Building Strong Foundations in a Trilingual and Inquiry-Based Environment
The Elementary Years at Antonine International School – Dekwaneh (AIS-D) provide a structured yet engaging academic experience that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking. Students in Grades 1 to 6 develop mastery of fundamental skills through a balanced program aligned with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, while maintaining the school’s strong commitment to trilingual learning and values-based education.
Through inquiry, collaboration, and hands-on learning, AIS-D Elementary students become active participants in their own learning journey, preparing them for the rigor and independence of the Middle School years.
English Language Arts (ELA)
Aligned with the Common Core Standards, ELA develops reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through literature, informational texts, and guided comprehension. Students learn to express ideas clearly, use evidence to support reasoning, and write across genres. Vocabulary, grammar, and spelling are integrated into daily lessons, while Library Literacy Hour encourages a lifelong love of reading.
Mathematics
Mathematics instruction follows the Common Core progression, focusing on problem-solving, reasoning, and conceptual understanding. Students explore number sense, operations, geometry, measurement, and data through hands-on activities and real-world application. Emphasis is placed on mathematical communication, logic, and perseverance when approaching challenges.
Science
Aligned with the Common Core Standards, ELA develops reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through literature, informational texts, and guided comprehension. Students learn to express ideas clearly, use evidence to support reasoning, and write across genres. Vocabulary, grammar, and spelling are integrated into daily lessons, while Library Literacy Hour encourages a lifelong love of reading.
Social Studies
Aligned with Common Core standards for social learning, Social Studies helps students understand communities, cultures, and global perspectives. They explore geography, history, and civic responsibility through projects and discussions that connect academic learning to real-world experiences. Lessons promote critical thinking, empathy, and awareness of diversity.
Language Studies
Arabic Language
Arabic instruction emphasizes oral communication, reading comprehension, and writing accuracy. Students learn grammar, vocabulary, and cultural appreciation through storytelling, discussion, and writing. Arabic maintains its vital role in nurturing identity, heritage, and moral values.
French as FLE (Français Langue Étrangère)
French is taught as a foreign language (FLE) to promote multilingual proficiency and cultural awareness. Through songs, dialogues, and interactive lessons, students acquire listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By the upper grades, learners begin applying grammar and vocabulary in context, enhancing both fluency and confidence.
STEAM Lab
The STEAM Lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) allows students to engage in interdisciplinary exploration. They design, build, and test ideas through collaborative projects that combine science, creativity, and problem-solving. The STEAM framework develops critical thinking, teamwork, and innovation.
Technology
Students develop digital literacy, research, and presentation skills in the Technology Lab, learning to use tools responsibly and creatively. Activities promote safe and effective use of technology, coding basics, and integration with classroom projects.
Arts and Crafts
Visual Arts encourage creativity and fine motor development while allowing students to explore color, shape, and texture. Through guided projects, they learn to express ideas visually and appreciate aesthetics.
Music
Music lessons cultivate rhythm, coordination, and appreciation for sound and performance. Students sing, play instruments, and explore global music traditions, connecting artistic expression to emotion and culture.
Christian Education and Values
Christian Education forms a central part of the Elementary program, promoting moral awareness, gratitude, respect, and empathy. Lessons help children reflect on values, faith, and their role as kind and responsible members of their community.
Physical Education (P.E.)
P.E. promotes health, discipline, and teamwork through sports, movement, and games. Students develop balance, coordination, and resilience while learning the importance of fair play and active living.
Global Skills and Wellbeing
Wellbeing is embedded across all subjects, teaching students self-awareness, cooperation, and emotional regulation. Through guided reflection and mindfulness, learners build confidence, empathy, and respect for others.
A Trilingual and Inquiry-Based Foundation
The Elementary curriculum at AIS-D is rooted in trilingual learning — English as the primary language of instruction, French as FLE, and Arabic as a language of culture and identity. Across all subjects, students are guided through the 5Es Learning Model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), fostering inquiry, discovery, and deeper understanding.
Each grade level builds on the one before, ensuring that by the end of Grade 5, AIS-D students are not only academically strong but also creative, confident, and compassionate learners — ready to thrive in the Middle School years.
