Complementary Programs

Music

The music program at AIS seeks students’ development in two major areas: rhythm and melody.  From the first day, the student makes music come alive by singing, listening, playing, moving, reading, and/or composing music individually or together with peers.  In the learning process, students will respond to cues of a conductor, demonstrate proper performance skills, and be able to read a musical score with enough fluency to lead a small ensemble.  The music lesson works toward a performance where everything students have been working on is brought together.

Art

Our art classes are designed so that students have the opportunity to learn skills using a variety of materials, tools, techniques, and processes resulting in the creation of works of art.  Students also study art history, art techniques, digital art, the basics of photography, and learn to recognize and use the visual arts as a form of communication.  During 11th and 12th grades, students work with a variety of applications and explore the basics of graphic design as they create the school yearbook.

Drama

The drama program at AIS begins in early childhood with movement, creativity, and imagination as students explore the world around them through guided dramatic play.

In elementary we explore emotion, timing, and character development through different performance mediums to help students better understand themselves and the world around them.

The evolution of different genres of theater across time and culture provides the backdrop for middle and high school students as they hone their performance skills. As students consider character motivation and subtext, they learn about how they are themselves perceived by others and how they can consciously influence that perception.

Perhaps most important of all, drama class is fun. It’s a relaxed and accepting space where students can try on personalities and push their boundaries as they learn and grow.

MakerSpace

The AIS MakerSpace is a place where students move from being simple consumers of technology to empowered creators and problem solvers. Students learn block coding, simple circuitry, 3D printing, and other technological applications alongside the use of more traditional materials and techniques.

The MakerSpace also represents our commitment to student-centered investigation. Our students are challenged to find solutions to real world problems that develop concepts they are studying in their regular classroom curriculum. Students are guided through the use of a cyclical design thinking process, learning that there is often more than one way to solve a problem. This allows students to become comfortable with the idea that sometimes we learn the most from an idea that did not work. Critical thinking, creativity, persistence, research, and communication are just a few of the 21st century skills students learn as they modify their own designs.

Life Skills

Our life skills classes focus first on violence prevention.  We provide students with the ability to resolve conflicts using non-violent communication in a healthy and assertive way with the aim of preventing possible bullying situations.  Students learn how to react in these situations, to respect others, and to manage social pressure.

Topics of interest to students are addressed, with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle and developing basic skills that allow them to make wiser decisions and be prepared for meaningful and emotionally healthy lives.

Physical Education

Our physical education department teaches through movement. All students have physical education classes and learn to improve their physical capacity, have fun through recreational games, and reinforce values such as honesty, companionship, humility, and teamwork. Likewise, through these classes they learn the theoretical and practical basis of sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

Science Lab

Laboratory investigations help students develop a growing understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills to calibrate and troubleshoot equipment used to make observations. Students understand measurement error and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. As students progress through high school they improve their ability to collaborate effectively with others in carrying out complex tasks, sharing the work of the task, assuming different roles at different times, and contributing and responding to ideas.

Our laboratories are aligned with the standards of the science classes and are developed in a safe environment controlled by highly trained professionals.

Model United Nations

Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. At AIS we prepare, accompany, and reward our students for debates they participate in throughout the school year.

Honors Classes

Honors classes offer the same curriculum as regular classes but are tailored for high-achieving students — covering additional topics or some topics in greater depth.  Successful completion of prerequisites, teacher/school counselor recommendation, and a strong interest in the subject are required for enrollment in an honors course.  Due to the nature of honors courses, the student’s GPA will be calculated at a higher scale than regular classes.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP courses are college-level courses that follow curriculum specified by the College Board. These courses are designed to prepare students for success on AP exams, providing students the opportunity to earn credit at most colleges and universities in the U.S.  Successful completion of prerequisites, teacher/school counselor recommendation, and a strong interest in the subject are required for enrollment in an AP course.

Students selecting this option are required to take the AP examination. Based on the student’s performance on the AP exam, college credit may be earned, depending on the individual university or college policies.  The AP exams are scheduled by the College Board and administered on campus. 

Due to the nature of AP courses, the student’s GPA will be calculated at a higher scale than regular or honors classes.