“The Elementary School is a learning community that encourages students to work together, develop compassion, and to actively contribute. Our students are empowered to work and support each other through play and academics, while maintaining positive behavior. Learning within an international community, our students also build the social skills and relationships that are necessary in an ever-changing world.”

– Jim French, Elementary School Principal

Meet the faculty

Curriculum Overview

We are a community of learners who strive to create an emotionally safe and engaging environment while delivering high-quality English language instruction with an American standards-based curriculum.  We aim to develop ‘DRAGON’ values in students as they learn to be critical thinkers, life-long learners, and compassionate community members. The curriculum and instruction offered in the ES are in alignment with the overall mission and vision of KISJ.

The curriculum is also grounded in our Fundamental 4 Dragon Values of Communication, Collaboration, Respect, and Responsibility, which guide our students to develop as well-rounded, thoughtful, and empathetic citizens of the global community. We provide a rigorous, standards-based curriculum, grounded in current education research, quality programs, and best teaching practices.

Teachers use internationally and U.S. recognized standards when planning units of work and standards-based report cards are used when reporting progress at the end of each quarter. The ES has adopted the following standards and primary resources to ensure students receive a U.S. recognized scope and sequence of skills and knowledge acquisition. 

Language Arts - Common Core/AERO standards, with Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop  as our main resource.

Math - Common Core standards, with Bridges in Mathematics as our main resource.

Science - Next Generation Science Standards, with FOSS Science as our main resource.

Social Studies - Common Core/AERO standards, with school developed units of instruction.

Art - National Core Arts Standards - Visual Arts

Music - National Core Arts Standards - Music

P.E. - Ontario and SHAPE Standards-Health and Physical Education

Counseling - International School Counselor Association (ISCA) Content Standards for Students and American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors

Korean Language & Korean Social Studies - Korean National Curriculum standards 

CreateSpace - Students learn and use the Design Loop to explore how to solve problems with various tools and materials. 

Teaching and learning at KIS is based around three critical learner needs - The Essential E’s - Engagement, Emotional Safety, and English Language Literacy. Across all curriculum areas, teachers look for opportunities to differentiate instruction according to each student’s needs. Teachers encourage students to be critical, analytical and creative thinkers. Students are engaged in learning by having them think about, discuss, question, and purposefully use the ideas and skills being taught. Students are also provided with a wide variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to help them make real-life connections to their learning, such as field trips, electives, and a wide variety of sport and athletics opportunities.