CIS: Canadian International School

The Canadian International School (CIS) offers students an opportunity to develop through a diverse and challenging curriculum and various activities. Students are given ownership of the learning process and are encouraged to actively participate in their education by setting personal goals and practising ongoing self-evaluation.

Their inquiry-based programmes and activities encourage students to discover their interests and strengths. All of this is done in a safe, caring and supportive school environment that fosters positive attitudes and allows students to challenge themselves and be risk-takers, without the fear of being judged.

CIS does not follow a Canadian curriculum or have an exclusively Canadian teacher or student cohort. However, the school is inspired by qualities often associated with Canadians, such as cultural diversity, natural curiosity, genuine interest in others, warmth, and friendliness.

CIS combines over three decades of international school experience, offering all three IB programmes: PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), and DP (Diploma Programme). The curriculum, developed within the IB framework, is benchmarked against leading globally recognised national curricula to meet or exceed their standards. It promotes in-depth thinking, understanding, and the application of knowledge. Through an inquiry-based approach, students develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication.

CIS places great value on its community’s linguistic diversity and is committed to promoting multilingualism. The Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes at CIS are designed to help students become fluent communicators in both languages, providing a significant edge in a competitive and ever-changing world.

Available from pre-kindergarten to grade 6 (Chinese bilingual) and junior kindergarten to grade 6 (French bilingual), the bilingual programmes are fully aligned with the IB PYP and include two qualified teachers per class: one native English speaker and one native Chinese speaker.

Key features of the bilingual programmes:
- Dedicated bilingual principals
- Two native-speaking teachers for each class
- Equal exposure to two languages
- A programme fully aligned with the IB PYP
- No repetition of content in the two languages
- A secondary pathway offering bilingual classes in maths, humanities, and theory of knowledge

STEAM programmes:
The CIS STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) philosophy and maker spaces provide project-based learning experiences that challenge inquisitive minds, fuel innovative thinking, and create a culture of teamwork and collaboration.

STEAM at CIS offers:
- An engaging interdisciplinary approach integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
- Innovative and enlightening learning experiences that are transformational for students and educators alike.
- An inquiry-based approach that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, empowering students to take control of their learning and preparing them to become real-world problem solvers.

Exciting news:
CIS has launched a secondary scholarship programme, recognising and supporting exceptional students. Explore these scholarships to find the perfect fit for your child’s skills and aspirations!

Students represent over 70 nationalities