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From Early Education Through Graduation.

 

 

 

Early Childhood

Dallas International School’s Early Childhood program focuses on personal, social, emotional, and academic development at a critical age in a child’s development–namely, ages two through five.

At DIS, our academic and extracurricular programs are underpinned by our school’s mission and core values. Our mission as a community is to inspire students to become multilingual global citizens who pursue a lifelong journey of discovery and action where the quest for deep academic knowledge and an appreciation of world cultures contribute to the advancement of humanity. Our core values are empathy, integrity, resilience, respect, and responsibility.

Students in Early Childhood learn equally in English and French. The academic program is based on a combination of the French National Education program and the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines. One of the overarching goals for a DIS EC student is to understand two languages. Students do not need to know French before attending.

There is focus on helping children embrace social, cognitive, physical, cultural, emotional, and social growth. These are years where children start learning developmentally-appropriate skills that will allow them to communicate and collaborate with others throughout their lives.

Multilingualism is an important value at DIS. Early Childhood students begin taking a third language as early as year 4, where they can choose to add either Spanish or Mandarin.

Dallas International School is home to the only early childhood program in north Texas that is accredited both regionally 
(Independent Schools Association of the Southwest) and internationally (Ministry of French National Education).
Both accrediting bodies require DIS to meet high standards that ensure a safe, engaging, and rigorous environment through which children can learn and grow. In order to ensure ongoing compliance with these standards, DIS is required to file annual reports and host regular visits from both agencies.

 

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Early Childhood
Curriculum

Developmental Years Between 2 and Kindergarten

Teacher reading to early childhood students at DIS in the library.

Educational Themes

  • Language Skills
  • Structuring Thought
  • Motor Skills
  • Early Mathematics
  • Artistic Expression
  • Exploring the World
  • Civics and Social Skills
  • Health and Hygiene
  • Social and Emotional Learning

 

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Teacher helping early childhood students with their classwork.

EC2/TPS

DIS EC2 students expand their sight word vocabulary, begin learning letters and sounds, experiment with handwriting, and develop listening and speaking vocabulary in both English and French.

They also explore early concepts in math and science, begin to interact socially, and develop their motor skills through play and hands-on learning activities. Using experiences and structured play, DIS teachers help children begin to understand the places, people, and things in their culture and environment.

 

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DIS Teacher working with early childhood students in a class.

EC3/PS

Through authentic experiences and structured play, students in EC3 begin to understand the places, people, and things in their culture and environment.

Their use and understanding of both English and French is augmented as they are immersed in a learning environment rich with language, print, and literature. Math and science skills are integrated with listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities.

 

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EC4/MS

In EC4, students become more independent and responsible citizens.

They continue to grow as well-rounded individuals who develop individually and in relation to others. Foundations for strong cultural awareness are established and are supported through the introduction of learning in a third language. Self-expression is enhanced through vocabulary and through frequent practice in speaking accurately and honestly. Foundational skills in reading and writing skills, as well as in science and mathematics, are further developed in EC4 as students prepare for increased autonomy in Kindergarten.

 

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DIS Early Childhood student holding a leaf in the playground.

Kindergarten/GS

Kindergarten students at DIS grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

They make an important transition from early childhood practices and techniques to primary school expectations. As they further understand themselves and build strong relationships with those around them, they also master foundational skills for long-term success in academic areas, such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Kindergarten is an essential developmental year for expression, cognition, and physical growth. Completing Kindergarten and being well prepared for further learning in French and for US first grade math is a joyful celebration for Kindergarten students.

 

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Elementary

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Middle
School

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