning extends beyond classroom walls. The curiosity students bring to their academic work can be seen in play as they ask “What if?”, test an idea, adapt to a challenge, and discover a new possibility with their peers.

Philanthropy and the EBI community’s shared commitment to the student experience made the project possible.

“At EBI, we want every student to feel known, challenged, and supported,” said Omar. “A playground may look like a place to simply run around and have fun, but it is also a place where children build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. We are grateful that our students now have this space to make their own.”

About Escuela Bilingüe Internacional

Founded in 2006, Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) is celebrating 20 years of educating students in a Spanish-English bilingual environment. EBI is an International Baccalaureate World School serving students from transitional kindergarten through grade 8 in the East Bay. Through its Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, students learn in two languages while developing the curiosity, critical thinking, and understanding of different perspectives that prepare them to engage with the wider world. At EBI, every student is known, challenged, and supported.