Why Choose AISK?
The academic program at AISK is designed to help your child succeed, wherever they go from here. Our dual diploma system allows for a United States High School Diploma, an International Baccalaureate Certificate or Diploma, or any possible combination of those certifications, ensuring your child a path here in Jamaica, in the United States, and the wider international educational community. With a 98% success rate (8% of our students go on to the Ivy League), we are confident in our ability to bring out the best in your child.
What You'll Hear at Dinner
When I started here, I know I said I wanted to study Electrical Engineering in college,
but now I’m thinking about Headless Commerce
I know we just talked about US Universities, but I’ve been thinking about Europe as well...
The program at Howard looks absolutely perfect. I’m going
to review the admissions requirements tomorrow
What You’ll See In Your Child
Active planning for their short-term and long-term future. A better understanding of their personal and educational goals, and the drive to achieve them. An understanding of the broadness of their horizons, in education and beyond, and an ambition to achieve their goals.
Benefits of an AISK Education
- AISK Dynamic Learning Paradigm
- Outstanding Teachers
- Fueling Passions
- Social Emotional Wellness
- STEM
- Sure Path to University
AISK Dynamic Learning Paradigm
The AISK Dynamic Learning Paradigm (ADLP) is the model we incorporate into all of our curricula. It is an approach to learning that we have tailored our school to embody.
It is made up of five distinct values:
Ways of Thinking
Be thinkers, not mere reflectors of others' thoughts.- Ellen White -
Creativity
Our students learn to:
- be divergent thinkers
- extend their curiosity and be risk-takers
- be innovative and inventive
- develop entrepreneurial skills
Critical Thinking
Our students learn to:
- identify and ask significant questions
- make unbiased judgments and decisions to form hypotheses
- critically reflect on research
- reason through comprehension, analysis and evaluation
Making Connections
Our students learn to:
- take a cross-curricular approach to learning
- apply learned concepts to real-world situations effectively
- utilize experiences derived from a multi-cultural environment
Skills for Living
Think globally, act locally.
- Patrick Geddes -
Global Awareness
Our students learn to:
- work with and appreciate others from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- recognize their responsibility as global citizens to positively implement change for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged
- have an awareness of social, environmental, entrepreneurial and political issues that exist on a global level and to effect change locally
Adaptability
Our students learn to:
- work and manage effectively in a variety of contexts and situations
- understand and respond to constructive criticism
- effect change when faced with a variety of constraints
Ways of Working
When we change the way we communicate we change society.
- Clay Shirky -
Communication and Collaboration
Our students learn to:
- effectively deliver ideas appropriate to the audience
- use a range of listening skills
- effectively use verbal and non-verbal forms of communication
- communicate clearly and coherently
- identify skills of group members in order to maximize efficiency and productivity
- work together in partnership in a variety of settings
- share ideas and value the contribution of others
- be flexible and open to change to achieve a common goal
- recognize their individual responsibility as part of a team
Tools For working
Technology is the campfire around which we tell our stories.- Laurie Anderson -
Information Literacy
Our students learn to:
- appropriately access relevant information
- critically evaluate and manage the information
- use information accurately and creatively
- use information ethically as a base to construct their own ideas
Information Communication and Technology Tools
Our students learn to use:
- iPads, laptops, graphing calculators, geometry sketchpad, digital probes, interactive whiteboards and LCD projectors
- Digital resources including apps, videos, programs, blogs, etextbooks, Google, Bing etc.
Holistic Environment
To make positive choices for the rest of your life, you need an environment that is
supportive, inspiring, constructive and enjoyable- Anonymous
Physical Environment
Nestled at the base of the majestic Blue Mountains, AISK is located on a pristine and green 9-acre campus. Complementing the athletic prowess that Jamaica is known for, our campus is complete with soccer field, basketball and tennis courts. The 24-hour safety systems provides the highest level of security for school day and weekend use of all the facilities.
The facility is a catalyst for AISK's Dynamic Learning Paradigm (ADLP) and our seemingly traditional classrooms are reinvented, indoors and outdoors, to teach tomorrow's reality. Upon arrival, the entire community is provided with instant, secure and reliable high-speed digital access that reflects the world in which we work and play. Small class sizes allow for ever-changing class groupings which guarantee unique lesson experiences reflecting our dynamic curriculum. Student collaboration and individualized learning come alive in these varied classroom settings.
Social-Emotional Environment
The socio-emotional environment mirrors our physical space as it promotes creativity, independence and self-awareness in our community. Students are encouraged to vocalize original ideas, develop their leadership skills and be enterprising, all within an open and relaxed atmosphere. The ADLP experience embodies the Jamaican motto, 'Out of Many, One People' as our many cultures blend harmoniously creating an environment of understanding, appreciation and acceptance. At AISK our community truly believes and exhibits that anything is possible!
What You’ll Hear at Dinner
AISK Dynamic Learning Paradigm 1
Today we talked about baseball and started learning about Physics, did you know…
AISK Dynamic Learning Paradigm 2
I have a project for science, and I have so many options! I can’t decide between making an interactive model or creating a website and video presentation
AISK Dynamic Learning Paradigm 3
It’s like my teacher knows exactly what to say to me, and how to say it so I actually get it
What You’ll See In Your Child
A growing sense of curiosity, and a willingness to take their learning more in-depth. Critical thinking skills that go past “I was told to, so I should.” An ability to communicate their thoughts clearly, and to hold stimulating conversations for longer periods of time
Outstanding Teachers
The teachers at AISK are all hand-picked by our Hiring Team.
