ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The mindset necessary to be an entrepreneur is rooted in creativity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on. Across all our classes, we foster this entrepreneurial spirit by encouraging students to think independently, collaborate, and approach problems with innovative solutions. In addition to embedding these values throughout our curriculum, we run entrepreneurship projects throughout the year. These projects are designed with varying degrees of complexity, so students are grouped not according to their grade, but based on their individual strengths and capacities. As a result, teams often include peers from different year levels, ensuring that each student is both challenged and supported as they contribute their unique skills and develop their own ideas within their team.

MATHEMATICS

Middle School

In middle school mathematics, our primary goal is to ensure that students build a strong foundation in number theory and arithmetic, gaining a clear understanding of the essential concepts behind these subjects. As student’s progress, they will undertake courses in pre-algebra and algebra, which introduce the foundational principles of mathematics. Our aim is for every student to genuinely understand and appreciate the elegance of mathematics, rather than seeing it as a set of routine tasks.

High School

In high school, students engage in a comprehensive mathematics programme designed to further develop their critical and analytical thinking skills. The curriculum includes challenging courses such as Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Geometry, Statistics, and an Introduction to Calculus. Through these subjects, students are empowered to tackle complex problems, think logically, and apply mathematical reasoning to real-world scenarios, preparing them for future academic and career pursuits.

SCIENCE

Middle School

In middle school science, each year is thoughtfully structured to cover distinct content areas in physical science, life science, and earth and space science. The goal is for students not only to understand these topics, but also to develop strong analytical skills that enable them to explain and interpret the world around them using the knowledge they gain.

High School

In high school, students will undertake comprehensive studies in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space sciences. Our goal is to ensure that students are grounded in robust scientific principles and inquiry. The curriculum emphasizes how scientific theories are developed and validated through careful observation, systematic experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning. We also highlight that scientific theories are dynamic and may evolve as new discoveries and insights emerge, fostering a deeper appreciation for the scientific process and its role in advancing knowledge.

TECHNOLOGY & CODING

Middle School

In middle school, students will learn to code using a variety of age-appropriate programming languages. This approach ensures that coding concepts remain accessible and engaging for all learners. Additionally, robotics will be integrated into lessons to help enhance students’ coding skills while motivating them to think creatively and solve real-world problems through hands-on activities.

Digital citizenship is also a key part of our curriculum. Students will explore what it means to use technology safely, responsibly, and respectfully. They will learn about online safety, fake news, ethical behavior, and how to interact positively in digital communities, preparing them to be thoughtful and responsible participants in the digital world.

High School

In high school, students will continue to advance their coding skills, integrating robotics. Additionally, high schoolers will be introduced to the world of Artificial Intelligence. They will learn how to use AI tools for practical applications, such as creating chatbots, developing marketing presentations, identify real-world problems and develop solutions. The curriculum also incorporates a closer look at social media, including how algorithms shape online experiences, the positive and negative impacts of social media, and strategies for detecting false or misleading content in the digital landscape. This comprehensive approach aims to equip students with essential skills for navigating and contributing thoughtfully to the modern technological world.

SOCIAL STUDIES & HISTORY

Middle School

The middle school social studies program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in history, geography, government, economics, and culture. Students explore these from ancient civilizations and how these civilizations formed our modern civilizations, making a strong emphasis on America. Students will also develop skills involving reading maps, using GIS technology, and evaluating sources.

High School

In high school social studies, students will delve into the civilisations of Europe, Asia, and Africa, exploring how these regions have influenced the development of the modern world. There will be a particular emphasis on key historical events from the 19th through to the 21st century, highlighting moments that have shaped today’s political systems, geographical boundaries, and economic structures. By examining these transformative periods, learners will gain a deeper understanding of how global interactions and decisions continue to impact contemporary society.

The curriculum also incorporates the study of current events as they unfold during the school year. Students will be encouraged to connect these events to their historical origins, developing skills in fact-based analysis and source evaluation. This approach fosters critical thinking and enables students to better interpret the relevance of ongoing global issues, building a strong foundation for informed participation in civic life.

ENGLISH

Middle School

The middle school English program has been designed to develop a well-rounded set of language skills—listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and presenting. The program emphasizes not only understanding and analyzing texts but also expressing ideas creatively and with strong organization, all while using accurate vocabulary and grammar. Students also learn to appreciate different perspectives, justify their opinions, and connect what they read or create to broader global issues. At the end of middle school, students are expected to tackle more complex analysis, cite evidence, and produce sophisticated writing

High School

The high school English curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of literary and textual analysis, focusing on form, structure, and various techniques used in texts. Students are encouraged to explore the cultural, historical, and production context of literature, connecting what they study to broader, global issues. Alongside these analytical skills, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on enhancing students’ verbal communication, enabling them to clearly present and argue different points of view using factual evidence rather than engaging in baseless discussions. Furthermore, students are taught to critically evaluate sources, learning how to distinguish between varying levels of credibility to support their arguments and ideas. By the end of high school, students are expected to demonstrate mature, sophisticated English language skills in both oral and written forms, preparing them to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in diverse conversations.

