Academics

Curriculum Standards 

NIS follows the United States Common Core Standards and Educational Frameworks such as the Next Generation Science Standards. Each grade level and subject area consists of expected Grade-Level Benchmarks. These benchmarks are specific skills derived from the Common Core Standards and Educational Frameworks that students are expected to meet or exceed at each grade level.

Curriculum Information

Course Syllabi are issued during Student Orientation, and comprehensive curriculum information is available on the NIS website. Unit plans for each course can be accessed through PowerSchool.

Language of Instruction 

The language of instruction at NIS is English, except for upper-level foreign language classes. English is expected to be used as the language of communication at all times when on campus.

Reporting Periods 

The academic year at NIS is divided into four quarters. Quarter Report Cards are issued at the close of Quarter 1 and Quarter 3, along with Parent-Teacher conferences. Semester Report Cards are issued at the end of each semester, which includes Quarter 2 and Quarter 4.

Standardized Testing Requirement

As required by our international accreditation body, NIS administers standardized testing to all students from K3 to Grade 11. 

This ensures:

• Consistency in evaluating student performance across grades.

• Assessment of academic progress in line with international standards.

• Data-driven decision-making to enhance student learning outcomes.

NIS uses Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) testing. The results provide the school with comparative data that can be utilized in several ways: 

• Identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement to make data-driven decisions that directly benefit student achievement.

• Provide feedback to individual teachers to tailor their instruction.

• Provide reassurance to parents regarding the quality of our program.