Through the IB/PYP framework for our Kindergarten curriculum, our teachers will create learning tasks where students actively explore concepts and connections through the lens of different subject areas. Our unique approach allows students to develop critical thinking and communication skills, confidence, self-management, social skills and other attitudes and skills needed to succeed as they move through Elementary school and grade levels beyond.

Our program emphasizes academic, social, emotional, physical and cultural growth through a foundation of international study and citizenship. Our learners become internationally-educated citizens through a focus on the development of positive attitudes toward self, toward people, toward the environment and toward learning. Life-long learning is developed through inquiry-based, hands-on learning.

The path to becoming an accredited International Baccalaureate World School begins when we establish our first year of kindergarten. The accreditation process is rigorous and may take up to two years or more, yet with guidance from our partner schools, we are excited to begin this accreditation journey.

Inquiry-based Learning Approach

Kindergarten students will participate in Six Units of Inquiry, and each unit lasts for six weeks. Each unit examines a theme based on these key levels of inquiry:

Who We Are
How the World Works
How We Express Ourselves
Where We Are in Time and Place
Sharing the Planet
How We Organize Ourselves

Key concepts are specific enough to provide a clear framework for learning. Within a given concept, the teachers support students in an investigation. This investigation covers all of the disciplines in a transdisciplinary manner. Students are not learning subjects in isolation, but instead are learning how subjects are connected, the way they are in real life. They are encouraged to question, to reflect and to take action on their learning. Through a more enriched and relevant learning experience because of how they are learning, our students will learn with greater depth and retention.

Our Foundation for Kindergarten

• A solid foundation in reading (decoding)
• A solid foundation in writing (encoding)
• A solid foundation in numeracy
• A solid foundation in mathematical thinking
• Guided learning in inquiry
• Collaboration and cooperation
• Executive functioning skills
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Independence and ability to use one’s voice
• Spanish Language Immersion

Our Unique Approach with Spanish Immersion

In Kindergarten, our teachers live and model the language they love … Spanish! Students will have both Spanish and English language instruction on a daily basis. The approximate language breakdown is 80% Spanish and 20% English. For all students, whether native speakers, continuing or new to language learning, our goal is to grow in mastery and deepen the understanding of core concepts in grammar and vocabulary, while preparing them for greater academic success from one grade level to the next.

KSS Kindergarten Locations

KSS Kindergarten will be offered at our Oakland-Lincoln Highlands campus and our San Jose campus. Tours are available by appointment. To get to know KSS Immersion Schools and our Kindergarten program, please complete the inquiry form. We look forward to meeting you and exploring the next level in your child’s language immersion development.

Oakland - Lincoln Highlands - 2540 Charleston Street

San Jose - Willow Glen - 540 Sands Drive