AGES 5 TO 10

OUR LOWER (ELEMENTARY) SCHOOL CURRICULA

At our private Elementary School in Boston – which we refer to as Lower School at BISB – we teach a combination of the National Curriculum of England and the International Primary Curriculum. Our bespoke program will empower your child to become a confident, independent, and inspired learner. It will also enhance their skills across subjects and activities, encouraging them to consider topics from multiple perspectives and connect learning to the world around them.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULA

In Elementary School at British International School of Boston (BISB), we teach a unique combination of the National Curriculum of England and the International Primary Curriculum. This provides a rigorous structure in the academic subjects, while also nurturing our learners’ personal development, creativity, and global awareness.

Throughout our bespoke program, we personalize learning to the needs of each student. We challenge and support them to achieve personal growth, inspire them through relevant interdisciplinary learning, and provide the tailored guidance they need to thrive.
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THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM OF ENGLAND

At BISB, we teach the core subjects of math and literacy using the National Curriculum of England.

Our British curriculum for Primary Schools is used by thousands of international schools worldwide. Its well-conceived structure allows our teachers to track your child’s progress, ensuring we provide the right combination of support and challenge. The curriculum also creates an environment where each student is an active participant in their learning journey.
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THE INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY CURRICULUM

At British International School of Boston, our Elementary School program also uses the International Primary Curriculum, which provides a cross-curricular, thematic approach to learning.

The International Primary Curriculum is one of the fastest growing programs in the world, used by more than 1,600 schools in 92 countries. Rooted in an understanding of how a child’s brain develops, it lays firm foundations for future success and instills an appreciation of the wider world.
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A THEMATIC, GLOBAL LEARNING APPROACH

The International Primary Curriculum employs a thematic approach to learning, weaving different subjects together to create engaging topics and units of work. These topics – which include ‘Chocolate’, ‘Myths and Legends’, ‘Brainwave’, ‘Going Global’, and ‘Making the News’ – bring subjects such as history, geography, science, art, and music to life.

International mindedness is a core element of the IPC, too, inspiring learners at our thriving Elementary School in Boston to develop an awareness of other cultures and heritages. We also focus on the development of qualities essential to 21st century success, including morality, respect, adaptability, and perseverance.
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SPECIALIST SUBJECT LESSONS

One of the leading private Elementary Schools in Boston, we also teach specialized lessons in physical education, music, computer skills, art, and science. Your child will take weekly French or Spanish classes, too.

For an in-depth look at our Years 1 and 2 and Years 3 to 6 programs, please download our Curriculum Guides.
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Download our Curriculum Guide for Years 1 and 2 (Kindergarten and 1st Grade).4

202425 Year 1 2 Curriculum Guide.pdf (968 KB)

Download
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Download our Curriculum Guide for Years 3 and 6

2024-25 Year 3-6 Curriculum Guide.pdf (1 MB)

Download
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  • LOWER SCHOOL

A TYPICAL DAY AT BIS BOSTON

Our Lower School students' days are filled with stimulating challenges and hands-on activities that connect learning to the world beyond our classrooms.
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MATH LESSONS
When we learn math, we work in two small groups, where one group practices the math of our grade level and the other goes into greater depth with higher-level math. This way, our teachers individualize our learning based on our own pace and level of challenge.
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CHALLENGING OURSELVES
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SPECIALIST LESSONS
We take exciting classes with specialist teachers in music, dance, and a language — either Spanish or French. Our dance lessons include techniques from the famous Juilliard School of performing arts. All lessons build our skills and talents.
BUILDING SKILLS AND TALENTS
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LUNCH TIME
We take a midday break over a 30-minute, healthy lunch, as we can catch up with friends. Afterward, over recess, we get outside for 35 minutes of movement! 
REFUELING AND RESETTING
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SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Following the UK curriculum in science, our lessons prompt us to explore lots of things about animals, as we do practical experiments and learn how to research. We’re always stimulated by the projects and challenges that come from the experts at MIT.
INVESTIGATING THE WORLD
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A LOCAL FIELD TRIP
We’re always looking to apply what we’re learning in the classroom to the world beyond. If we’re exploring money in math class and health through the IPC, for example, our teacher will take us on a scavenger hunt in our local grocery store to purchase fruit and make nutritious snacks.
COMBINING SUBJECTS
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AFTER-SCHOOL BUZZ
After school, we can complete homework together or read and rest in a quiet area. We may also choose to participate in clubs like chess, yoga, martial arts, or afternoon sports.
KEEPING ACTIVE
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HOW WE TEACH

A PERSONALIZED APPROACH

Our talented Elementary School teachers will be your child’s guide, nurturing their interests, addressing their needs, and identifying their unique potential. Offering expert support and challenge through every step of their learning journey, our outstanding educators will make sure your child learns, grows, and achieves their very best. 
Find out more
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OUR FACILITIES

A CONNECTED COMMUNITY

Spanning 40 acres of woodland in the quiet neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, our campus balances peace and tranquillity with the vibrancy of Boston’s city and culture.

Our unique learning environment bustles with conversations, thinking, and activities, enlivened by our students’ energy and excitement. Here, your child will learn in flexible spaces that encourage connectivity and collaboration, from our dedicated STEAM Center to our dance studio and sports fields.
EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS
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A GLOBALLY IMPRESSIVE EDUCATION

Our world-class Elementary School curricula will support and stretch your child in the right way and at the right level, ensuring they achieve outstanding academic success.

OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE