Academics

CURRICULUM - General Statement

The curriculum at ICS reflects a Biblical worldview that teaches courses, skills, and values that enable our students to succeed academically and socially. 

Our high school academics follow a college-preparatory program with our students taking the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) as sophomores and juniors. Our seniors are encouraged to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).   Nearly all our graduates attend college or university.  Please visit the High School Profile on our website for high school graduation requirements and names of universities attended.

Each year our students in grades 1-8 take the Stanford Achievement Test. This battery of tests is designed to measure performance in the areas of reading, spelling, study skills, language, mathematics, science, social science, and listening skills.  It is used largely by private schools in the United States as an alternative to the Iowa Basics Test.  ICS students score consistently above the national norms in all areas of this test.  Beginning in 2007, Grade 9 students will be taking the Explore test.  "The EXPLORE® program is designed to help students explore a broad range of options for their future. EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post–high school choices as well. It marks an important beginning for a student's future academic and career success." (http://www.act.org/explore)

The curriculum and textbooks are reviewed every six years and measured against the standards established by American academic committees including the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics), NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English), IRA (International Reading Association), NSTA (National Science Teachers Association) and the NCHS (National Centre for History in Schools).  ICS also regularly reviews state standards from the United States to assure our students are well prepared.