The International School of Charlottesville is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that The International School of Charlottesville believes is important for our students.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP).  Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org.

A Cohesive Elementary Experience

At the ISC, our Junior Kindergarten (JK) through 5th Grade program is designed as a connected learning journey. Students develop foundational skills, conceptual understanding, and language proficiency through inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning experiences that grow with them over time.

Language-Rich Learning Environment

From Junior Kindergarten onward, students learn in a multilingual environment, with instruction in both English and their Target Language, either French or Spanish.

In the early years (Junior Kindergartent and Kindergarten), students build language through immersive, play-based and inquiry-driven experiences. As students move through Grades 1–5, they continue developing fluency while strengthening literacy and academic language in both English and the target language. Older elementary students focus on maintaining and applying their language skills across subject areas.

Our multilingual teaching team provides consistent opportunities for students to practice and apply language throughout the day.

Core Learning and Inquiry

Students in Grades 1–5 work with core subject teachers who guide learning in Language Arts, Mathematics, and Units of Inquiry (integrating science and social studies).

Learning allows students to explore big ideas, make connections across subjects, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In addition, all students (JK–Grade 5) participate in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Wellness and Wonder. We are also excited to expand access to our school library, with regular opportunities for students to borrow and enjoy books.

Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom

Field trips provide meaningful opportunities to connect learning to the real world. We typically offer two field trips per year, with parent chaperones supporting small groups of students. Past experiences have included visits to locations such as The Paramount Theater, The Science Museum of Virginia, Chiles Peach Orchard, and UVA Science Department.

Communication and Reporting

We believe strong communication supports student success. Teachers send weekly updates outlining classroom learning. Parent conferences are held twice per year. Written reports are shared in January and at the end of the school year.