- (512) 351-3403
- admissions@istexas.org
- (512) 351-3403
- admissions@istexas.org
Lower School (Grades 1–5) at IST is an exciting time where the foundational spark of the IB learner—ignited in Early Childhood—truly starts to flourish. Students continue to explore the world through inquiry-based learning, but with increasing depth, rigor, and ownership over their education. As they grow, so do the expectations. Our learners are not only encouraged to ask meaningful questions—they’re empowered to seek answers, think critically, and take action. They do this with the support of passionate educators who inspire their curiosity and gently guide them along their journey.
Throughout the Lower School Program, students engage with six dynamic units of inquiry each year, exploring big ideas such as “Who We Are”, “How We Organize Ourselves”, and “Sharing the Planet.” These transdisciplinary units connect every subject—language, math, science, social studies, and the arts—creating a cohesive, relevant, and real-world learning experience. Through this approach, students are able to string together ideas, make meaningful connections across disciplines, and deepen their understanding of how the world works.
Lower School students thrive in an environment that blends structure with independence. Each child has a homeroom teacher, but travels to specialist classrooms for Mandarin, Spanish, STEM Lab, Music, Art, and PE. This model fosters autonomy, adaptability, and engagement.
Students delve deep into Singapore Math, which like every subject at IST – grounds students in understanding the “why” behind solving the problem – not just the “how.”
Learning moves beyond the classroom with regularly scheduled, local field trips, but what makes IST truly unique, is starting in the second grade, students have the opportunity to participate in educational trips beyond the Greater Austin area. The first trip for IST students is to the NASA Space Center – and by fifth grade, students embark on an immersive experience at The Tetons Science School in the Grand Tetons, conducting hands-on field research with IST teachers, expert naturalists, guides, and scientists.
As our students grow, so does their global awareness. With continued development of Spanish and Mandarin languages skills, exposure to diverse, global perspectives, they’re prepared to engage confidently in a rapidly changing, interconnected world. At IST, Lower School learners are not just preparing for middle school—they’re building the skills, mindset, and curiosity that will ensure success throughout their academic journey and beyond.
