Students » Academics

Overview

SABIS^® believes that the success of an educational institution should be measured by the value it adds to each individual. The SABIS^® academic goals may be summarized as follows:

• to qualify every student for entrance into colleges/universities around the world
• to provide a well-rounded education based on a mastery of English and mathematics
• to enable students to acquire a firm command of a second language
• to train students in logical reasoning and critical thinking
• to prepare students to be able to sustain intellectual efforts for long periods of time
• to generate excitement for life-long learning

Early Childhood Program

• Full-day Kindergarten with an enriched academic program highlighting the Letterland phonics program, a proven base for accelerated reading, complemented by literature
• Assistant teacher in each Kindergarten classroom
• Spanish taught every day
• Kindergarten classes begin with Circle Time

The Lower School (Grades 1-6)

• Rigorous, highly academic SABIS^®-designed private school-caliber education
• Fast-paced sequencing for all subjects
• Special focus on math, English, and Spanish instruction, including daily Spanish lessons beginning in Kindergarten
• Strong hands-on science program sequenced and articulated across the grades
• An enriched social studies program with Michigan content at all grade levels
• Curriculum aligned with Michigan State standards, with all mandated Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) prepared for and administered on designated dates
• Intensives program for math and English reinforcement of basic foundation building skills with small class remediation
• Well-rounded top-notch educational program including all special areas: physical education, computing, music, and art
• Certified teaching staff, adhering to the timeline and guidelines of the federal No Child Left Behind Act
• Vibrant before and after school programs available

Roadmap for Common Core Grades K-8

National PTA Guide Grades K-12

Specific Learning Disability Eligibility

The Upper School (Grades 7-12)

The Upper School curriculum at IAF covers a broad range of subjects. Some of the most distinctive features include:

English

In grades 7-9 the English program focuses on establishing skills in reading comprehension, composition, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. Class readers with a historical content are used to provide a valuable context in which to study and perfect these skills. Literature is introduced gradually to provide an appreciation and basis for future study. Coursework in grades 10-12 focuses on preparation for the ACT/MME. Also, prepartion continues for Advanced Placement (AP) exams in English Languages, Spanish, and Literature.

Mathematics

Math in grades 7-9 is taught as an integrated discipline, allowing for fluidity across boundaries between different branches of Math. Starting in Grade 7 students are taught Algebra, Set Theory, and Computing; in grades 8 and 9 the study of Algebra and Computing is continued along with the study of Geometry. From grades 10-12 students continue to take Advanced Math courses leading to AP Calculus AB and BC.

Science

Students in grades 7-9 focus on the study of life, earth, physical sciences and mathematical methods. In grades 10-12 IAF offers a three-track science curriculum in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in modern laboratory facilities. Students have AP exams in grades 11 and 12.Social Sciences Grades 7-9 at IAF focus on the study of history from ancient civilization to the 20th century. Students gain knowledge and understanding of the times through the texts used. Project work in each term allows the students to further explore areas of special interest. Additionally, US History content in history, politics, and institutions is integrated into Social Studies in grades 8 and 9. Grades 10-12 offer World History, US Government, AP World History, and US History leading to AP exams.Spanish Continuing in Grade 7 students take Spanish as their second language. These courses will lead to AP exams in Spanish Language and Literature.

Electives

Computers, Physical Education, Art, and Music round out the academic program in the Upper School at IAF. These survey courses are required in grades 7-9 and expose the students to the liberal arts, giving them a broad base of subjects to choose from in grades 10-12 as elective courses to help develop a well rounded educational experience.

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