Academic Program

Academic Program

The American School of Ulaanbaatar offers a dynamic, progressive and balanced academic program aligned with the Massachusetts curriculum in a student-centered learning environment.

Our international student population offers students the opportunity to learn from and about other nationalities and cultures, as well as learning about Mongolia. Class size is limited to 24 students for grades 1 and up, with smaller classes for early childhood, in order to maximize the potential of each student. The core academic subjects of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History and Social Studies, are complemented by a full range of enriching classes in Technology, Health and Physical Education, Music, Drama, Dance and the Visual Arts.

Pre-Kindergarten (children from 4 to 5 years of age)

Pre-Kindergarten is a critical time for children as they begin the adventure of a lifetime of learning. Activities are tailored to meet your child’s individual needs, and our teachers provide opportunities to explore, question, communicate and create in a fun and supportive play-based environment.

We continue to stimulate your child’s natural curiosity about the world through varying elements of science and social studies through theme-related elements. An appreciation of the arts and music enhances the whole experience at the American School of Ulaanbaatar and instills a love for learning as your child becomes ready to enter kindergarten.

Kindergarten (children from approximately 5 to 6 years of age)

Our goals for our kindergarten students are to increase socialization, develop motor skills and early skill and knowledge acquisition through thematic activities in language, science, and numeracy. Music, art and stories are part of a creative developmentally appropriate curriculum. Although socialization outcomes and learning through play are still important, our children take on more responsibility and are expected to meet curricular outcomes in every subject.

We provide a program which fosters a sense of enthusiasm towards learning, as well as one which facilitates the development of each individual to his/her fullest potential. With supportive guidance, the children are encouraged to experiment, explore, create and problem solve as they play. All activities are designed to intrigue and excite the early learners and allow them to question, investigate and reach conclusions.

The early learning curriculum involves mathematics, reading, written and oral expression, and environmental studies. It also includes activities that develop social, physical, and creative skills. The classroom environment is positive and stimulating, and whether the children are learning to count, read or paint a “masterpiece,” learning is fun! The children soon develop a sense of confidence in their abilities and are ready to take on new challenges. They learn to make decisions and to accept responsibilities.

Grades 1 – 5 (children from 6 – 10 years of age)

The program in the elementary grades combines a creative and stimulating, yet structured and disciplined environment, allowing students to grow and develop at their own pace. We strive to provide students with successful experiences which are intended to bolster their self-confidence and self-esteem, and to motivate them to achieve to the best of their abilities.

In all subject areas there is a strong emphasis on creating practical and hands-on activities which enhance the theoretical aspects of the subject. Computers are used as an educational resource, and special events, field trips and extracurricular activities round out the program.

Ongoing assessments allow us to evaluate our teaching and to monitor the academic achievement of our students. Formal written report cards are issued to parents three times a year with teachers providing anecdotal summaries of individual student achievement. Regular parent-teacher conferences are scheduled to allow for personal insights to be shared.

We strive to provide students with successful experiences which are intended to bolster their self confidence and self-esteem, and to motivate them to achieve to the best of their abilities. This includes dividing students into seven leveled reading groups each for grades 1 through 4 in order for them to receive targeted instruction that addresses their specific learning needs.