Elementary School (age 5-11 / P1-6 in Scotland)
Fostering positive goals and beliefs in every child
Discover a supportive environment that inspires curiosity and a love of learning.
"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
-Thomas A Edison
Our goal is to cultivate every student’s natural curiosity in the world around them. The learning environment for our elementary school students is one that stimulates and encourages their intellectual curiosity, helps develop positive personal qualities and builds on physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
A positive and caring community
ISA’s environment stimulates intellectual curiosity – “Why?” is encouraged here!
Learning Led by Curiosity
Within the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), our caring teachers guide students to explore their world, creating an environment where natural curiosity blossoms into learning.
A day in the life of . . . Stefano
Read about a typical day in our elementary school from one of our students
A Place to Grow, Learn, and Belong
Learn more about our PYP curriculum and our warm, nurturing approach to elementary education.
What is the Primary Years Programme?
The PYP is a curriculum framework which is based on the recognition of a child’s natural curiosity, creativity and ability to reflect. It generates a stimulating, challenging learning environment to nurture the whole child and foster a lifelong love of learning for all. The PYP is transdisciplinary, meaning students learn across subject areas while inquiring into big ideas.
What are the advantages of an IB education?
IB approaches to learning and teaching are research-based and draw from the best educational practices from around the world. IB teachers are required to participate in many professional development opportunities to continually improve their awareness of current educational practices and new thinking by connecting with the global IB community.
What if we are relocated?
IB programmes are recognised internationally and ease the educational transitions of mobile students so that their education is not adversely affected if their families have to relocate.
How can I learn more about the IB and PYP?
You can visit www.ibo.org to learn more or ask us if you have questions – we’d love to chat to you.
As an international school, what languages do children learn?
We believe that learning a language is about more than just words—it’s about discovering a new culture and way of seeing the world. That’s why we take language learning so seriously. From Kindergarten (age 5) to Grade 5, every child chooses to study either French or Spanish, receiving three lessons a week from a specialist teacher to build deep cultural and linguistic understanding.
Do you offer learning support?
Yes, absolutely. We are an inclusive school committed to helping every student thrive. Our teachers use a ‘Universal Design for Learning’ (UDL) approach, which means they create flexible lessons that support the diverse ways children learn. For students who may benefit from more targeted assistance, we have dedicated learning support and EAL (English as an additional language) specialists who work with them to ensure they have everything they need to succeed.
Do you have assemblies?
Yes. Every week last thing on a Friday to make it easier for parents to join in, demonstrating that sense of home-school partnership that it is at the heart of our community. Appropriately for a school that puts the child at the centre, our assemblies are often student led, performing, informing or advocating.
After that, our after-school care runs from 4-6 pm for an additional fee. This session includes creative play with friends, a shared meal, and dedicated time for homework. The goal is to ensure that when your child gets home, they’re relaxed and ready to enjoy quality family time.
How do you help new students settle in and make friends?
We place a high priority on making sure new students feel happy and settled from their very first day. Every new child is paired with a student ‘buddy’ who helps them learn the ropes, shows them around, and introduces them to new friends. Our caring teachers also lead welcoming activities, and our inclusive community culture ensures everyone feels like they belong right from the start.
What are the advantages of an IB education?
We place a high priority on making sure new students feel happy and settled from their very first day. Every new child is paired with a student ‘buddy’ who helps them learn the ropes, shows them around, and introduces them to new friends. Our caring teachers also lead welcoming activities, and our inclusive community culture ensures everyone feels like they belong right from the start.
How can parents get involved
We love it when parents get involved, and there are plenty of opportunities, big and small! Our vibrant parent community organises many social gatherings throughout the year, which are a great way to connect. We also warmly welcome help in the school itself. Whether it’s a one-off commitment like accompanying a class on a trip or doing makeup for a school show, or a regular volunteer slot helping in the library or making displays, we are always grateful for your support.
Do you have an after school club?
Yes, our Encore! programme offers a full afternoon of activities and care – it’s more than just a club! The first hour, from 3-4 pm, includes a wide range of clubs and activities that all students can join at no extra cost.
After that, our after-school care runs from 4-6 pm for an additional fee. This session includes creative play with friends, a shared meal, and dedicated time for homework. The goal is to ensure that when your child gets home, they’re relaxed and ready to enjoy quality family time.
Our Elementary School team
Meet the dedicated professionals supporting our students.
Morio Kajiwara
Preschool and Elementary School Principal
Paul Bertolotto
Preschool & Elementary School Assistant Principal
Diane McBain
Elementary School Student and Admin Assistant
Zou Fraser
Encore! Director
Discover an elementary school where collaboration and creativity build a world of opportunity
Guided by our dedicated staff, your child will thrive with our hands-on inquiry based learning, supported by modern rooms designed to nurture collaboration and teamwork. A big part of their week involves heading to our amazing, purpose-built spaces to learn from brilliant specialist teachers in Art, Music, PE, French, and Spanish. We even have an immersion room that brings learning to life with incredible interactive experiences. Outdoors, our vast grounds with woods and outdoor play areas are the perfect place to continue learning, to explore, hang out with friends, and let imaginations run wild.
Image gallery
Explore our school community through these images which bring our fantastic elementary school to life!
Join our elementary
programme today
As you enter our green and leafy campus you’ll be struck by the combination of old and new – a traditional granite reception building that is the gateway to one of the country’s finest purpose-built schools.
People say our facilities have to be seen to be believed and our friendly and experienced team will be delighted to welcome you. Book a tour now – we’d love to show you around.