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Academics

Welcome, Bienvenue, Bienvenido to the International School of Arizona (ISA). ISA offers two immersion language tracks: French and Spanish. Each program integrates the acquisition of the English language. Educational standards from France, Spain, and the State of Arizona are used to create a challenging and rigorous curriculum where the best of the combined systems are used at each grade level. No matter which language track you choose, your child is sure to receive a high quality global-focused education while becoming bilingual.

 

French

ISA is accredited by the French Ministry of Education which recognizes that ISA follows the recommendations and directives of the French National Curriculum through an immersion program beginning with preschool. Students who attend schools accredited by the Ministry will be able to transfer on-grade to any French school in the world. Instruction in French is provided exclusively by native French speakers.

 

 

Spanish

ISA has the support of the Spanish Ministry of Education. We are seeking the accreditation and are willing to be part of the International Spanish Academy. For the moment, we are waiting for the State of Arizona to sign a MOU with Spain. In the meantime, the Spanish Ministry of Education brings its support to ISA (curriculum, trainings, resources, teachers, etc.). Instruction in Spanish is provided exclusively by native Spanish speakers.

 

 

English

ISA's English program begins at the Pre-K level. The number of hours dedicated to instruction in the English language increases as students grow older. The focus of this program is English language arts; however, other subjects such as Math, Science, and Social Studies are taught in English, on a limited basis, to ensure that students learn vocabulary associated with each content area. The Spalding Phonics Method is used to help facilitate reading in English. Instruction in English is provided exclusively by native English speakers.

 

 

Assessment Success

ISA Students test above average on English tests when compared to their peers in Arizona and across the United States even though the majority of their instruction is conducted in a foreign language. Students are prepared to transition into English speaking schools and to be successful in all subject areas. In addition to gaining a solid foundation in English and core content areas, ISA Students gain the advantage of becoming bilingual and bicultural.

 

In 2010/11 ISA first grade students tested at the following level: Grade 2 Month 7 when taking all subjects tested into consideration on the Stanford 10 assessment. The three highest categories were: Environment Grade 4 Month 6, Mathematics Problem Solving Grade 3 Month 0 and Word Study Skills/Mathematics Procedures/English Language all scored at Grade 2 Month 6.

 

ISA second grade students tested at the following level: Grade 3 Month 8 when taking all subjects into consideration on the Stanford 10 assessment. The three highest categories were: Word Study Skills Grade 6 Month 6, Environment Grade 6 Month 1 and English Language Grade 6 Month 0.

 

ISA third grade students participated in the AIMS test. 100% of the students passed the Reading and Math portions.

 

ISA fourth grade students participated in the AIMS test. 100% of the students passed the Reading and Science portions and 8 out of 9 students passed the Math portion

 

ISA fifth grade students participated in the AIMS test. 100% of the students passed the Reading and Math portions and 5 out of 6 students passed the writing portion.

 

In 2011/12 ISA 1st through 5th grade students will take the Stanford 10 assessments.