Academics

At LIS, we recognize that children at this age learn best through hands-on experiences, observation, and sensory engagement. Our dedicated educators ensure that our youngest students are immersed in a stimulating learning environment that encourages discovery and play. Through play-based activities, children develop a strong sense of self, discover their unique place both within and outside of the classroom community, and learn to appreciate the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of others.

Our preschool curriculum is carefully crafted to meet the individual needs of each child. We understand that every learner progresses at their own pace and has unique strengths and experiences. Our skilled teachers are adept at tailoring instruction to leverage these strengths, fostering an environment where each child can thrive. Whether it’s building gross and fine motor skills, making sense of their surroundings, or expressing their newfound knowledge about the world, children are encouraged to explore and express themselves in a way that aligns with their natural curiosity and wonder.

English language acquisition is of utmost importance, although our English-speaking staff are also highly sensitive to the child’s native tongue. We value and celebrate linguistic diversity, understanding the significance of maintaining connections to one’s cultural heritage, and at the same time, encourage children to develop English language skills that will enable them to establish a common language and thrive during their future school years. In addition to language development, our program incorporates a holistic approach to learning, including engaging with numbers, scientific inquiry, the arts, and phonics while fostering social skills such as sharing and caring for others and immersing children in natural settings such as wooded areas and parks, where they can appreciate and connect with the world around them.

At the LIS Preschool, we believe in laying a solid foundation for lifelong learning. We instill in our students a sense of wonder and a genuine love for exploration and discovery. By embracing the unique potential of each child and creating an inclusive environment that respects and nurtures their individuality, we empower our youngest learners to embark on a transformative educational journey that will shape their futures.

At LIS, we integrate our values and teaching philosophy with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). This program, for 3- and 4-year-olds preschool students, is designed to foster their holistic development and lay a strong foundation for future learning. Here is a summary of the IB PYP programs for preschool students:

 

1. 1.    Play-based Learning: The IB PYP recognizes the importance of play in early childhood education. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on and experiential learning through play,     allowing children to explore and engage with their environment.
   2.    Inquiry-based Approach: The PYP encourages children to become curious, independent thinkers. It promotes inquiry-based learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, and discover answers through guided exploration and inquiry.
   3.    Transdisciplinary Themes: The PYP curriculum is organized around four transdisciplinary themes that are relevant and meaningful to young learners. These themes include concepts like “Who We Are,” “How We Express Ourselves,” “How the World Works,” and “Sharing the Planet.” They provide a framework for integrated learning across subject areas.
   4.    Key Concepts: The PYP introduces key concepts to preschool students to develop their understanding of the world around them. These concepts, such as form, function, causation, connection, and change, help children make connections between different ideas and develop their critical thinking skills.
   5.    Language and Literacy: Language development is a crucial component of the PYP curriculum. Preschool students are exposed to a rich language environment that encourages vocabulary development, communication skills, and early literacy experiences through storytelling, rhymes, songs, and books.
   6.    Social and Emotional Development: The PYP recognizes the importance of social and emotional development in preschool years. The program aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports children’s emotional well-being, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy.
   7.    Assessment: Assessment in the PYP for preschool students focuses on observation and documentation of their learning progress. Teachers use a range of strategies to capture children’s growth, including anecdotal notes, photographs, and samples of their work.
   8.    Collaboration with Families: The PYP encourages active involvement of families in their child’s learning journey. Regular communication, sharing of information, and opportunities for parental involvement are fostered to create a collaborative partnership between school and home.

Overall, the IB PYP for preschool students aims to provide a stimulating and nurturing learning environment that promotes active engagement, inquiry, and the development of foundational skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning.

Moreover, language acquisition is given paramount importance at LIS. Alongside mandatory Slovene classes, tailored to cater to native and non-native speakers, students have the privilege to choose between German, French, and Spanish, with each language class meeting approximately 5 hours per week. We wholeheartedly believe that multilingualism enriches their educational experience and enhances their global outlook. To nurture the love for learning, our dedicated teachers employ innovative curricula and teaching methods that resonate with the students’ interests. Individualized strategies are implemented to accelerate or remediate learning, ensuring that each child progresses at their own pace.

It fills us with immense pride to announce that LIS has now attained the prestigious designation of a candidate school for the Primary Years Program (PYP), an integral component of the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) program specifically tailored for elementary-school education. By embracing the PYP, we embrace a holistic approach to education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of global citizenship. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, collaborative projects, and real-world connections, our students develop the skills and attributes necessary to become well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities.

While Ljubljana International School is a proud IB candidate school for PYP (Primary Years Program) for grades PreK – 5 and MYP (Middle Years Program) for grades 6 – 10, international schools worldwide, such as LIS, use AERO standards alongside their IB PYP and MYP programs of study to ensure a comprehensive and globally relevant education for students. AERO (American Education Reaches Out) Standards is a curriculum dedicated to promoting curricular consistency from grades K-12 in schools offering a US-based program of studies outside the United States of America, following global trends in curriculum development and the celebrated Common Core initiative in the United States. The Common Core initiative establishes educational standards, ensuring students are prepared for post-secondary education (university) and careers. AERO provides standards in Mathematics, Science, English/Language Arts, and Social Studies, aiming to deliver a high-quality education to students worldwide.

The Mathematics standards cover diverse mathematical areas, nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving. Science standards emphasize scientific inquiry, practical applications, and understanding of various scientific disciplines. English/Language Arts standards encompass reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills, promoting literacy and communication abilities. Social Studies standards focus on history, geography, civics, and economics, fostering an understanding of societies and global issues. By offering a solid foundation for curriculum consistency, AERO Standards guide educators in designing learning experiences which align seamlessly with internationally recognized benchmarks. 

