Our Montessori and International Baccalaureate Curriculum

Montessori Preschool

From KIS’s beginning, our preschool has utilized the Montessori method and we look forward to continuing this KIS tradition when our new Edelweiss Montessori Campus opens up for the next academic year. The Montessori method provides a stimulating environment, for young children, ages 3-6, through the freedom of movement and their five senses. Research, based on longitudinal studies, has shown that preschool attendance improves the future success of children, not only while they are in school, but also later in life.¹

The classroom in a Montessori School is called the "Prepared Environment." Everything is child-sized. Materials are laid out in an orderly fashion; everything has its own place and is within easy reach. This promotes independence and allows freedom of choice. The environment is simple yet pleasing. It is not over stimulating or over-crowded. The children are vertically grouped and not segregated by age or sex.

We have a very high teacher to child ratio in the preschool, averaging one teacher for every 5 children. This insures that every child is encouraged to learn everything they can from the stimulating environment provided.

The language of instruction is English. Russian and Kazakh language training is also available for parents who choose this option for their children. As the children near the end of their preschool years, they have developed a strong sense of self and are confident in mastering projects on their own, well prepared for ongoing exploration in education as independent learners.

Elementary school

The Elementary School consists of Reception class and Grades 1-6. continues to implement the International Baccalaureate Curriculum. The teachers in the elementary school work together, or team teach, with highly trained specialists providing instruction in mathematics, science, English language instruction, social studies, computer science, a second language, athletics, music, and the arts.

All classes from Reception to grade 6 have native English speaking class teachers, recruited for their qualifications and experience in Elementary education.

The average class size ranges from eight (8) to fifteen (15). Again our emphasis on personalized instruction means that we have a high teacher-student ratio, with an average of 1 teacher for each 10 children.

Bright, airy classrooms create an environment that is conducive to learning. Each "smart" classroom has state of the art information technology to maximize the effectiveness of instruction. Every student in the elementary school has computer access and will be trained on the use of computers to facilitate their education.

An Elementary School IB Coordinator ensures that the IB Curriculum is taught to the high standards expected in an IB school and is available to work with parents and students to ensure that each student accomplishes the learning goals as set by the IB Curriculum.

International Baccalaureate Organization: Primary Years Programme (PDF, 1 MB)

¹) Tough Choices or Tough Times: The Report of the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, 2007, National Center of Education and the Economy, p. 77.