Our elementary school teaches children beginning at age five (in our Primary Class) through the Fifth Grade. Students come from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Instruction throughout the elementary department is provided in English. Teachers use American curricula with an international emphasis and differentiate to meet the needs of each individual student.
The elementary school maintains a student to teacher ratio of about 16 to 1 and a total enrollment of approximately 95 students.
School hours are from 8:30 to 15:25.
ART
The elementary art program focuses on five elements: art criticism, art history, art production, art vocabulary, and creativity. Students learn to make aesthetic judgments about art and also about historical and current artists. Elementary students create art using elements of design, including shape, color, depth, and line.
BIBLE
The Bible curriculum is an important aspect of the instructional program at ICSV. Through daily lessons students explore biblical content in a developmentally appropriate manner. Using the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) curriculum, elementary students gain a better understanding of God by studying the Bible. The goal of Bible instruction in the elementary department is for students to learn about the Bible and then apply it to their daily lives.
COMPUTER INSTRUCTION
The elementary computer curriculum provides students with the opportunity and the skills needed to make computers a relevant tool for their learning. Students receive the instruction needed to use productivity software, such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Publisher, in order to enhance learning in all areas. The elementary computer lab contains 17 computers with Internet access.
ELL (English Language Learner) Classes
English Language Learner classes are available to families with the recommendation of an administrator or classroom teacher. Students in this program receive specialized English instruction for approximately 40 minutes per day. The goal of the ELL program is to equip non-native English speakers with basic skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, in order to help them succeed in their English speaking classroom. Based upon their English proficiency, students are placed in the Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced level.
GERMAN
Elementary students study German as a foreign language at ICSV. Instruction is provided by Austrian teachers through daily classes which focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing. The elementary German program provides students with the opportunity to develop proficiency in the German language and exposes them to the history and culture of Austria.
MATHEMATICS
The goal of the math program is to give students the math concepts and tools needed to solve problems in the real world and use critical thinking skills. Specific math skills in the curriculum include number sense, operations, patterns, geometry, measurement, and probability.
LANGUAGE ARTS
The goal of the Language Arts program is to equip students with effective reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills crucial to good communication. Students practice handwriting, spelling, grammar, and writing. Students receive whole group instruction as well as instruction appropriate to their individual ability. Teachers incorporate both non-fiction and fiction literature within their classrooms.
MUSIC
The purpose of the elementary music program is to create life-long lovers of music by equipping students with a broad range of musical skills and exposing them to a variety of music. Specifically, students learn about music content and participate in activities focusing on rhythm, harmony, melody, singing, playing form, movement, and composition. They also participate in listening and performance activities.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education at ICSV helps students develop their flexibility, strength, coordination, and agility. Students participate in individual skill-development activities and team sports, in both competitive and non-competitive games.
SCIENCE
Elementary science focuses on the teaching of science skills as students explore physical, earth, and life sciences. The FOSS Science Modules serve as the backbone of the program. This hands-on program encourages student discovery in science through teacher guidance. Each lesson includes experiments and activities to help students gain the skills of inquiry, observation, data collection, data organization and data interpretation.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The atmosphere at ICSV allows for a rich study of many cultures and demands a curriculum that values each culture. Elementary students explore world geography and ancient civilizations in all grades. The purpose of the social studies curriculum is to help students expand their awareness and appreciation of the world around them.