Pre-elementary AT ISI
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Katie- Pre-Elementary School
Lisa - Pre-Elementary School
Tim - Pre-Elementary School
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, followed by a snack.
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
ISI Staff
The Grade 7 & 8 Basketball Team closed out their season with a 4-8 record, marking a year of impressive growth and resilience. Despite having only two players with prior experience and facing roster challenges, the team came together, with several Grade 6 students stepping up to contribute. Their hard work paid off, as they secured exciting wins this season while improving as a team.
ISI Staff
Patricia has been at ISI for 26 years and has taught at the elementary, Middle Years, and Diploma levels. She is currently the Upper School Spanish Language Coordinator and Spanish Language & Literature Teacher.
ISI Staff
Yelena Sinitsky has been teaching for over 36 years, both abroad in Russia and in Indianapolis. She teaches MYP and DP Mathematics and is one of the longest-tenured teachers at ISI. She also heads the Timmy Club, along with student leaders, which raises money for Timmy Global Health.
ISI Staff
This season, the Grade 7 Volleyball Team set out to grow together as a team and support one another’s individual and collective successes. The team, made up of nine players with a wide range of experience—from beginners to seasoned players—faced the unique challenge of learning how to support one another while improving as individuals
ISI Staff
The High School Girls' Varsity and JV Volleyball teams wrapped up an incredible season! The teams looked to capitalize on having one of the most experienced rosters in recent history, with many players returning from last year or moving up from the Middle School team. From the first serve to the final match, the players and coaches focused on building strong fundamentals and fostering unity on and off the court.
ISI Staff
The Grade 7 & 8 soccer team wrapped up an exciting season of growth and resilience. Coach Peter N’tala (‘15) set clear goals for the team this year, focusing on improving spacing and concentration—key skills for players at this stage
ISI Staff
The Middle School Tennis Team has wrapped up another memorable season marked by growth, teamwork, and determination. With many players who already had tennis experience, the team was able to focus on honing their skills. Under the guidance of Coach Alfredo Valerio, the players tackled four key goals: mastering racquet handling and footwork, giving their best and playing as a team, learning net volleys and court positioning, and perfecting their serves.
ISI Staff
Last week, a group of our Grade 11 and 12 DP Business Management students had an unforgettable experience at a networking event hosted by the Indiana Pacers! They connected 1-on-1 with top Indianapolis sports executives, gaining insider insights into the dynamic world of sports business. Huge thanks to the Pacers and TeamWork Online for making this incredible opportunity possible!