Elementary School (Pre-K to Grade 4)

Laying the Groundwork for Success

Empowering Young Minds

Building Foundational Skills

The Elementary School program at KAIS lays out the building blocks for academic success by focusing on foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and essential life skills. Our approach ensures that students not only master key academic concepts but also develop the necessary abilities to confidently navigate their futures. Students are encouraged to explore, question, and engage with their learning. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, they develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Nurturing Each Child’s Journey

A Culture of Care

KAIS Elementary provides a caring environment tailored specifically to the needs of young learners. One of our primary goals is to create an atmosphere where children are supported as they develop an understanding of the surrounding world and their place within it. We create a nurturing environment where our young learners can grow and thrive, setting them off on their journeys of discovery and exploration.

Individualized Attention

Focusing on Each Child

Education should be as unique as the students we serve. By focusing on individualized instruction, we create a learning environment where every child feels empowered and motivated. Our teachers work closely with students to understand their strengths and challenges, using a personalized approach to not only foster academic success but also to cultivate confidence, resilience, and a lifelong passion for learning.

A Collaborative Environment

Creating Connections

Fostering positive relationships and collaboration is essential for creating a thriving educational environment for young learners. Recognizing that strong connections enhance learning and personal growth, teachers plan group activities, collaborative projects, and team-building exercises to promote teamwork and empathy, and develop vital social skills and build lasting friendships.

Elementary School Curriculum

At KAIS, our Elementary School (Pre-K to Grade 4) builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We focus on essential skills in phonics, reading, writing, and numeracy, alongside life skills and independence, empowering students to solve problems, make decisions, and take ownership of their learning.

Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, students develop resilience, critical thinking, and self-help skills, growing in confidence and becoming independent, compassionate, and adaptable individuals.

Language Arts

Cultivating a Love for Reading & Writing

In our Elementary School Language Arts program, we follow the American Common Core Standards to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded foundation. In the early years, our focus is on phonics, word recognition, and developing fine motor skills—key components that help students take their first steps into literacy. As students progress, we emphasize building vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing skills through a workshop framework that allows teachers to personalize instruction and meet the unique needs of each learner.

Lessons begin with a focused mini-lesson, where students are introduced to essential reading and writing strategies. They then have the opportunity to apply these strategies in their own work, receiving timely feedback and guidance from their teachers. This hands-on approach helps students deepen their understanding of language, while fostering creativity and expression.

Our goal is to inspire life-long readers and writers—children who are not only skilled in literacy but also passionate about exploring the world through words. By cultivating both technical skills and a love for storytelling and information, we prepare students to confidently communicate their thoughts and ideas, setting them up for success in the years ahead.

Mathematics

Developing Mathematical Thinking

At KAIS, we use the Singapore Math program (Math in Focus), aligned with the American Common Core Standards, to provide a robust foundation in numeracy. This program emphasizes a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, supporting students in mastering both basic arithmetic and advanced problem-solving skills.

Singapore Math uses a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach, guiding students from hands-on activities to visual models, and then to abstract reasoning. This method allows students to build a strong conceptual understanding before moving on to more complex math operations.

Our goal is to develop confident problem-solvers who approach math with curiosity and determination. Students are encouraged to apply their skills in real-world situations, making math both relevant and engaging. With personalized support and differentiated instruction, we ensure that every child develops the numeracy skills they need for future academic success.

Science

Exploring the Wonders of Science

At KAIS, our Elementary School Science program follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and emphasizes a hands-on approach that combines science literacy with project-based learning. We focus on fostering students’ natural curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions about the world around them and seek answers through exploration and experimentation.

Our curriculum emphasizes collaborative learning, where group work plays a crucial role in developing teamwork skills and enhancing understanding of scientific concepts. Students engage in experiments, conduct research, and work on projects that ignite their passion for science, making learning both relevant and exciting.

By integrating inquiry-based learning with practical applications, we help students build a solid foundation in scientific principles while nurturing their love for discovery. Our goal is to empower young scientists who are not only knowledgeable but also inspired to continue exploring the wonders of the world.

Social Studies

Understanding Ourselves and the World

At KAIS, our Elementary School Social Studies program emphasizes engaging and interactive learning experiences that help students understand themselves and the world around them. Through a variety of inquiry-based activities, students explore diverse cultures, traditions, and geographical regions, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity and the richness of human experiences.

