Academics

 

ICS is a truly unique school, allowing parents to participate in their child’s education plan with a combination of parent instruction, classroom education and/or enrichment. Our high school is a university model program that offers high flexibility in scheduling, a challenging environment for college-bound students and a curriculum that promotes critical thinking and engaged learning.  All programs, methods and curriculum choices of the International Community School flow out of an educational philosophy founded on the following ten primary assumptions.

 

 

A sound education is a Christian education. There is ultimately no knowledge that is incompatible with the truths of the Christian faith, and a comprehensive education is based on a biblical worldview.

 

Family engagement is foundational to learning success. Parental involvement makes a critical difference in the life of the young learner.

 

A moral foundation is necessary for exemplary scholarship. The partnership between parent and teacher to provide moral training develops an ethical core that gives learning its purpose.

 

The best education is built on a global perspective. Our increasingly connected world requires learning environments that are international in scope and design.

 

The learning environment should encourage questions, critical thinking and the pursuit of truth. International Community School values inquiry-based learning that develops thinking skills and respect for diverse points of view.

 

A solid academic framework is based on developmental stages of learning. Students at International Community School progress from concrete knowledge of skills and facts to logic and integration of information and ideas, finally mastering abstract thinking, communication and defense of knowledge.

 

Students follow diverse pathways to learning. The best schools address multiple intelligence levels and learning styles within the educational environment.

 

Experience and service are critical extensions of academics. Putting learning into practice is a key balance to classroom study, and must be taught with a theology and ethic of work.

 

Christians are called to care for the world. Comprehensive environmental education woven throughout all disciplines helps create responsible world citizens and stewards of the earth.

 

All Christian students should be trained for a life of ministry. Encouraging a life of service to God and others is essential to faith-based education, regardless of the vocation pursued at its conclusion.