SPANISH (SECOND LANGUAGE)

Middle School and High School

Given that students joining IWA may have varying backgrounds and levels of Spanish proficiency, each student will be placed in the appropriate Spanish section based on their current skill level. This approach ensures that every learner receives targeted instruction and support, allowing them to progress at a pace that matches their abilities and maximises their potential for growth in the language. Placement assessments and ongoing teacher observations help ensure that all students are in the best environment to develop their Spanish communication skills and cultural understanding.

Our Spanish curriculum, as a second language, is designed to help students develop strong communication skills through interactive and Q&A based learning. The curriculum builds students’ abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing, while also fostering a deep appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures. Assessment is based on four key criteria, ensuring that students grow in areas such as listening and viewing, reading comprehension, spoken interaction, and presentational language accuracy.

The programme uses authentic materials like films, articles, and music, and adopts a classroom immersion approach to encourage real-world fluency. The curriculum is mapped to international standards and is structured to help students progress from basic conversational skills to being able to express themselves confidently about personal experiences and school life by the end of middle school. This focus prepares students for a globally connected world and nurtures both language proficiency and international mindedness.

PSYCHOLOGY AND WELLNESS

Middle School

In middle school, students enter their teenage years, a period marked by significant change and growth, making it both challenging and formative for human development. At IWA, we prioritize helping students understand the physical, emotional, and social changes they will experience, providing guidance to channel their energy into positive and constructive situations.

Additionally, recognizing the strong influence of social media on middle schoolers, our program features a robust component dedicated to social media education, equipping students with practical strategies for managing their online presence in a safe, respectful, and mindful way.

High School

In high school, students focus on fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence, empowering young people to understand themselves and their place in the world. By exploring topics such as mental health, resilience, and the complexities of adolescent development, students gain valuable tools for navigating challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical activities, and open discussions, students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, build empathy, and cultivate healthy habits that will benefit them both during their school years and beyond. This holistic approach aims to empower young people to make informed choices, maintain their mental health, and form strong, supportive connections with others.

ART

Our art class is designed with two dynamic components. The first focuses on art appreciation, integrated closely with history lessons, the second component emphasizes creativity through technology, offering students hands-on opportunities to produce their own artwork, videos, and songs using digital software.

Middle School

In middle school, the art appreciation component will concentrate on the artistic expressions, including music, of ancient civilisations in the Americas, allowing students to explore the cultural and historical significance of these works. Additionally, students will engage with selected movements from the 20th century, such as Pop-Art, to understand the evolution of artistic styles and their impact on society. The second component places emphasis on hands-on creation, where students will produce their own artwork, some crafted by hand or using their own musical instruments, and others developed using digital software, thus fostering creativity through both traditional and modern techniques.

High School

 In high school, our art appreciation component will centre on the rich artistic traditions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a particular emphasis on the influential art and music of the 19th and 20th centuries. Students will explore the cultural, historical, and social contexts that shaped these works, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic movements and their global impact.

The second component will introduce students to professional digital software, empowering them to create images, videos, and music. Through hands-on projects, students will be encouraged to express themselves and interpret the world around them, using art as a powerful tool for communication and creativity.

Website Developer

This course is designed for individuals who want to learn how to create web pages for either personal or professional use. It is a 100% practical class where each student will receive their own domain and build their web page using WordPress throughout the course. The instruction is led by a Web Page Developer with years of experience creating websites for a variety of companies, ensuring students gain hands-on skills and insider knowledge from an industry expert.

GED Courses

Acquiring a USA High School diploma is possible for students aged 18 and older from anywhere in the world, through the GED program. To earn this diploma, students must successfully complete four subject tests: Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. At IWA, we offer comprehensive courses year-round, designed to thoroughly cover the content of each of these subjects. Every course is taught by dedicated teachers who are experts in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive top-quality instruction and support throughout their studies.

SAT & ACT – Math Course

SAT & ACT – English Course

English

4 credits of English.

Including U.S.A  and world literature, reading informational text, writing, research methods, speaking and listening skills, grammar and vocabulary.

Social Studies

3 credits of Social Studies

Including at least one credit of U.S.A. history that includes Arizona history, one credit of world history/geography, one half credit of U.S.A. government, including civics and Arizona government, and one-half credit of economics.

Mathematics

4 credits of Mathematics

Science

3 credits of Science

Including biology, chemistry and physics.

Art

1 credit of Art

Any of the following: visual arts, dance, music, theater or media arts.

Civics Test