Academics
Early Childhood
The Early Years of our School: Our Youngest Learners
At our school, the early years stand out as both an integral part of the Elementary School experience and a distinct community unto themselves. We cultivate a spirit of community and inclusivity, immersing our students in an environment rich with learning, exploration, investigation, and joy each day.
In our Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms, wonder fills the air. These vibrant spaces are alive with curious questions, as students actively seek answers and engage in their learning journey. Guided by dedicated teachers, children explore not only their own identities but also the diverse and culturally rich tapestry of our home in Vienna.
Physical Education, Music, Art and German language immersion is woven throughout the Early Childhood curriculum, allowing students to explore and learn in a natural, organic manner. Kindergarten marks the beginning of a more structured approach, where small groups delve into developing number knowledge, number sense, and phonics. Yet, at the core of this learning process remains a commitment to fostering engagement, encouraging inquiry, and providing essential guided playtime that nurtures the developmental needs of young learners.
Thus, the Early Childhood Program is a unique blend of the Elementary School experience and its own vibrant community, promoting a seamless flow of learning and growth.
Christine Kelly
Elementary School Principal
Joyful & Curious Learning
Our Early Childhood program nurtures young learners, using their joy and innate inclination toward curiosity to enrich their academic and social-emotional development, building lifelong learners.
Social & Play-based Learning
At the core of the program are social and play-based experiences to support the early academic growth and promotion of the whole child; including opportunities to practice empathy, cooperation, and negotiation skills through social interactions.
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Empathy & Collaboration
Students develop empathy and cooperation skills through social interactions and play, learning to understand and relate to others.
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Negotiation Skills
Play-based learning provides opportunities for students to practice negotiation skills, helping them to resolve conflicts and reach agreements with their peers.
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Holistic Development
Social and play-based experiences support the holistic development of students, addressing both academic growth and social-emotional development.
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Engagement & Enjoyment
By engaging in enjoyable and meaningful play activities, students are more motivated and invested in their learning, fostering a positive attitude toward education.
Inquiry and Collaboration
Students are able to inquire, collaborate, and seek connections to others and their world, using choice and persistence throughout the process.
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Integrated Learning
Students incorporate writing, mathematics, reading, and science into daily play, such as labeling structures, writing menus, or measuring materials.
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Exploration & Choice
Students have access to materials that they can explore and choose from, allowing ample daily time for engagement with their selected materials.
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Curiosity-Driven Activities
Learning is driven by students' own ideas and curiosity within academic pursuits such as book- making, building, dramatic play, and storytelling.
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Child-Initiated Impact
Learning experiences initiated by the student are more meaningful and have a longer-lasting impact compared to teacher-directed whole group activities.
Community & Belonging
Fostering a culture of respect and open-mindedness, supporting a community in which students are empowered to engross themselves in the world around them.
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Parental Engagement
Digital platforms like Seesaw allow students to share their learning and thought processes with parents, fostering a home-school connection.
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Visible Learning
Photos and quotations of students are displayed in the classroom and shared books, making their growth and evolving interests visible to everyone.
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Documented Progress
This process documents children’s growth over time, providing insights into their changing thinking and interests for teachers, parents, peers, and the students themselves.
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Making Connections
The space is designed to encourage connection (photos of family, student work, etc).
Intentional Learning Environments
The Early Childhood environment at AISV is notable for its intentional use of space to engage and extend students' thinking. Teachers act as guides, assisting young learners to make meaning from interactions with their learning environment. This journey is observed and documented, making it visible to students and families, and allowing students’ progress to be viewed and appreciated as they develop.
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Exploration Freedom
Students have the freedom to explore both indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering independence and curiosity.
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Child-Focused Design
The learning environment is intentionally arranged to prioritize the needs and perspectives of children.
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Encouraging Connections
The space is designed to encourage connections through displays of family photos and student work, enhancing a sense of community and belonging.
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Collaborative Space
Ample room is provided for students to work collaboratively, promoting teamwork and social learning.
Elementary School Stories
