APIS’ Elementary English Language Arts (ELA) Program provides an integrated comprehensive approach to literacy. We learn how to read and write through the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop programs, and as students progress, they learn more about words through the Words Their Way program.
The workshop approach enables students to progress at a pace that they are ready for, and to learn the skills they need as they need them individually. Each student receives instruction both at their grade level and as individual students to build all of the skills they will need to effectively read and speak in English for many varied purposes.

APIS' vision is to foster a lifelong appreciation and awareness of other languages and cultures and to prepare students to interact in a multicultural world.

In the elementary school, APIS provides a unique sequence that allows students to start learning an Asian language and culture (Chinese, Japanese, or Korean) from kindergarten so that they can continue developing for mastery as they go through secondary school. Topics are selected from real-life scenarios and are used for everyday communication. In addition to dialogues, a selection of reading materials and practice activities make the content as rich and varied as possible to stimulate the learners’ interests.

The curriculum is focused on topics and themes in each integrated unit as well as foundational language skills. Elementary school students study a foreign language three times a week starting kindergarten.

Expectations in the elementary mathematics program have been adopted from the Common Core Standards. Instruction goes beyond facts and formulas by teaching students to think about problem-solving conceptually, so they become fluent and confident in mathematics. Our curriculum is built around one core principle: Students need to know why problem-solving works and not just how it works. The six mathematical practices we focus on, identified by the Common Core are:

Music is offered in all elementary grades at APIS, ensuring that each student gains the skills necessary to have complete music education. Beginning in kindergarten, students are taught music fundamentals, such as steady beat, playing and reading rhythmic notation, singing, and movement to music. Keyboard instruments are introduced in second grade, soprano recorder in third grade, and alto recorder in fourth grade. In fifth grade, students begin instruction in the band or orchestra instruments, in addition to their regular music classes. Kindergarten through second grade and grades three to five meet together once a week in a large ensemble called Orffestra. In this class, student learning focuses on singing, playing Orff instruments, and collaborating with students across grade levels.
The elementary performing classes have two concerts each year, including Winter and our End of the Year Concert.

APIS PE program provides students the opportunity to explore through movement, activities, sports, and health education, emphasizing how essential it is to maintain balance in life. The elementary PE program at APIS offers a variety of diversified activities that provide students with a wide range of physical skills, as well as increasing their physical competence and self-esteem, all in a safe environment.

The APIS science curriculum for the elementary school is delivered primarily through an inquiry-based approach using the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) science and engineering practices. Students are expected to construct an understanding of science concepts through hands-on experiments and analysis. The elementary science program encourages students to learn through investigations, observations, excursions, science research projects, nonfiction texts, and science journals. Students are given project-based small group experiences or individual work in which they pose questions and explore through hands-on investigations.

Social studies in elementary school are based on the AERO standards and the progression of understanding individuals (self) to understanding the world as a whole.

The goal of social studies at APIS is that students conceptualize themselves as a part of multiple larger systems. In kindergarten and first grade, students learn about personal needs and wants while in fifth grade, they take this concept to a higher level and understand how needs are met through world trade.

Through field trips, interactions with community members, research and relevant novels, students are transported to the past, exposed to the present, and given a glimpse into the potential of the future as a true global citizen.

An elementary makerspace is a creative, hands-on learning space where elementary school students can explore, experiment, and innovate through projects and activities that blend science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). It is a space designed to inspire curiosity and foster problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Equipped with tools, materials, and resources, such as craft supplies, robotics kits, and building materials, an elementary makerspace allows students to design and build their own creations while applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges. This engaging environment encourages creativity, resilience, and a love for learning by allowing children to tinker, take risks, and bring their ideas to life.