Curriculum
SAIS offers a curriculum based on United States standards developed by national organizations.
- Mathematics: Common Core State Standards
- English Language Arts: Common Core State Standards
- Science: Next Generation Science Standards
- Social Studies: AERO Social Studies Curriculum Framework
- Music and Visual Art: National Core Arts Standards
- Physical Education: SHAPE America National Standards

English Language Arts
All instruction at SAIS is conducted in English. Teachers use Project-Based Learning to teach the Common Core State Standards, incorporating tools and strategies that include Reading and Writing Workshop, direct instruction in grammar and vocabulary, and Reading A-Z. Extra English Language Learner support is available for students demonstrating that need.
Mathematics
Mathematics instruction at SAIS is a balanced approach between problem-solving skills, conceptual knowledge, and procedural fluency. Mathematics is a key element in many educational projects. SAIS uses the Engage New York Math curriculum, which is America’s top-rated math curriculum. Students also use technology to support math learning, including Khan Academy and other educational programs
Science
Social Studies
Maker EDUCATION
SAIS employs a full time Director of Maker Education to support teachers and students in their project-based learning. The DME maintains the maintains the maker space, plays an active role in technology and school improvement, and provides a rich design thinking curriculum to support 21st century learning.
SAIS believes that students need to learn much more than content knowledge. Successful persons are able to communicate, collaborate, and create. MakerSpace supports the development of these important skills by teaching students how to implement design thinking and manage projects. Hands-on problem solving is critical to success in the real world.
Visual Art
MUSIC
Physical Education
CHINESE
Nathan Abbott
Principal
SAIS is a leader in innovative education. At SAIS, we believe that students need to learn creative thinking and problem solving in order to meet the needs of the world of tomorrow. Our curriculum delivers American educational content standards through a unique combination of project-based learning, traditional methods, and Maker experiences. Our small class sizes and friendly atmosphere guarantee that your student will receive the attention that he or she needs and deserves.
We welcome you to experience the SAIS difference. Please browse our projects on the website, reach out to us via phone or email, or come to the school for a visit. We look forward to hearing from you!
Early Learning Environment (ELE) Curriculum
At SAIS the Early Learning Environment, for ages 3 to 5 years, is designed to encourage the development of the whole child. Social/Emotional, Physical and Intellectual areas of child development are fostered and will lead to happy children, as well as the acquisition of academic skills. Students will be assigned to a class based upon their readiness levels, with chronological age as one consideration. Through the use of a variety of teaching strategies, and a special emphasis on the Project Approach, in which students do long term investigations of selected topics, children enrolled in the ELE will progress in the following domains: In each area systems sustainability and the effects on our future are emphasized.
Additional Programs
Apple After School Activities
Each SAIS teacher conducts a nine week after-school activity. These activities run from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Specific activities vary, based on student interest and teacher expertise.
Library
At SAIS, there is no central library. The second and third floors each have dedicated spaces with books and computers, and hallway bookshelves are also stocked with books. Students are never more than a few feet from appropriate reading material. Students also have extensive access to laptops for researching projects, and are able to access digital libraries through our technology.
Technology
Technology is often an integral part of the research needed to complete projects. SAIS maintains an inventory of one Apple MacBook Air laptop for each student 4th grade and above.