Our curriculum encourages young learners to become informed global citizens, highlighting the importance of being responsible members of their local and global communities. By examining concepts of human rights and social responsibility, students develop empathy and awareness, empowering them to make positive contributions to society.

Through real-world connections and collaborative projects, students not only gain knowledge but also sharpen their critical thinking skills. This approach helps them make sense of their place in the world and inspires them to engage thoughtfully with the challenges and opportunities they encounter as they grow.

Japanese Language

Exploring Japanese Language & Culture

At KAIS, our Elementary School Japanese Language Program is designed to cater to both non-native and native speakers, fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the Japanese language and culture.

For non-native speakers, our curriculum emphasizes engaging lessons that introduce students to essential language skills while exploring the rich traditions and customs of Japan. Through interactive activities and cultural experiences, students develop a genuine connection to their host country and build confidence in their language abilities.

For native speakers, we offer differentiated courses that focus on enhancing reading, writing, and kanji skills. These classes not only strengthen language proficiency but also deepen students’ understanding of their own cultural heritage, connecting them to Japan’s history and traditions.

By nurturing language skills in an immersive and supportive environment, we empower all students to express themselves confidently and appreciate the beauty of the Japanese language and culture.

Physical Education

Building Confidence, Strength, & Endurance

At KAIS, our Elementary School Physical Education program is designed to lay a strong foundation for lifelong fitness and well-being. We emphasize the development of essential skills that promote confidence, strength, and endurance. Through a variety of engaging activities, students are encouraged to explore different forms of movement, enhancing their fitness levels while discovering the joy of physical activity.

Students participate in cooperative games and individual challenges that encourage them to push their boundaries, set personal goals, and build resilience. By cultivating a positive attitude towards health and fitness, we empower our students to take ownership of their physical development.

Differentiated Labs

Data-Driven Learning

Our Differentiated Lab Class utilizes the i-Ready program, an adaptive learning platform designed to meet the diverse needs of our students in reading and math. Aligned with American Common Core Standards, this program begins with a diagnostic test that assesses each student’s current skill level and places them at the appropriate grade level.

The program then provides students with level-appropriate lessons tailored to their individual needs. This ensures they receive targeted support to fill in any gaps in their understanding or to extend their learning for those who are working ahead. Throughout the year, students complete three diagnostics, allowing us to gather valuable data and track their progress over time.

Our teaching staff collaborates during regular meetings to analyze this data, enabling us to strategically address student needs and guide them toward the next steps in their learning.

Social Awareness

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence

Our Social Awareness program is dedicated to fostering social-emotional learning, addressing the personal development of our students, and equipping them with essential interpersonal skills. We provide age-appropriate lessons that explore topics relevant to the students’ growth and development.

Through engaging activities and discussions, students build vital social skills that enable them to interact effectively with peers and adults. Our curriculum promotes self-awareness, helping students recognize their emotions and understand how they impact their behavior. We emphasize self-regulation, encouraging learners to manage their feelings and responses in various situations.

By nurturing these competencies, our Social Awareness program prepares students to navigate their social environments with confidence, empathy, and resilience, laying the groundwork for successful relationships throughout their lives.

Research-Based Pedagogical Approaches

Visible Learning

Following John Hattie’s Visible Learning research, and engaging with Corwin in a three-year School Impact process, KAIS has revamped its pedagogical approaches to ensure that they have the highest possible impact on student progress and achievement. KAIS International is on its way to becoming the first Visible Learning School in Japan, employing strategies and tools that have been proven to work in the classroom.

 

Our approach is data-driven, and we engage in a regular process of reflection, evaluation, and feedback to improve performance and allow our students to become independent and assessment-capable learners. At KAIS, we strive to create an environment where mistakes are welcomed and viewed as opportunities for learning, and we believe that our collective teacher efficacy will enhance the learning outcomes of all students. 

 

High quality teaching and learning at KAIS is student-centered and empowers students to take ownership of their learning. It is marked by a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It involves the ongoing evaluation of student progress and the use of evidence to inform future instruction. Overall, high quality teaching and learning at KAIS is engaging, meaningful, relevant, and helps students to develop the skills and competencies they need to succeed in the 21st century world.

Developing a Safe, Caring Learning Environment

A Love and Logic Approach

At KAIS, we focus on creating a safe and caring learning environment where students can thrive. Developing a strong sense of community and a family-like atmosphere allows us to forge meaningful relationships and inspire each other to reach our fullest potential. We do that by using the principles of the Love and Logic system developed by Jim Fay and David Funk.

 

Love and Logic provides an empowering approach to classroom management and student development. This system is built on the principle of giving students the freedom to make choices and experience the natural consequences of their actions, all within a caring and supportive environment. The balance between empathy and accountability fosters personal responsibility and helps students develop essential life skills, such as self-regulation and problem-solving.

 

By offering students choices and encouraging thoughtful decision-making, Love and Logic nurtures independence and emotional resilience. Teachers act as compassionate guides, helping students navigate challenges while reinforcing the importance of ownership over their actions. This approach not only supports a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere but also equips students with the tools they need to confidently handle both academic and personal challenges, preparing them for success in and beyond school.

Celebrating Achievements, Building Community

School Assemblies

Every Friday, our school houses—Byakko, Seiryu, Gembu, and Suzaku—come together for lively assemblies that foster community spirit and celebrate student achievements. These gatherings provide a platform for showcasing student work and presentations, allowing learners to share their creativity and efforts with peers.

During assemblies, we take time to celebrate wins and acknowledge students for their important accomplishments, reinforcing our school spirit and culture words. We also tally up the points accrued over the week in our friendly house competition, culminating in the announcement of the weekly house winners. This exciting tradition encourages teamwork and camaraderie while nurturing a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

Through these weekly assemblies, we strengthen our school culture, promote engagement, and create lasting memories together as a united school family.

Co-Curricular Programs

Learning Outside the Classroom

At our school, learning extends far beyond the classroom. We believe that co-curricular activities—including trips, excursions, electives, and after-school athletics clubs—are vital for the students’ holistic development. These experiences offer students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in class to real-world situations, explore new interests, and develop essential life skills such as leadership, collaboration, and resilience. Co-curricular activities enrich their educational journey, fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of community. By balancing academic rigor with these enriching experiences, we help students grow into well-rounded, capable individuals ready to thrive in all aspects of life.

Electives

Choose Your Own Adventure

Our Electives Program gives students the freedom to dive into their passions through a wide range of exciting courses offered each semester. Students choose from a menu of creative options, working alongside peers who share their interests in an environment that encourages exploration and collaboration.

In a departure from the regular academic schedule, each week, we dedicate a full day to these electives, allowing students and teachers to immerse themselves in hands-on, creative learning experiences. Teachers bring their own personal passions and hobbies into the classroom, guiding students in unique and engaging subjects that go beyond traditional academics. Whether exploring the arts, technology, outdoor pursuits, or other specialized topics, our electives offer a chance to expand horizons, discover new talents, and deepen the joy of learning.

Athletics Clubs

Building Team Spirit and Sportsmanship

Our Athletics Clubs offer our young Llamas the chance to engage in competitive sports while developing essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. With a focus on fostering both athletic ability and character, we offer a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and futsal. These clubs provide students the opportunity to challenge themselves physically, build team spirit, and grow as leaders on and off the court.

Through regular practices and competitions, students enhance their athletic performance while learning the values of perseverance, respect, and fair play. Whether they’re aiming to compete or simply enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a team, our athletics clubs help students develop a passion for sports, strong relationships with teammates, and a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and sportsmanship.

Trips

Adventures Outside of School Walls

At KAIS, our school trips take students beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors, offering unforgettable experiences in Japan’s beautiful countryside. Whether hiking, rafting, canoeing, or tree climbing, these adventures encourage students to explore new limits, all while engaging with our host country’s stunning natural landscapes.

These trips are designed not only to challenge students but also to create lasting memories and strengthen friendships. By stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new experiences together, students build resilience, teamwork, and a deeper sense of connection with one another.

KAIS school trips combine outdoor exploration with personal growth, making them a key part of our mission to develop well-rounded, confident individuals ready to take on any challenge.

Life at Kais Elementary

Nurturing the Next Generation