Elementary School

Our elementary ELA program centers around the Readers and Writers Workshop model, which aims to build a culture of avid readers and urgent writers. We supplement our workshop model with explicit instruction in phonics and spelling to build student fluency and understanding using Wilson’s Fundations and Words Their Way resources.

Common Core Standards

Curriculum Resources:

Reader's/Writer's Workshop Model from Columbia Writing Project

Pre-K-2 

Fundations Program

In elementary Math, students use Illustrative Math, which encourages students to solve real-life problems in multiple ways. Students are presented with a problem and try to apply the skills they have learned to solve the problem before progressing on to new and innovative ways to solve those problems using the skills required from the standards.

Common Core Standards

Curriculum Resources:
Illustrative Mathematics

Social Studies and Science are presented in elementary school as an integrated experience that we call Inquiry. Students are presented with real-world phenomena and learn the science and social studies standards through hands-on activities that immerse students in global applications of these concepts. 

NGSS Standards

Curriculum Resources:

Mystery Science

Gizmo and Pivot

World Language learning begins in Grade 2. Students are able to choose between Spanish and French and learn using a context-based strategy that promotes real-world conversation. There is also an emphasis on cultural learning to frame language learning as a tool for real-world communication.

Curriculum Resources:

ACTFL Standards (beginning in Gr 3)

On top of our core academic learning, students participate in PE each week as well as a unique integrated arts program that exposes them to various forms of African art. At ISK, we value the unique Rwandan culture and heritage and seek to immerse our students in learning about our host country. Students participate in Rwandan cultural classes and learn the basics of the Kinyarwanda language.

Common Core Standards

Curriculum Resources:

Integrated Arts experience focused on learning from local experts

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Standards