Overview

Because the goal of Rio International School is to prepare students for higher learning, our curriculum is both challenging and supportive. We have found this approach to be extremely successful. RIS is an excellent choice for parents committed to post-secondary preparation.

Elementary

At RIS, we strive to create a positive learning environment for our early childhood and elementary school students.

Early Childhood – Pre-School Program

The early childhood program provides initial learning experiences in language development, number concepts, creative skills and social and physical development. Using concrete experiences, students are given the building blocks for perceiving, thinking and problem solving.

Elementary

The curriculum of the elementary division uses traditional teacher-directed study/learning activities in Bible, language arts, science, social studies, Portuguese, math, physical education, art and music.

This education process allows students a more in-depth learning experience that fosters a more well-rounded understanding of the many facets of our world. The aim of this curriculum is to challenge students to a higher and deeper level of education.

The curriculum seeks to provide a continuum in each core content area as the basis for the development of perceiving, thinking and problem-solving skills. The student moves from concrete experiences to increasingly more complex levels of abstraction in critical thinking. Skills related to each area are built upon previous learning and measurable performance objectives.

Since students come from a variety of educational backgrounds, an effort is made to identify the instructional level of each student in relation to the subject continuum, including recommending and/or requiring alternative instruction.

Secondary

The fundamental emphasis of the secondary curriculum is on English, mathematics, Bible, social studies and science. Elective courses may include art, music, drama, and, physical education. Detailed information about secondary courses is included in course description booklets available in the school office.

Bible - Theology

All students are enrolled in a Bible class every semester. Courses include study in Old and New Testament literature and culture, the history of the Jewish nation and the Christian fellowship and Biblical ethics applied to contemporary issues. All courses are taught on an academic basis and receive academic credit.

English

All students take English courses which include the study of literature, composition and grammar.

English as a Second Language Program (ESL) - Grades 6 & 7

RIS incorporates ESL learning into a 3-skill comprehensive ELT (English Language Training) approach for academic students. The courses use interactive and communicative activities, while still focusing on skill building, to prepare students for academic content. Language proficiencies are articulated from beginning to advanced levels. Students are placed according to language proficiency assessment results.

Fine Art

Students take courses in studio art and introduction to art forms. The courses introduce students to a variety of art and art forms

Portuguese

Students who are proficient in English will study Brazilian Portuguese. Students are assessed and placed into a class appropriate to their skill level. The classes stress both spoken and written Portuguese with particular emphasis on acquiring basic listening and speaking skills in contemporary Portuguese.

Mathematics

Beginning in seventh grade, a two-track approach is used to accommodate the needs of more students. One track begins with Algebra I in seventh grade, the other in eighth grade. Students in both tracks must earn three math credits in grades 10-12.

Physical Education/Health

Physical education courses focus on the five aspects of health: physical, mental, emotional, social and environmental.

Science

Middle school students will take a combination of life science, earth science, and physical science. The core curriculum in the high school is comprised of biology, chemistry, and physics.

Social Studies

The middle school social studies curriculum includes the study of world history and geography, as well as a more in-depth look at western and eastern cultures. High school students study world cultures, world history, American history, international politics, and economics.

Yearbook

Each year the yearbook staff produces a record of the activities and events which occurred during the school year.

International Curriculum

Rio International School offers a quality America-based education in English, where students learn the basics with many opportunities to enhance their educational skills with special extracurricular activities. Throughout the school, day, RIS stresses high moral standards and the practice of Christian values. We seek to develop our students’ fullest potential in a balanced program of academic, psychological, social, physical, and spiritual growth.

The program of humanities and sciences is supplemented with a wide choice of the ascetics including music, ascetic arts, ballet and dance. Our curriculum and teachers promote appreciation of other cultures, respect for self, co-operative and collaborative achievement, respect for our environment, developing initiative and achievement, and enhancing curiosity and self expression.

Our enhanced curricular activities seek to meet the needs of each year’s student body and may include judo, dance, ballet, instrumental and vocal music, football, a variety of clubs, various language studies, other sports such as swimming, tennis, baseball, track and field, plus many more!

Brazilian Curriculum

Rio International School offers a diploma certified by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC).  The elementary, middle and high school programs satisfy the requirements for accreditation in both Brazil and the United States. 

Portuguese language instruction is given to all students from 1st through 12th Grades. Classes are divided into a Portuguese program for Brazilian students and those who are fluent in Portuguese, and a Portuguese as a Second Language (PSL) program for foreign students who need to learn how to communicate in the language and integrate into Brazilian culture. In addition, students study Brazilian History and Geography starting in the 1st Grade.