Curriculum

Marymount International School Paris's Early Childhood Center (for ages 2-6) is an international preschool offering an English-language teaching program that uses a child-centered, play-based pedagogy emphasizing international values. Based on early years learning principles, the curriculum reflects the latest research on early childhood personal, social, and emotional development, with input from leading experts, academics, and teachers. It also highlights an appreciation for children's home languages and cultural identities. The school week runs from Monday to Friday, with hours from 8:30 am to 3:20 pm.

Independence and Interdependence 

A child’s sense of community and belonging begins with their family, extends to peers and teachers, and then to the outside world. Marymount’s goal is to cultivate global citizens and foster the spirit of lifelong learning from an intercultural perspective. As your child’s independence grows, so does their connection with others. This process encompasses a deepening appreciation of cultural identity and the nurturing of unity through diversity.

Communicating

The languages of children are many. Using pictures and stories, movement and voice, colors and words, our students are encouraged to be active thinkers and communicators, sharing their worlds and ideas. Our play-based program paves the way for the development of higher-level thinking skills and builds self-confidence through exploration and discovery.

Inquiring 

Inquiry-based experiences enable us to differentiate for the learning needs of each child. In the Early Childhood Center, we follow children’s interests and curiosities, supporting and empowering them in their quests, and providing opportunities to share their discoveries with families and peers.

Our Elementary School program for Grades 1-5 combines core content areas such as literacy, math, science, and social studies with enrichment subjects including music, computer, art, drama, library, religion, physical education, information technology, and philosophy. This English-language international primary school program offers students a well-balanced, developmentally appropriate set of experiences that promote creative thinking, curiosity about learning, and global awareness.

Literacy

Marymount Paris uses a balanced literacy approach in reading and writing instruction, primarily utilizing the reading and writing project by Lucy Calkins. The workshop components include mini-lessons, independent reading and writing, conferencing and small group work, mid-workshop teaching, and sharing. Each mini-lesson contains connection, teaching, active engagement, and a link. Students read various genres at their individual levels and share their work through assemblies and writing celebrations. Additionally, the program includes “Letter Join” handwriting and “Letters and Sounds” phonics programs.

Math

The math program emphasizes developing problem-solving skills with a language-based approach. Students study whole number concepts, operations, geometry, fractions, measurement, money and time, algebra, data and graphing, estimation, multiplication, division, and critical thinking. Emphasis is placed on the language of mathematics, encouraging students to write about their solutions and reflect on their progress. Daily mental arithmetic practice and personalized instruction help optimize each student's mathematical performance.

Science

The science program follows the National Science Standards, encouraging students to think and write like scientists. It provides opportunities to explore core scientific concepts, fostering a natural curiosity about the physical world. The curriculum develops understanding in life, earth, space, and physical sciences, integrating the scientific method to train students in observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion drawing.

Social Studies

Our Social Studies program aims to develop positive global citizens and 21st-century learners. It aligns with American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards, the school’s guiding statements, and covers topics such as global citizenship, critical thinking, current affairs, primary and secondary sources examination, independent research, historical context, technology-enhanced presentations, and service learning opportunities. Students benefit from exciting field trips in the Paris region and beyond.

Marymount International School Paris students follow an American international core curriculum focused on developing a deep understanding of language and literature, language acquisition, mathematics and sciences, individuals and societies, and the arts. Our curriculum emphasizes holistic academic development through embedded enrichment, service, and well-being activities.

Students benefit from weekly secondary school assemblies, leadership opportunities in the middle school student council and house system, and participation in several RSHM conferences and festivals. They also engage in "Approaches to Learning" sessions, field trips around Paris and beyond, student clubs, service opportunities, and after-school activities which offer a rich learning experience outside the classroom.

Literacy

Aligned with American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards and guided by input from Columbia University Teachers College, our literacy program focuses on the reading and writing workshop. This approach encourages language appreciation, self-expression, and the art of giving and receiving feedback. It is supported by community events such as the student-led JUVA Writing Society, the Young Author’s Fiction Festival, and the Poetry by Heart competition.

Mathematics

Our mathematics program aligns with AERO standards, fostering curiosity through exploration and enhancing conceptual understanding with various resources. We utilize technology for interactive learning to ensure a comprehensive grasp of mathematical concepts.

Social Studies

Aligned with AERO standards, our social studies program emphasizes social justice, human rights, and RSHM values. Students analyze historical patterns and consequences and engage in discussions on essential questions and their evolving opinions.

Science

Following the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and emphasizing 3D science learning, our science program teaches scientific methods across three dimensions: practices, cross-cutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas.

RSHM Heritage Award

The RSHM Heritage Award program is a project-based learning experience for grade 8 students that allows them to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects centered around real-world challenges. 

Students first choose a goal from the RSHM Network of school's goals and criteria list then they define their project and work on it throughout the year. The projects can be based on a wide variety of fields including art, athletics, technology, well-being, writing, or dance. Students receive one-on-one mentoring from a faculty member and develop materials such as written reports, photos, videos, art portfolios, and more. 

At the end of the year, students present their projects to the Marymount community and talk about why they chose their project, what went well, what difficulties they encountered, and what they learned along the way. 

Service Learning and Systeme de Maison 

Our commitment to social justice is evident through our community service engagements. The Student Implementation Committee is a leadership organization where middle school students plan service projects benefiting our school and the community. The Systeme de Maison, a school-wide “house system,” gives middle school students leadership roles and provides them opportunities throughout the year to earn Maison points through service projects and fun events.

Marymount Paris promotes health and fitness through a diverse array of physical activities. Our programs encourage students to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle. 

We have some of the best athletic facilities of any school in Paris which include a ballet room, an occupational therapy station, a gym for staff and faculty, and more.

We have athletic programs for students of all ages including sports days to which parents are invited to cheer on their children. Grades 5-8 have the opportunity to participate in athletic competitions with other schools in Paris and to travel to Switzerland for the RSHM Sports Festival where our students compete with other Marymount students from around the world.  

The Library provides a range of books and online resources to inspire a lifelong love of reading and to support the curriculum while helping students develop their information literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship skills. The Library also hosts various literary events and activities throughout the year including author visits and the annual Reading Week and Book Fair.  

Art

Students from grade 1 to grade 8 are enrolled in art classes where they are encouraged to think like artists. This includes observing, developing craft, stretching, exploring, engaging, and persisting. Students enjoy the beautiful open art studio which is filled with natural light from the glass roof. Children follow guided procedures introducing them to a wide world of art techniques and materials. Many art lessons focus on learning about artists and major French art movements that draw inspiration from the rich art history of Paris. Student artwork is displayed throughout the school making visual art an integral part of a Marymount education.