Ljubljana International School (LIS) adopts the Mastery Learning model to deliver the curriculum and assess student learning. The Mastery Learning model is a well-researched and highly effective approach that goes beyond traditional methods where passing is based on a percentage grade. This model aims to ensure students master 100% of the course content, as opposed to leaving gaps in their learning. This method helps students overcome deficits and difficulties, leading to a more comprehensive and fulfilling educational experience. Unlike traditional education, where gaps in learning may go unaddressed, Mastery Learning emphasizes that students must demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and skills.  If a student struggles to show mastery, they receive personalized support, relearn the material, and undergo reassessment until true mastery is achieved. Mastery Learning is gaining popularity globally as a more engaging and meaningful way to educate students.

At LIS, we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of each student, guiding them toward a future that aligns with their passions, and equipping them with the tools to excel academically, socially, and personally.

The Middle Years Program (MYP) consists of grades 6-10 which are referred to as MYP 1-MYP 5. The MYP, specifically designed for students in this crucial stage of their educational journey, aligns seamlessly with LIS’s commitment to supporting young adolescents’ academic and personal growth during a period of remarkable transformation and development. The MYP Programme comprises eight subject groups: language and literature, individuals and societies, language acquisition, Science, Math, Arts, physical and health education, and design. In addition to these subjects, grades 6-8 also have Slovene and an additional language acquisition course.

By embracing the MYP philosophy, LIS empowers its students to embark on a journey of genuine inquiry, preparing them for the academic challenges that lie ahead in the final grades of high school and laying a solid foundation for their future pursuits in college or university, where intellectually demanding subjects await them.

The comprehensive LIS curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, including languages, nurturing students’ linguistic proficiency while placing renewed emphasis on cultivating a deep understanding of the needs of others through engaging service projects. To further broaden their horizons and enhance their language skills, students are offered the chance to participate in educational excursions, both within Slovenia and abroad.

While Ljubljana International School is a proud IB candidate school for PYP (Primary Years Program) for grades PreK – 5 and MYP (Middle Years Program) for grades 6 – 10, international schools worldwide, such as LIS, use AERO standards alongside their IB PYP and MYP programs of study to ensure a comprehensive and globally relevant education for students. AERO (American Education Reaches Out) Standards is a curriculum dedicated to promoting curricular consistency from grades K-12 in schools offering a US-based program of studies outside the United States of America, following global trends in curriculum development and the celebrated Common Core initiative in the United States. The Common Core initiative establishes educational standards, ensuring students are prepared for post-secondary education (university) and careers. AERO provides standards in Mathematics, Science, English/Language Arts, and Social Studies, aiming to deliver a high-quality education to students worldwide.

The Mathematics standards cover diverse mathematical areas, nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving. Science standards emphasize scientific inquiry, practical applications, and understanding of various scientific disciplines. English/Language Arts standards encompass reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills, promoting literacy and communication abilities. Social Studies standards focus on history, geography, civics, and economics, fostering an understanding of societies and global issues. By offering a solid foundation for curriculum consistency, AERO Standards guide educators in designing learning experiences which align seamlessly with internationally recognized benchmarks. 

Ljubljana International School (LIS) adopts the Mastery Learning model to deliver the curriculum and assess student learning. The Mastery Learning model is a well-researched and highly effective approach that goes beyond traditional methods where passing is based on a percentage grade. This model aims to ensure students master 100% of the course content, as opposed to leaving gaps in their learning. This method helps students overcome deficits and difficulties, leading to a more comprehensive and fulfilling educational experience. Unlike traditional education, where gaps in learning may go unaddressed, Mastery Learning emphasizes that students must demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and skills.  If a student struggles to show mastery, they receive personalized support, relearn the material, and undergo reassessment until true mastery is achieved. Mastery Learning is gaining popularity globally as a more engaging and meaningful way to educate students.

Complementing the academic curriculum, LIS places a strong emphasis on after-school activities that cater to diverse interests. Sports, fine arts, and additional language acquisition are given particular focus, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to explore their passions and talents beyond the classroom. Through this comprehensive and holistic approach to education, LIS fosters the growth of well-rounded individuals, equipping them to excel not only in their academic pursuits but also in various extracurricular endeavors.

Our aim is to educate and challenge students, encouraging them to explore a wide range of subjects across the spectrum, ultimately equipping them to thrive as global citizens. As an institution accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), we adhere to the American AREO standards-based curriculum. This accreditation further enhances the global recognition and acceptance of our graduates by universities worldwide.

At LIS, we have revolutionized the traditional approach to testing, moving away from high-pressure assessments. Instead, our classes are thoughtfully designed to optimize learning within a nurturing mastery-based environment. We strive to cultivate a genuine passion for knowledge and encourage students to delve deeper into each subject matter, fostering significantly greater understanding and long-term retention across diverse courses, ranging from sciences and mathematics to the humanities.

To cater to the varying goals and aspirations of our students, we offer a wide array of opportunities, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses in various subjects. These rigorous courses provide students with a chance to challenge themselves and earn college credits while still in high school. For students wanting to attend universities in Europe, many countries require at least 2 AP classes, while others require up to 4 in different subject categories. Additionally, depending on their academic objectives, students can pursue different diplomas at LIS. Our main diplomas include the “Academic Diploma” (24 credits) and the esteemed “Academic Diploma with Honors” (24 credits), which requires completion of two or more AP classes.

By offering a holistic education that prioritizes deep understanding, personal growth, and academic excellence, LIS empowers its students to excel academically and thrive in their future endeavors, both within their home countries and around the world.