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Pre-elementary AT ISI

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The ISI Lower School nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.

Following the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) we begin with pre-elementary classes for students ages 3 through 5 (kindergarten).

We believe that each child enters our school already possessing a wide range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and understandings about our world. Using our play-based and inquiry-based PYP curriculum, our teachers, all of whom are native speakers of the target language as well as English-proficient, work with and empower our young students to question, problem solve, take action, and reflect.

Through our program, students not only learn to speak an additional language, but they also learn how to successfully navigate change, develop the intercultural competence to easily flow between different cultures, and embrace perspectives other than their own.

Students in the ISI Early Years Programme will:

  • Learn to interact and negotiate with each other by direct and indirect modelling of caring, sharing, and respecting one another;
  • Be provided with the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills in many settings;
  • Be given the freedom to express their opinions, thoughts and feelings; and
  • Develop independence, responsibility and leadership through everyday activities and routines.

These values, elements and practices give our students — your children — a developmental edge they would not otherwise be offered in traditional daycare, preschool or kindergarten settings. Being able to create environments and bring together elements of the most impactful teaching and learning research of the last century, we are able to offer your child an exceptional learning and growing experience that will hone in on their unique personality traits, learning styles and talents.

What distinguishes the PYP from other programs?

Importance of play:
The PYP early years offers a holistic learning experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical, and cognitive development, where learners explore their environment and learn about their world through play and relationships with peers, teachers, family, and community members.

Immersion language environment:
Our emphasis on language immersion is a big part of why ISI offers the Midwest's most distinct academics. Research shows that bilingual learning is both natural and beneficial and that bilingual people tend to use their brains more efficiently than those who speak only one language. Bilingual learners ultimately become more independent, creative, and flexible in everything they take on.

Student-guided learning:
Our young learners experience a culturally diverse setting where a carefully planned balance of play, teacher and child-initiated inquiry and provocations (engagements that encourage curiosity and thoughts) stimulate their learning in a safe and nurturing environment. The Early Years learning journey also includes a written, taught, and assessed curriculum. 

Curriculum Overview

Using a structured inquiry-based approach, the PYP gives children a strong foundation in languages, mathematics, social studies, science, visual arts, music, physical education, and personal and social education. The Units of Inquiry are transdisciplinary themes that include and transcend subject areas and are used to learn about the world. Students in the Early Years Programme have four units of inquiry and starting in Kindergarten, each grade level has six units of inquiry.

School Day

The Lower School starts classes each morning at 8:15 a.m., and the school day ends each day at 3:00 p.m. All pre-elementary students have morning and lunch recesses and a nap/quiet time in the afternoon.

With a lead teacher and assistant teacher in each classroom, the overall student-faculty ratio in pre-elementary classes is 8:1. Early Years (preschool) classrooms have maximum of 16 students, and Kindergarten has a maximum of 18.

Areas of Study

Early Years Program & Multi-Age Classrooms

ISI utilizes multi-age classrooms for students age three to four. The structure has cognitive and social development benefits for our preschool-age students and ensures they are prepared for kindergarten. The multi-age format offers increased flexibility to meet a wide range of abilities and to address the unique needs of each student. To learn more about multi-age classrooms and our Early Years Program, visit our FAQ page.

School News

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Kelsey Cahlamer

International School of Indiana (ISI) is pleased to announce a new partnership with BSN SPORTS. The three-year agreement will elevate the ISI Athletic Department, providing team uniforms, apparel, and equipment from some of the world's top brands. It will also give ISI more exclusive and personalized solutions for campus and athletic branding, further influencing how fans, sponsors, and the broader public perceive and connect with ISI.

Read More about New Partnership Announced to Improve the Gryphon Athletics Brand
Season Recap: Boys Varsity Golf
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Led by strong senior leadership and a tight-knit team, the Gryphons worked hard all spring, and it paid off! Evan Johnson advanced to regionals with a school-record 75, and the team set a new school record with a 328 at sectionals. With dedication, talent, and a unified team spirit, this year’s Boys Varsity Golf team made their mark on ISI athletics and set a high standard for future seasons.

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Timmy Trip 2025
ISI Staff

During the last week of school, a group of ISI students traveled to Montecristi, Dominican Republic, for a week of hands-on service and cultural immersion with Timmy Global Health. The group partnered with the local nonprofit Banelino and community members in Batey Isabel, working together to renovate a community center that will serve as a valuable space for local families.

Read More about ISI Timmy Club Completes a Week of Service, Culture, and Connection in the Dominican Republic
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ISI Staff

Across the ISI campus, students are doing meaningful work to keep our campus a beautiful point of pride for our community. The students who are part of G-Force (short for the Gryphon Grounds Force) are fixing, painting, landscaping, and problem-solving. G-Force is an X-Block club where Upper School students contribute directly to the upkeep and improvement of the school, with the help of ISI parents and the Indianapolis community.

Read More about Service with Purpose: G-Force Makes an Impact Across the ISI Campus
Blog Header - Lily Phase 2
ISI Staff

International School of Indiana is pleased to share that we have received a $209,500 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative. This is one of 36 implementation grants being awarded through phase 2 of the initiative, which is designed to help strengthen the academic achievement of students in Indianapolis and improve their prospects for success after high school.

Read More about ISI Receives Implementation Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Celebrating the Achievements of the Class of 2025
ISI Staff

As the Class of 2025 has officially graduated from the International School of Indiana, it is time to reflect on their extraordinary achievements. This group of talented, resilient, and determined students has truly made its mark on the ISI community. From prestigious college acceptances to remarkable personal and academic accomplishments, the Class of 2025 has much to celebrate

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