English

Denver Montclair International School offers comprehensive instruction in English in conjunction with its other language programs. The school also offers an English-only program for students in grades 2-5.

To ensure academic excellence, our school adheres to Colorado Model Content Standards. Correct and thoughtfully reasoned writing is strongly emphasized at all levels and across all subjects. The diversity of DMIS’ students and our school’s focus on global awareness enhances this curriculum.

DMIS students who are participating in a full-immersion language program begin English-language instruction in kindergarten.

Among the ways English-language instruction is integrated into a DMIS education:

First Grade

  • Language: Students advance their reading and writing in group settings and through individual assignments. They are introduced to a variety of linguistic styles and literary genres. Reading and writing assignments complement each other. An emphasis on correct spelling and phonemic awareness develops proper understanding of word construction and usage.
  • Math: Number recognition and map skills – which give a sense of place — aid in the acquisition of language.
  • Science: Basic scientific principles and classroom experiments incorporate reading, writing and math skills and encourage students to reason and question.
  • Social Studies: Instruction focused on world cultures incorporates reading and writing and makes use of map skills.

Second Grade

  • Language: Correct spelling and grammar are reinforced through writing exercises.
  • Math: The concepts of time and distance are introduced.
  • Science: Basic scientific principles and classroom experiments incorporate reading, writing and math skills and encourage students to reason and question.
  • Social Studies: Instruction focused on world cultures and geography incorporates reading and writing and makes use of map skills.

Third Grade

  • Language: A variety of reading materials and language-arts exercises aid vocabulary development, reading comprehension and spelling. Written reports and projects help students develop presentational skills.
  • Math: Students study from a common, English-language textbook that focuses on addition and subtraction, multiplication and division. 
  • Social Studies: Lessons require students to use their knowledge of geography and world maps to understand new aspects of their community and beyond. Students regularly discuss national and international current events.

Fourth Grade

  • Language: In addition to predetermined texts, students read and analyze books of their choosing. They advance their knowledge of grammar by writing and editing articles and stories. Emphasis is placed on the parts of speech, object-verb agreement, punctuation and verb tense.
  • Math: Basic computation skills, including multiplication and division. Estimation, fractions and graphing are introduced.
  • Social Studies: Students focus on the State of Colorado with an appreciation for its history and geography. Classroom exercises give students “real-world experience” in mapping, meteorology and environmental conservation. Historical novels reinforce students’ language instruction.

Fifth Grade

Please note: Much of our fifth graders’ studies are multidisciplinary and project-based. Research and discussion become a major part of the learning process. Students are given increasing autonomy to manage their time and study requirements, which provides them sound preparation for middle school.

  • Language: Students build upon language skills acquired in previous grades, focusing especially on writing composition. Students use their English-language skills to write five-paragraph essays; persuasive and analytical pieces; and creative and fictional poetry and prose.
  • Math: Students master mathematical concepts, including decimals, estimation, fractions, money, percentages, probability and time. They are introduced to algebra, geometry and statistics.
  • Science: Study of Life Science.
  • Social Studies: Students focus on United States geography, history, politics and society. Assigned reading promotes the understanding of historical events. Students regularly debate national and international current events they research using a variety of print and digital media and reference materials.

Please note: Students in grades 4 and 5 are assessed using the Educational Records Bureau’s Comprehensive Testing Program, also known as the CTP-4. At these points in their unique education, DMIS students have acquired sufficient knowledge in English to be evaluated alongside students from schools across the United States. This national exam is designed for students who study in English only. DMIS teachers use continuous assessment methods to monitor every student’s progress throughout the elementary grades to ensure that every child meets target educational goals. The CTP-4 exams help our students make successful transitions to other schools after they graduate from DMIS.

DMIS’ English-only Program

DMIS offers an English-only program for students who have not been immersed in a second language. These students follow a prescribed curriculum based on United States instructional guidelines and standards. The curriculum incorporates a global perspective and allows for intensive instruction in a second language. Students in this program have many opportunities to socialize with their bilingual peers.

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