International Kids House is a private, bilingual primary school serving students from 1.5 years old through Second Grade with an after-school and summer camp programs up to the age of thirteen. The school stands for nourishing and challenging the intellectual abilities, creative talents, and spiritual growth of children from a very young age until they leave us. International Kids House contributes to growth and development of the well-rounded child utilizing best educational and recreational methods and techniques from American and Russian cultures.
We believe:
- We believe that each child possesses unique talents and gifts. Children are by nature curious and exploring and, hence, are inclined to learn organically. At the heart of our philosophy is the conviction that we have an opportunity and responsibility to help children become happy, successful, lifelong learners.
- Children learn best, and more naturally, through interactive, experiential activities and through both self-guided and teacher-guided play opportunities.
- We believe that effective teaching capitalizes on the child’s natural motivation to explore, experiment, and to make sense of his or her world.
- Basic human values such as honesty, respect, forgiveness and wisdom, are encouraged to develop; so that children love themselves, love each other and the world around them, and have the strength of character to make morally sound decisions.
- The ultimate goal is to develop a positive attitude towards learning in each child and make the process of constant learning an organic part of his or her life.
- We create a comfortable, family-like aura in the school that would make children’s morning arrival at school a much wanted event.
- Children learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. Our programs provide children with hands-on learning experience, and are presented in a fun and interesting manner which invites children to immerse themselves in all the activities.
- A child’s learning should focus on experiences rather than results of the experiences. Our program focuses on the process of learning, while recognizing and celebrating each child’s efforts and determination rather than results.
- Children require a safe, secure, healthy, and loving environment in which to learn and develop. In this environment, children will become independent and successful, learning to creatively solve problems and confidently express their ideas and feelings.
- Play is a critical factor in all facets of a young child’s development. Developmentally appropriate practices, along with differentiated learning opportunities, ensure that the children are continually engaged and intellectually challenged, and allow maximum opportunities for both planned and spontaneous learning. These include a combination of active outdoor play, imaginative games, independent discovery, direct instruction, and group activities.
- Qualified, professional, and nurturing teachers are the cornerstone of a child’s success. Recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers depends on exemplary hiring practices, ongoing and quality professional training experiences, exceptional benefit programs and incentives, constructive and ongoing developmental coaching and dialogue, and availability of resources and materials for teaching.
- A partnership between parents and school in which there is clear and open communication, mutual respect, and ongoing collaboration regarding a child’s strengths, challenges, and successes, provides the most beneficial learning environment for children.