Elementary School

Kindergarten – 2nd grade encompass early childhood education, utilizing developmentally appropriate practices to build social and communication skills, and encourage success and independence in our youngest learners. Teachers use a variety of pedagogies and research-backed curricular programs that encourage critical thinking and problem solving. Hands-on experiences are used across all content areas to meet the needs of our young learners. The latest research and best practices in global education are applied to foster intellectual, social, and emotional development in students. A primary goal is to create a rewarding and positive environment for children in order to encourage their love of school. 

3rd – 5th grades encompass intermediate or upper elementary education. It is in these grade levels that higher order thinking and problem solving skills are developed to prepare students for the rigors of middle school. Students engage in a wide range of independent and group learning activities in order to further develop skills, knowledge, collaboration, and independence. Assessments are varied as students are challenged to demonstrate mastery of content in an increasing variety of ways.

DIS is committed to advancing strong literacy skills for all learners. The English language arts (ELA) curriculum provides students with rich, rigorous programs that address literacy skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as 21st-century skills in research, technology, and media. Our use of research-backed, Common Core curriculum standards allows students to explore the world around them through integrated reading and writing programs.

Supporting Readers at Home

The DIS mathematics curriculum offers a comprehensive program for students. It is centered on students' learning and their ability to reason and think mathematically. Common Core curriculum standards, effective instructional strategies, and ongoing assessment of student progress are essential components of the math program. A central goal of our mathematics program is to offer a balanced curriculum including problem solving, conceptual development, and basic skills organized by the following areas: Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations in Base Ten and Fractions, Measurement and Data, and Geometry. Kindergarten math also includes Counting and Cardinality. Students are expected to write and communicate effectively in all areas, including math.

In addition to the core curriculum, all students in kindergarten – 5th grade have additional time with exploratory subjects. Depending on the grade level, exploratory subjects vary to include: art, music, physical education and wellness, Chinese, Spanish, technology integration, and library. DIS is proud of the curriculum and learning goals which form the basis of instruction. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child's education through frequent home-school communication. For detailed descriptions of the specific grade level expectations, please visit the Common Core Standards website.

The elementary daily schedule is focused on the core subjects of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. The day begins promptly at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:35 p.m. On a daily basis, students have a snack break, healthy lunch, and recess time for physical activity. After school, students may choose from a variety of seasonal athletic teams, as well as craft, special interest, and educational opportunities.

After school activities are offered from 2:50 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. every day, except Wednesday. The detailed extracurricular program offerings are available on a trimester basis on the Extracurriculars of the DIS website. Korean studies and Korean language classes are available for Korean students in grades 1-12 who wish to meet Korean education requirements.