Young children using tools in an outdoor playground setting with teacher

START YOUR JOURNEY

WELCOME TO OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(Kindergarten - Grade 5)

At ISD, confidence starts with connection.

Discover how our youngest learners build a strong foundation from day one.

WELCOME TO THE ES

A meaningful start
FOR CURIOUS MINDS

Elementary students arriving at school together

At ISD, every journey begins with relationships. Students are welcomed into a caring and inclusive international community where they feel safe, supported, and valued as individuals.

Strong partnerships between school and home help every child transition confidently into school life. Teachers take time to understand each learner academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring students feel connected and ready to grow.

With more than 58 years of international education in Düsseldorf, ISD understands how to support globally mobile families while creating a true sense of belonging on one connected campus.

THE WHOLE CHILD APPROACH

Elementary students smiling and learning together

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Connected from Day One

Elementary outdoor learning spaces on campus

HOW WE LEARN

Thinking Beyond
the Expected
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

In the Elementary School, students are encouraged to ask questions,
explore ideas, make meaningful connections across subjects and experiences. Through the IB Primary Years Programme, children develop independence, creativity, collaboration, and confidence in how they think and grow.

Units of Inquiry connect literacy, mathematics, science, language, technology, creativity, and outdoor experiences in engaging and age-appropriate ways. Students explore real-world ideas through discussion, hands-on experiences, problem-solving, and reflection.

Teachers challenge and support each child at the right level, creating personalised experiences that help students grow academically,
socially, and emotionally.

EXPLORE THE PYP

Students engaged in inquiry-based learning

Elementary students collaborating in class

“The most meaningful learning happens when children are encouraged to ask questions, discover ideas, and connect to understand the world around them.”

Students presenting their learning to their class

WHAT WE LEARN

Building Skills for Life
A connected Elementary experience across every subject area

Students develop skills in literacy, mathematics, science, language, and inquiry while growing as creative thinkers, communicators, collaborators, and problem-solvers.

Beyond the core classroom, specialist subjects including visual arts, music, physical education, technology, library, and outdoor exploration encourage students to discover new interests and ways of thinking. German language pathways and English language support help every child feel included, supported, and successful.

Across subjects and grade levels, students develop independence, global understanding, and the ability to explore new ideas and perspectives with confidence.

DISCOVER EACH GRADE

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Take a tour with Ruby and Rafa

MY DAY AT ISD

A thoughtful balance of
LEARNING, MOVEMENT,
& GROWTH

8:45-15:45

A typical day at ISD includes Units of Inquiry, literacy, mathematics, German, outdoor play, snack and recess, and collaborative classroom experiences designed to keep students engaged and supported throughout the day.

Students also take part in specialist lessons including music, visual arts, physical education, and library, while families stay connected through regular communication, conferences, student updates, and digital platforms that share classroom experiences and progress.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Child working with tools in outdoor learning setting

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From arrival to after school activities,
each day is designed to support
wellbeing, engagement, and joyful learning.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Opportunities to create & perform
ARTS, MUSIC & EXPRESSION

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Opportunities to challenge & achieve
SPORTS, STEM & ACTIVITIES

Students participating in arts and performance activities

Starting in the early Elementary years, students can participate in annual theatre productions, join choir, and learn musical instruments through before and after school opportunities.

Creative experiences in music, visual arts, and performance encourage students to express ideas, collaborate with others, and build confidence both inside and beyond the classroom.

DISCOVER THE ARTS AT ISD

ISD Students enjoying After School Activities

Students can develop early sports skills and explore new interests through a wide range of sports, STEM activities, clubs, and after school programmes. Opportunities including soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, track and field, robotics, coding, chess, Minecraft, board games, and more encourage students to collaborate, problem-solve, compete, and grow in engaging and age-appropriate ways.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES

TECHNOLOGY IN LEARNING

Technology with purpose & balance
SUPPORTING CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION,
& INQUIRY

Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the Elementary experience to support inquiry, creativity, communication, and collaboration in age-appropriate ways.

Students use digital tools to research, create, document learning, reflect on progress, and share ideas across different subject areas and Units of Inquiry. Technology enhances learning experiences while maintaining a strong focus on relationships, discussion, creativity, and hands-on exploration.

Digital platforms also strengthen the connection between school and home, allowing families to regularly engage with classroom experiences and student learning.

DIGITAL LEARNING

“We prepare students for a digital future while nurturing the experiences that matter most in their childhood."

Elementary School students using a computer

OUTDOOR LEARNING

LEARNING IN NATURE
beyond classroom walls

Outdoor learning is integrated throughout the Elementary experience, with students regularly taking learning beyond the classroom into natural environments across campus. Research continues to show that children engage, focus, and absorb information differently when learning outdoors, supporting wellbeing, concentration, collaboration, and creativity.

As a recognised leader in outdoor learning, ISD regularly hosts conferences and shares expertise with other educators and schools, reflecting a long-standing commitment to meaningful outdoor experiences across the curriculum.

FIND OUT MORE

Wide campus outdoor space for outdoor learning

Purposefully designed outdoor areas, green spaces, and learning environments support movement, creativity, wellbeing, and connection throughout the school day. As students grow through the Elementary years, opportunities to learn within Senior School spaces such as science labs, performance areas, and the theatre help strengthen confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging within one connected school community.

Shared experiences across the campus help foster pride, collaboration, and meaningful relationships between students of different ages.

EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS

BOOK A TOUR

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