Reiko Nakauchi

Reiko Nakauchi is an educational innovator, entrepreneur, and author who brings together the discipline and values of Japanese education with the creativity and innovation mindset of Silicon Valley. A speaker at Stanford University and TEDx, she has spent over 20 years in early childhood education. She is the founder of Sora International Preschool, with campuses across California, including Silicon Valley and the Los Angeles area, as well as Tsukuba Science City, Japan. After beginning her career in Tokyo, Reiko moved to the United States, where she earned her AMI Montessori International Credential. In 2011, she founded her school in Silicon Valley, serving families from innovation-driven communities. By integrating Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired inquiry with the self-discipline, respect, and independence cultivated through Japanese education, Reiko developed the Sora Method, a holistic approach designed to nurture the whole child. Central to her philosophy are the SMILE Frame