This team selects only teachers whose educational philosophies support the ADLP, our mission, and our values—and who have proven records with social and emotional wellbeing, with data-based learning, and with high-achieving students.
What You’ll Hear at Dinner
Outstanding Teachers 1
I met the new music teacher today, and I’m really excited for this year!
Outstanding Teachers 2
I’m so glad I’ve got a teacher who understands what I’m dealing with
Outstanding Teachers 3
My teacher showed me a new way to do it, and it finally makes sense!
What You’ll See In Your Child
An active desire to go to school in the morning, homework that is challenging, but doable, and most of all… completed with fewer arguments. A willingness to talk about their day, beyond the usual “it was fine.”
Fueling Passions
At AISK we encourage all of our students to reach for their passions, and empower them to forge their own path in life.
Our extracurricular and co-curricular programs provide our students with opportunities to try new things, and discover interests they might not otherwise experience. AISK is also home to a wide variety of educational, sporting, and community activities, and we are excited to add to the list as students share their passions with us.
What You’ll Hear at Dinner
Fueling Passions 1
I’m thinking of trying out for…
Fueling Passions 2
I heard something today that I want to talk to you about, I think I can help
Fueling Passions 3
I want to start working toward…
What You’ll See In Your Child
A willingness to try new things, even if they aren’t sure they’ll like them. A growing involvement in the community around them, both locally and globally The ability to draw parallels between what they’re learning and what they love.
Social Emotional Wellness
Research shows that when schools fully integrate social, emotional, and academic development into K-12 education, academic performance improves, students are more engaged in school, and they are more likely to graduate high school and attend and graduate from college.
That’s why we incorporate age-appropriate Social Emotional Learning into every grade’s curriculum.
IB Core Requirements
Regardless of your student’s chosen path to University, all AISK graduates engage in creative, artistic, and social projects that give a better understanding of one’s self and place in the world. To learn more about the IB Core Program Click Here
Strategies of Success
In addition to helping our 7-10th graders navigate this transitional age’s changing relationships, the SoS program teaches study habits, time management, prioritization, mindfulness, mental and physical health, and proper nutrition. For a more in-depth look at this course, click here
Curricular SEL
Everything in the world comes down to relationships. So we teach our students how to build strong relationships with respect for themself, their peers, their teachers, their families, and more. Students explore topics such as emotional awareness, empathy, and acceptance. Techniques covered include meditation, mindfulness, and self-acceptance. To learn more about how we support emotional growth in our youngest Hurricanes, click here.
What You’ll Hear at Dinner
Social Emotional Learning 1
Dad, I made a new friend today. Is it OK if I study at her house tomorrow?
Social Emotional Learning 2
One of my classmates and I got into it a bit today, but we found a way to get past it and we’re OK again.
Social Emotional Learning 3
Oh, I guess I didn’t think about it that way. Can you tell me more?
What You’ll See In Your Child
The ability to advocate for their own needs, in regard to emotions, academics, healthy choices, and interpersonal relationships. An ability to “hold their own” in discussions with peers, as well as being “well-spoken” with adults. A growing cohort of friends with healthy boundaries and frank, open discussion.
STEM
STEM is more than memorizing formulas and equations.
STEM is about integrating the traditional academic subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math seamlessly into your student’s real life.
What You’ll Hear at Dinner
STEM 1
We’re starting a new building project, can you set aside any plastic bottles for me to take in for extra materials?
STEM 2
I found a couple different ways to solve this problem, but I think the best one is...
STEM 3
I think I know why that experiment didn’t work. Can we try doing it this way to find out?
What You’ll See In Your Child
Creative problem solving around the house, a comfort level with technology that will have you asking them for help, and a flexibility of thought that helps them find multiple solutions for a single problem, and select the best one for the situation.
Sure Path to University
The academic program at AISK is designed to help your child succeed, wherever they go from here. Our dual diploma system allows for a United States High School Diploma, an International Baccalaureate Certificate or Diploma, or any possible combination of those certifications, ensuring your child a path here in Jamaica, in the United States, and the wider international educational community. With a 98% success rate (8% of our students go on to the Ivy League), we are confident in our ability to bring out the best in your child.
What You’ll Hear at Dinner
Sure Path to University 1
I know we just talked about US Universities, but I’ve been thinking about Europe as well...
Sure Path to University 2
The program at Howard looks absolutely perfect. I’m going to review the admissions requirements tomorrow.
Sure Path to University 3
When I started here, I know I said I wanted to study Electrical Engineering in college, but now I’m thinking about Headless Commerce
What You’ll See In Your Child
Active planning for their short-term and long-term future. A better understanding of their personal and educational goals, and the drive to achieve them. An understanding of the broadness of their horizons, in education and beyond, and an ambition to achieve their goals.
The education provided at independent schools prepares students not just for college, but for meaningful professional and personal lives.