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Philosophy & Curriculum
International Mindedness
The International School of Monterey expands educational opportunities for children throughout Monterey County by bringing world-class international education to a public school setting. The International School’s emphasis on “caring, conscientious, and compassionate” global citizens is consistent with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and its “promotion of universal respect” and “development of friendly relations” between all people. Beyond instilling international mindedness in its own students, the school works to inspire all children and the broader community by promoting awareness of other countries, languages, and cultures in highly active and visible ways. Students begin daily study of a foreign language in Kindergarten, and consistently incorporate a second language (Spanish) into other subjects and school activities.
Inquiry
The curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 8 focuses on the total growth of the developing child. ISM advocates inquiry education, a student centered method of teaching focused on the asking of questions. The inquiry method is motivated by the recognition that the activities and behaviors of a good learner, at all stages in life, are grounded in knowing what I know, knowing what I need to know, and knowing how to “find out.”
IPC
The elementary school curriculum at ISM is based on the International Primary Curriculum. [more]
Middle School
The Middle School Curriculum at ISM continues to nurture an inquiry model. During Grades 6-8 students experience a dramatic shift in their cognitive abilities as they move from a concrete mode of thought to a more abstract way of thinking. To foster this growth, the curriculum is structured to guide students in making connections and seeing relationships among subject areas and with the world beyond the classroom.
Thematic Units in Math and Science
In Grades K-4 and Grade 6, Social Studies and Science are taught together.
Kindergarten units
First Grade units
Second Grade units
Third Grade units
Fourth Grade units
Sixth Grade units
In Grades 5, 7 and 8 the curriculum is separated.
Fifth Grade units
Fifth Grade Science
Seventh Grade units
Seventh Grade Social Studies
Eighth Grade units
Eighth Grade Social Studies
Standards
International School of Monterey adheres to the California State Standards and Curriculum Frameworks. All students in Grades 2 through 8 are involved in the annual California STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) exams.
Rigor
ISM demands a high degree of commitment from both students and from parents. At all grade levels, homework is a regular part of the program. Project-based instruction involves students working at home and at school on a number of major assignments. Students at ISM are expected to be dedicated to learning new things, open to change, and motivated to do their very best.
Staff
Many of the teachers at the International School of Monterey have experience working in other international schools. Current staff has lived and taught in Argentina, Bali, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Denmark, France, Germany, Ghana, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Korea, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Sudan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Virgin Islands, and the United States.
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