Academic Program
Academic Program
NAIS operates on a traditional U.S. calendar
The base curriculum is that of the state of North Carolina in the United States. Instruction is in English. The core subjects for all grades are: English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. In addition to these core subjects, our students receive instruction in the following courses: Foreign Language (Spanish or French), Art, Music, Information Skills and Physical Education.
Details of the entire curriculum can be viewed at the North Carolina Standard Course of Study Web Site.
The curriculum is expanded through subjects such as history and geography to include cultural aspects of other countries according to the backgrounds of the children in a particular class. International skills and themes are incorporated into the curriculum. NAIS seeks to join the best of the past with the educational expectations of the 21st century. That means concentrating on basics such as reading, math, and science - while at the same time adding information technology and using it to advance the learning process. There are computers available for each child; the computers are integrated into the school day.
NAIS works to meet the needs of all students. English as a Second Language and Special Education services are provided as needed.
The NAIS curriculum also includes Character Education which consists of teaching such traits as: courage and perseverance, good judgment, integrity, kindness, respect, responsibility, and self-discipline. A Character Education Committee composed of parents, teachers, and School Board members developed the foundation for this program. The traits are featured as monthly themes and are supported by an array of activities.
The academic program is based upon the students mastery of specific units and skills. These skills are clearly defined in all subject areas and at all instructional levels. Learning outcomes are also clearly defined. Teachers prepare annual plans based on the North Carolina public schools curriculum. Students receive report cards every six weeks and parents have the opportunity for conferences with the teachers. Teachers have performance standards and receive formal performance appraisals two times a year.
Daily Schedule
Our school hours are:
- Grades 1-9: from 8:30 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.
- Kindergarten: from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Pre-K: from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Each classroom teacher develops the schedule that suits the needs of the class and developmental needs of the children. The daily schedules vary from grade to grade, but are approved by the administrator.