Learning at KAS

PreKindergarten

The pre-kindergarten curriculum centers on holistic, play-based learning designed to nurture young learners’ curiosity and foundational skills. Through transdisciplinary units of study, children explore themes that connect various domains, such as science, social studies, and the arts, fostering an early sense of interconnectedness in the world around them. Play is a crucial component, encouraging creativity, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. Activities like storytelling, singing, and hands-on exploration lay the groundwork for literacy, building vocabulary and early comprehension in a natural, engaging way. The curriculum supports emotional, social, and cognitive growth, preparing children for lifelong learning.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is an exciting journey of discovery, inquiry, and  growth, where young learners build the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Through evidence-based strategies, students develop essential literacy skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, and comprehension, transforming their love for stories and language into strong reading abilities. Immersive experiences such as shared reading, storytelling, and creative writing make literacy engaging and fun.  In mathematics, hands-on activities encourage exploration of number sense, patterns, and problem-solving, turning abstract concepts into tangible learning moments. Science sparks curiosity as students investigate the wonders of forces, weather, plants, and animals, fostering a deep connection to the natural world.  Character traits like empathy, responsibility, and curiosity are woven throughout, nurturing social-emotional growth and global citizenship. This holistic, inquiry-based approach ensures children not only gain critical thinking skills and confidence but also develop a genuine love of learning that will propel them toward future success.

Grade 1

The Grade 1 curriculum focuses on inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and make meaningful connections across subjects from light and sound to animals and adaptations. Foundational literacy skills are a key component, with emphasis on reading fluency, comprehension, and writing. Through activities like guided reading, shared writing, and systematic phonics instruction, children strengthen their understanding of language structure and build confidence in their communication abilities. Number sense and automaticity are the main focus of Grade 1 Math, where students move from concrete counting of objects to abstract number relationships. Social-emotional learning is also woven throughout, helping students develop skills in self-regulation, empathy, and collaboration. This integrated approach supports students’ growth as independent learners and fosters a positive classroom community.

Grade 2

The second-grade curriculum emphasizes transdisciplinary units that allow students to make connections across subjects like science, social studies, and the arts. This approach encourages children to see the interconnectedness of knowledge and builds a foundation for complex problem-solving and critical thinking. Literacy skills are a focal point, with activities designed to enhance reading fluency, comprehension, and expressive writing. Through engaging stories, collaborative discussions, and varied writing projects, students deepen their understanding of language and communication. The curriculum aims to instill a love for learning and equip students with the curiosity and resilience needed to become lifelong learners.

Grade 3

The grade 3 curriculum marks a significant shift as students move from learning to read to reading to learn, enabling them to engage with more complex texts across subjects and apply critical thinking skills to understand and analyze information. Building skills for lifelong learning remains central, with activities that foster curiosity, resilience, and a growth mindset. Math instruction focuses on strengthening foundational skills in areas such as multiplication, division, and problem-solving, promoting both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding. Social-emotional development continues to be emphasized, with lessons and practices that encourage empathy, collaboration, and self-regulation, helping students navigate both academic and interpersonal challenges.

Grade 4

The grade 4 curriculum supports students as they grow into more independent learners, taking increased responsibility for their work and time management. Literacy skills continue to be a focus, with emphasis on analyzing texts, developing comprehension strategies, and expressing ideas through writing. In math, students begin to tackle more complex problems, including multi-step operations and early concepts of fractions and decimals, which build critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum also emphasizes lifelong learning skills, encouraging curiosity, perseverance, and adaptability. Social-emotional learning is woven throughout, fostering skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and teamwork, which are essential for both academic success and personal growth.

Grade 5

The grade 5 curriculum serves as a pivotal transition year, preparing students for the shift from elementary to middle school. Emphasis is placed on becoming independent learners who take ownership of their learning and responsibilities. Students work toward fluency as readers, developing a deep understanding and appreciation of diverse texts that support lifelong reading habits. In math, they begin to solve more complex, multi-step problems, including concepts in fractions and geometry, which enhance critical thinking. This year reinforces skills essential for lifelong learning, such as resilience, curiosity, and adaptability. Social-emotional skills continue to be a core focus, helping students build empathy, collaboration, and self-regulation, all of which are invaluable for middle school and beyond.

Chinese

Our PreK and K Chinese Program fosters a love for Mandarin by immersing young learners in a natural, inclusive environment where both native speakers and language learners thrive together. Classes are conducted in students’ regular classrooms, focusing on language absorption through play, picture books, and everyday interactions rather than formal grammar or pronunciation instruction.

PreK students begin recognizing basic Chinese characters through playful activities, while Kindergarten introduces Bopomofo, building familiarity with the Taiwanese phonetic system.

Our Grades 1-5 Chinese Program supports diverse language backgrounds with two primary tracks:

Native Chinese Learners: Developing literacy, cultural insight, and formal expression through advanced reading and writing.

Chinese Language Learners: Building foundational listening, speaking, and character recognition skills to boost confidence and fluency.

Both tracks use engaging activities to instill a love for Chinese and support holistic development.

Art

Lower Elementary Art Program (Pre-K to Grade 2):
In the lower elementary years, students are introduced to the elements of art, such as line, shape, color, and texture, through engaging hands-on projects like drawing, painting, collage, and simple sculpture. Activities are designed to nurture creativity and build fine motor skills while encouraging self-expression. From finger painting in Pre-K to using oil pastels in Grade 2, students explore various techniques and share their ideas through art, helping them see art as a joyful form of communication.

Upper Elementary Art Program (Grades 3 to 5):
In upper elementary, students expand their artistic skills with a focus on specific media and techniques at each grade level:

• Grade 3: Students delve into printmaking, experimenting with stamping and relief printing to explore patterns and repetition while appreciating cultural art forms.
• Grade 4: The focus is on ceramics and sculpture, where students learn clay techniques, create pinch pots, and use the kiln to understand three-dimensional design.
• Grade 5: Students explore mixed media and digital art, combining traditional techniques with digital tools to create personal narratives. They are also introduced to art history, connecting projects to artistic movements and enhancing their critical thinking.

Throughout upper elementary, students are encouraged to take creative risks and think divergently. Their artwork is proudly displayed in exhibitions, fostering confidence and a sense of community.

Music

Lower Elementary Classroom Music Program:
Students in lower elementary will engage in activities that develop their musical abilities and deepen their understanding of fundamental musical elements such as sound, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, and form. Through a variety of musical movements, singing games, and interactive exercises, they will have the opportunity to explore these elements in a fun and engaging way.

Upper Elementary Classroom Music Program:
In upper elementary, each grade level has a focused study on a specific family of instruments to explore, experience, and present music. This approach allows students to build upon their music skills and deepen their understanding of music across different contexts.

• Third Grade: Students focus on string instruments, learn string techniques, present strings in parts, and develop an appreciation for them.
• Fourth Grade: Students focus on recorders, learning woodwind techniques, playing recorders in parts, and developing an appreciation for them.
• Fifth Grade: Students work with xylophones (percussion family) in parts, enhancing their understanding of rhythm, coordination, and ensemble performance.