STEP is a unique academic program to KAIS International School for students whose native language is other than English (ESL) but who wish to benefit from an English instructed international education. STEP students will be enrolled as full time students and spend an average of fourteen hours per week in intensive English classes. These classes range from conversation to grammar and writing. As this is a tailored program students will work individually at their own level as well as work in groups in the small class setting. Aside from the intensive English classes, they will be enrolled in mainstream classes including math, physical education, and yoga.
The STEP program’s tailored curriculum focuses on helping students accelerate their English language acquisition through oral communication and literacy classes so that they may experience a smooth transition into mainstream KAIS classes full time. STEP is a yearlong program and students are expected to be able to integrate fully into mainstream classes at the end of this period. Students are continually assessed and may move into mainstream classes more quickly if they have acquired proficiency in a shorter time.
