Inter American School Guatemala

Overview

Curriculum

At IAS we believe that having high academic standards for our students aids in their overall achievement. Because of this, we have adopted the Common Core State Standards as curriculum in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. This includes standards in the core subjects of Math, Science, English, and Social Studies. California State Standards are used to supplement in enrichment and special classes. In addition to these standards, teachers implement ACSI Bible curriculum.

But Christian education at IAS is not just about offering Bible courses. Teachers at IAS are trained to implement biblical principles into all subject areas: Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Art, P.E., etc. This provides our students with the opportunity to both learn about and apply Scripture to their everyday lives. In this way we stay committed to our mission of “promoting academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.” 

Inter American School Guatemala
Inter American School Guatemala

Specials/Elective Classes

Because we strive to aid in the development of the “whole” child – intellect, personal, spiritual, ethical, physical, and aesthetical, we offer specials and elective courses. All elementary grades receive weekly classes of Art, Computer, Drama, Library, and P.E. Starting in Third Grade, students also take Spanish classes. Students in Middle and High School also take these courses either as requirements or as electives during different semesters.

Inter American School Guatemala

Standardized Testing

Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP testing, is administered to students in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade in August, January, an May. This test is administered on the computer, and covers the subject areas of math, reading, and language. We take MAP testing results seriously, as this test allows teachers to get an in-depth view of students’ achievement. While MAP testing is not the only assessment that teachers give their students, test results are a wonderful tool that helps teachers make adjustments to their instruction and strategies in order to improve individual student learning. As a whole student body, we continue to see growth across the three subject areas of the test.

Other common assessments used by teachers include the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, and Writing Samples done in first through 12th grade.

Anti-bullying Curriculum

At IAS we make every effort to create a safe learning environment that is welcoming to all students. Therefore, we have a no-tolerance policy for bullying. Students caught bullying others are immediately reported to the school Counselor. Coaching sessions are held both for the student bullying and the student being bullied, and proper disciplinary measures are taken by the Principal. Our school also implements an anti-bullying program called Steps to Respect, starting in Prekindergarten. This program is one of many steps the school takes to provide a safe learning environment for all of our students.

Inter American School Guatemala

Resources

In order to support teachers, as well as to prepare students for life in the 21st century, we offer many different resources. Teachers and students have access to a wide variety of technological resources, including a mimeo, a class set of laptops, a media center of computers, a class set of iPads, projectors in the classroom, TVs, and a large library of educational videos. In this time where technology is so vital to our everyday lives, we do our best to not just let students use it, but also teach them how to use it responsibly, and in a way that honors Christ.