Academics
Academics at ICS
ICS is proud to be an IB World School, offering the Primary Years Program (PYP) for all students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. At ICS, the PYP is not an extra curriculum layer, it’s the foundation of how we do school.
Our classrooms are designed around inquiry, exploration, and connection—some of the core IB values. Students learn by asking meaningful questions, making connections across subjects, and applying their learning to the real world.
What makes our approach unique:
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) enables students to learn beyond traditional subject boundaries.
- Transdisciplinary learning that connects big ideas across subjects
- Inquiry-driven teaching where students wonder, investigate, and discover
- Concept-based instruction to build deep understanding
- Action-oriented learning that leads to positive change in our community
ACADEMIC DATA
ICS maintains a commitment to academic excellence, while also providing extracurricular and athletic offerings that enhance the social development of students.
In 2017, only 27.7% of ICS students were reading at grade level. By May 2021, that number had more than doubled to 63%, and by the end of the 2022-23 school year, we surpassed 70%. This incredible progress earned ICS the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement Silver Award for Student Achievement. Additionally, over the past three years, our English Language Learners have consistently met or exceeded their growth goals in English proficiency, outperforming their peers across the state. As a result, ICS has earned 92% or more of its CCRPI progress points in each of the past three years.
ICS continues to meet the highest standards in education. In 2022, we were re-certified as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, and in 2023 successfully renewed our AdvancEd accreditation. That same year, our charter was renewed for a five-year period (2023–2028) by both the Georgia Department of Education and DeKalb County School District.
IB PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) enables students to learn beyond traditional subject boundaries.
ICS operates under the guiding principles of global citizenship. The ICS curriculum follows the Georgia Standards taught within the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme enabling students to employ an investigative, inquiry-based approach to learning – taught in an integrated framework that emphasizes cross-disciplinary thinking, problem-solving, and personal wellness.
All 5th Graders culminate their PYP years research project with a mentor, rigorously studying an issue they see in our own community. Our entire school enjoys learning from their exhibition, held in May each year.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Students investigate meaningful questions and construct their own understanding.
Concept-Based Instruction
Big ideas connect across subjects, deepening critical thinking.
Transdisciplinary Learning
Learning crosses subject boundaries, helping students see relevance and real-world connections.
Action-Oriented Learning
Students take action based on what they learn, from solving problems to leading community initiatives.
The Learner Profile
We nurture attributes such as being caring, principled, open-minded, and reflective.
Enrichment & Support
Daily Specials
We are committed to providing every student access to a well-rounded education that includes music, art, physical education, STEM, and language. These “specials” are built into the daily schedule, ensuring students experience all five areas each week.
We also nurture a love of reading by providing a diverse range of books in both the classroom and our media center. Students can explore new stories and ideas at school and check out books to enjoy at home.
ESOL & LEARNING SUPPORT
As of May 2022, 65% of ICS staff holds an ESOL endorsement on their certificate which provides them the tools to tailor instruction to our unique population, with nearly half of our student body qualified as English language proficient.
ICS has several teaching assistants that specialize in math and literacy support in smaller groups of students, as well as a gifted instructor on staff.
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Decades of research show the positive effects of universal, classroom-based SEL programs for children. There’s also broad recognition that benefits are even greater when children experience SEL throughout their day, across home, school, and out-of-school time environments, and throughout developmental stages. When implemented holistically, with a coordinated, community-wide approach, SEL can build stronger communities and support inclusive, equitable learning. ICS students benefit from SEL instruction during their morning meetings based on the Second Step curriculum. They will learn to gain confidence, set goals, make better decisions, collaborate with others in work and play, and navigate the world more effectively.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & CHILDCARE
THE CLUB AFTER SCHOOL
The Club provides childcare and supplemental educational activities every school day from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. Discounts are available for siblings!
NEW AMERICAN PATHWAYS
ICS partners with New American Pathways to nominate refugee students for Bright Futures, a tuition-free afterschool program with school liaison services.
ENRICHMENT
From athletics to music and everything in between, The Club Afterschool and ICS offer several afterschool enrichment opportunities.
