Frequently Asked Questions
California International School (CIS) is an accredited IB candidate school with a STEAM-focused curriculum for TK–6 students. Below are answers to common questions we get about enrollment, academics, extracurriculars, and student support. For more information, email us at admissions@cainternationalschool.com.
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GENERAL
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CIS currently serves students from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through Grade 6, providing a high-quality educational experience during these formative years.
Students as young as three can join our TK program, where they begin developing early literacy, math, and socialization skills that set the stage for future learning. As they move through the grades, the program is carefully designed to build year by year — integrating core academics, world languages, STEAM, makerspace, and performing arts within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. This progression ensures that students gain strong foundational knowledge while also growing as curious, confident, and globally minded learners.
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Each classroom has a highly qualified teacher and an educational assistant, with an average of 16–20 students per class.
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All CIS teachers are highly qualified and receive additional training in the International Baccalaureate framework and project-based learning, ensuring that students receive an engaging, globally minded education.
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CIS students are active, engaged learners throughout the day. Even at the TK level, students transition between classrooms for different specialties, such as world languages, science, STEAM, performing arts, and makerspace. In the younger grades, educational assistants accompany students to provide support and consistency.
The school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., with structured learning blocks designed around the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. This approach encourages inquiry, independence, and global-mindedness while ensuring students experience a balanced, well-rounded education.
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Students wear CIS uniforms from Lands’ End. On Fridays, students may wear CIS spirit wear, and on the last Friday of each month, students enjoy a Free Dress Day.
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Periodically, CIS offers after-school sports clubs such as soccer, volleyball, dance, and basketball, based on student interest and demand.
These programs run at different times throughout the year and provide students with opportunities to stay active, build teamwork skills, and explore new interests. Participation is optional and offered for an additional fee.
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Yes. Before care is available from 7:30–8:00 a.m., and after care runs from 3:30–6:00 p.m. (or 12:15–6:00 p.m. on minimum days). Fees may be billed monthly or by semester, and are included on your tuition statement.
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CIS hosts a 6-week Summer Camp that is open to both CIS families and the broader community. Each week features a unique theme, creating a fun and enriching experience for students.
Camp activities incorporate arts and crafts, technology instruction, and hands-on projects, along with special performances from visiting vendors such as puppet shows and live science demonstrations. Summer Camp is billed separately from tuition and offers families an engaging way to extend learning and creativity into the summer months.
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CISPA, our parent association, plays a vital role in fostering family engagement and community at CIS. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in many ways — volunteering on field trips, supporting reading groups, assisting with classroom projects, and lending their skills in the Makerspace. Families also contribute to cultural celebrations, school events, and community-building activities, creating a strong partnership between home and school that enriches the learning experience for every child.
ADMISSIONS
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Please refer to our Tuition & Fees page for the current school year’s rates. Tuition also covers all specialty programs offered during the school day, including Mandarin, Spanish, Makerspace, project-based Learning, performing arts, and visual arts
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The student fee helps cover accreditation costs, curriculum, IB program expenses, classroom supplies, technology, and capital improvements.
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Yes, CIS offers a limited number of math and science academic scholarships for upper elementary students. CIS also offers an Indexed Tuition / Financial Aid program to make our education more accessible for families with different financial circumstances.
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You are more than welcome to come visit and see all that we are doing. Fill out our Parent Information Request form and the Admissions office will call you to schedule a time.
CURRICULUM
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Yes. CIS is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), demonstrating our commitment to high standards of academic excellence, organizational integrity, and continuous school improvement.
In addition, CIS is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This means we are actively engaged in aligning our curriculum and practices with the IB framework, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, global-mindedness, and the development of the whole child. Together, these accreditations affirm that CIS provides students with a strong, forward-thinking education that meets rigorous international benchmarks.
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At CIS, our curriculum is anchored in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and enriched through STEAM integration and world language immersion in Mandarin and Spanish. Learning takes place in a project-based environment that emphasizes inquiry, creativity, and real-world application. Core academics are supported by high-quality resources such as Wonders for ELA and EnVision Math, while hands-on science experiments and a fully equipped makerspace—with 3D printing, pottery, and robotics—provide opportunities for exploration and innovation. The program is further enhanced through a robust Performing Arts curriculum, ensuring a well-rounded and rigorous educational experience.
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Students follow a cycle of inquiry where they have voice, choice, and ownership in their learning. Projects are rooted in social studies and science standards and integrate other subjects under transdisciplinary themes. This approach encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
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CIS offers personalized education through small class sizes and individualized learning plans that ensure every student’s needs, strengths, and goals are supported. Teachers work closely with students to foster growth, build confidence, and encourage curiosity, creating a learning environment where each child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
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Homework is minimal at CIS, as we value family time and know students are already working hard on campus. Optional homework is provided for families who wish to extend learning at home.
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With our low student-to-teacher ratio, we are able to personalize instruction and provide deeper challenges for advanced learners. We believe every child deserves a rigorous and engaging education.
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In addition to English Language Arts, all students at CIS receive instruction in two world languages: Mandarin and Spanish. Our goal is to help children grow into confident global learners who are comfortable engaging with diverse cultures and perspectives.
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Yes! Our Performing Arts program explores global cultures through music, movement, and storytelling, allowing students to experience creativity in a meaningful and engaging way. In addition, students have had the opportunity to sign up and participate in full-scale school musicals such as Seussical the Musical, 101 Dalmatians, and Willy Wonka, giving them the chance to shine on stage while building confidence, collaboration, and performance skills.
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Absolutely! Every student participates in at least three field trips per year, as we believe experiential learning is essential to a well-rounded education.
Request a tour
Interested? Check out our beautiful and state-of-the-art campus. Schedule a school tour with us!