Contextualised American Curriculum

California Department of Education (CDE) Curriculum

Our school uses the California Department of Education (CDE) curriculum. The reason is obvious. California appears to have similar contexts to Asia in the sense that there are many non-native English speakers living there. The mixture of cultures and people from various nationalities in California provide a setting that’s closer to Asia. In fact, the CDE curriculum has a Language Development component which may be equated with the ESL program in many international schools.

Moreover, many parents in Asia and/or Thailand still look up to America as a model for excellence and prestige. This perception will continue to prevail even in the next few years. Undeniably, when it comes to great inventors, America has produced a lot of them. This may be due to the emphasis on creative imagination and problem solving skills. In addition, USA is still considered to be the leading economy of the world with its unbeatable military power which may be attributed to superiority in technology and scientific knowledge.

Curriculum with Contextual Adaptations

It should be noted that the written CDE curriculum is delivered with contextual adaptations. American Prep International does not just uproot the CDE curriculum and transplant it here in a Thai context. Our qualified and experienced teachers have been trained professionally to ensure that the the California curriculum is interpreted from a Thai perspective and adjusted to and enriched with specific contextual content and philosophical emphases.

Curriculum Enrichment

The American Prep International school environment is further enriched with various student activities such as field trips, retreats, camping, cultural celebrations, etcetera. Our curriculum delivery is supported with e-learning  facilities and tools in a blended education environment.  Mastery learning is a goal that we always strive to reach.

Curriculum Emphasis

Our academic model underscores a four-pronged emphasis against a background of 5 focus points:

• Core subjects with IT;
• E-learning emphasis;
• Self-discipline and
• Talent development.

The 5 focus points that cross the curricular boundaries are:

Creativity  –  Critical Thinking  –  Collaboration  –  Communication  –  Compassion

These are our niches and we want to be known as delivering outstanding results on these dimensions plus a BIG NO to smoking, alcohol, and drugs.

The Broad Curriculum

Our broad curriculum (beyond the written one) may be squeezed and the delicious juice that will come out is balanced education. It implies something more beautiful than the traditional emphasis of head, heart, and hands. To our level best, we dream that our students may develop mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually/morally. This will be done from standpoint of multiculturalism where everybody is accepted, respected, tolerated, and loved regardless of religious affiliations, nationalities, and color. In brief, we want our graduates to be among the best or better than the rest!