Connecting Beyond the Screen: How CGA Brought Its Global Community Together in 2025

In 2025, Crimson Global Academy (CGA) students, families and staff came together both in person and online, building connections that extended far beyond the virtual classroom. From first community events in Asia to vibrant gatherings in New York City, London, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand, the year was defined by shared experiences, meaningful interaction and a strong sense of belonging. These events reflected CGA’s commitment to nurturing a connected community where students are known, supported and engaged wherever they are in the world.

A Global Year of Firsts

One of the defining features of 2025 was CGA’s expanding international footprint, particularly across Asia. In September, CGA hosted its first Asia regional student meetups in Singapore and Taiwan, marking an important milestone for the school’s community engagement in the region. Families bowled together in Singapore, while students in Taiwan tackled a virtual reality escape room. Both experiences were designed to encourage teamwork, conversation and connection.

Student meetups in Beijing and Shanghai strengthened peer connections through immersive activities, collaborative challenges and parent engagement sessions. These gatherings demonstrated how quickly online relationships can translate into meaningful face-to-face connections.

Japan remained a strong hub of community activity, with student and family gatherings in Tokyo and Osaka. Board game days, science day sessions, cultural experiences and casual family lunches created welcoming spaces for families and students across year levels to connect in relaxed and inclusive environments.

Bringing the Online Classroom to Life in New York

Across the Pacific, CGA’s New York City meetup in October stood out as a highlight for families in the United States. For two days, students, parents, staff and faculty explored the city together. Activities included visits to the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Plaza, followed by a guided tour of New York University led by a CGA alumna and now a NYU student, Soyun.

Earlier in the year, US-based families came together in Washington, DC, at the Smithsonian Institution, and in Florida at Gatorland. For many students, it was the first opportunity to meet classmates and teachers they had previously only known online. The events combined learning, exploration and shared experiences, providing even more opportunities for meaningful connection.

Community Across the UK, Europe and the Middle East

CGA’s global reach continued with successful meetups in London and Cambridge, where families explored iconic landmarks and university campuses together. Alumni also welcomed current students, sharing insights into university life and reinforcing long-term connections within the CGA community.

In Europe, the school camp in Scotland brought students from different campuses together for outdoor challenges, teamwork activities and cultural exploration. It was the first camp hosted in the region and the second overall for CGA students, offering a valuable chance for students to strengthen relationships in person.

In the Middle East, students visited the new TeamLab in Abu Dhabi, engaging with interactive exhibits that encouraged creativity and collaboration. Families also had the opportunity to meet A-Levels Head Mr Mark Phillips over dinner, welcoming them as they began the academic year at the Greenwich Campus last September.

Strong Connections Across Australia and New Zealand

Throughout 2025, CGA hosted an extensive calendar of in-person events across Australia and New Zealand, bringing nearly 440 students, families and staff together for activities such as bowling, escape rooms, mini-golf, science days and social meetups.

End-of-year gatherings across Christchurch, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, followed by shared watch parties in Sydney and Auckland during Prizegiving, provided a celebratory close to the academic year. These events offered students the chance to celebrate achievements and strengthen friendships.

CGA also hosted its first school camp in New Zealand, where students built independence and teamwork while forming lasting friendships through outdoor adventures and collaborative challenges.

Five Years of Global Achievement

2025 was an extra special year as CGA celebrated its fifth anniversary with CGA Day, a global celebration across the Aoraki, Greenwich and US campuses. Hosted by campus Deans, the event highlighted CGA’s journey over the past five years with messages from principals, students and long-serving staff, as well as a special video presentation from CEO Penelope Barton and Founder Dr Jamie Beaton.  Student leaders shared heartfelt reflections on how CGA has fostered connection, innovation and collaboration across time zones, making the day a true celebration of community and achievement.

One of the highlights was the unveiling of the CGA Day anthem, performed by students alongside CGA student and Juilliard violinist Laura, celebrating the school’s mission, values and sense of global community. Another memorable moment was the official introduction of Winston, CGA’s school mascot, created with student input to embody the school’s values and spirit.

Online Spaces That Still Felt Personal

While in-person events played a major role in 2025, virtual gatherings remained central to CGA’s community-building efforts. Global Virtual Social Days, student-led initiatives, alumni fireside chats and wellbeing-focused webinars ensured students everywhere could engage and connect regardless of location.

Student leadership was especially visible through creative online activities, cultural celebrations and collaborative events that highlighted CGA’s diversity and inclusive values. These moments showed that the community at CGA is not defined by geography, but by shared values and relationships.

A Community That Continues to Grow

CGA’s 2025 community events showed that an online school can foster strong, meaningful and lasting connections. From first-ever meetups in Asia to landmark gatherings in New York and local events across ANZ, each experience strengthened the bonds between students, families and staff.

As CGA looks ahead to 2026, the energy and momentum from this year set a strong foundation for even more opportunities to connect. With new locations, new experiences and a growing global community, CGA looks forward to bringing students and families together in even more ways in the year ahead.