Henderson International School Viewbook

Different is what we do best.

Henderson International School develops inquisitive, lifelong learners prepared to think

critically, work collaboratively and give of themselves generously, as they lead the next

generation into a rapidly-changing world.

Welcome to H e n d e r S o n I n t e r n a t I o n a l S c H o o l

What makes us Different? Henderson International School (HIS) combines a traditional college preparatory education

experience with the progressive ideas and practices necessary to prepare students for the global

challenges of the 21st century. our expanded curriculum creates international connections for

our students and provides a world-class education.

Families sense a warm and positive energy when they visit. They experience collaboration and

community here, from our preschool through 8th grade. There’s a commitment to the whole

child, to honor and celebrate student achievement not only in academics but also in community

service, athletics, arts and citizenship.

our mission

henDersonI n t e r n a t Io n a l b e c au S e…

• You want curriculum and instruction

that goes beyond traditional learning and

develops critical thinking.

• You want a personalized learning plan

that is individualized for your child’s

abilities, interests and strengths.

• You want a school community that

recognizes and respects cultural diversity

and service to the community, and that

encourages parental involvement.

• You want choices in enrichment

programs like dance, drama, music

and fine arts.

• You want your child to travel and study

abroad in partnership with other Meritas

International Schools.

acaDemics I enjoy teaching at Henderson International School because I have the freedom to go beyond the standard middle school Spanish curriculum and introduce my students to a world of storytelling, story writing and novel reading in Spanish.

Henderson parents entrust us to provide the best education possible for their children, and to engender a strong sense of self in the community. In support of these reasons and more, we’re regularly asking ourselves how every aspect of our students’ school experience is meeting our family partnership goals. We are always looking for even better ways to educate each student.

– Rikki Martin, middle school Spanish teacher

– Seth Ahlborn, Headmaster

critical thinking. Whether our students are learning geometry or how to play a team sport, we

inspire them to ask thoughtful questions, use high-order reasoning and solve

problems creatively. critical thinking involves broad, in-depth analysis of

evidence to make decisions and communicate one’s beliefs clearly and accurately.

Personal learning Plans. through small, differentiated groups and one-on-one instruction geared

to each student’s interests, academic needs and learning styles, we develop

our students into confident, well-rounded and knowledgeable young adults

prepared for success at their high school of choice and in today’s highly

competitive global economy.

measured achievements.

using the most sophisticated methods of monitoring and measuring

student progress, we constantly assess what’s being learned in our

classrooms and hold ourselves accountable for each student’s academic

growth and ongoing progress.

Differentiated instruction.

We focus on teaching to each child’s interest and ability level every day and in

every lesson, ensuring students are mastering skills and concepts.

our aPProach

acaDemic d i f f e r e n c e

measured Writing mastery. Writing is a critical thinking exercise. language and thought are so intimately

connected that it is impossible to imagine one without the other. Writing

mastery is also fundamental to success in college and in many careers. For all

these reasons, Henderson International School students are expected to write

for every class, every day.

student-led, Parent-teacher conferences. all of our teachers meet with you and your child three times a year to review

your child’s progress against his or her Personal learning Plan (PlP). research

indicates that students who feel engaged in their education enjoy school more

and outperform their peers. Students, aided by their teachers, present their

school work portfolios and review their progress against their PlPs and they

suggest changes, as needed.

Depth and Breadth of offerings. Henderson International School offers students the best of independent school

education. We provide a challenging curriculum at all levels, with dynamic

programs in both fine arts and athletics that enhance the learning experience.

our students have ample opportunities to develop their skills, talents and

passions both in and out of the classroom. Whether on the stage, the playing

field or in the laboratory, HIS students are encouraged to take risks, broaden

their interests and expand their academic outlook.

touchPoints

ten schools. four countries. one classroom. a world of problems solved. Imagine students thousands of miles apart working

face-to-face to tackle giant global issues like deforestation, poverty and climate

change. that’s the whole idea behind touchpoints, the unique, yearlong learning

experience for 2nd through 8th grades. under teacher guidance and with ongoing

parent engagement, HIS students collaborate with peers from other Meritas

schools. together they research a global issue, post questions, findings, solutions

and ideas using collaborative technology tools. the program culminates with a

videoconference debate or presentation between paired classes.

GraDe 2 c l I M at e c H a n g e

GraDe 3 d e F o r e Stat I o n

GraDe 4 F o o d

GraDe 5 P o v e rt Y

GraDe 6 e d u c at I o n

GraDe 7 d I S e a S e & d I S a St e r S

GraDe 8 g l o b a l I S S u e S

a community of thoughtful educators our highly qualified teachers approach their respective subjects with

expertise and innovation and use a variety of strategies, tools and methods

to engage students in the learning process. We provide professional

development opportunities for our teachers to expand their capabilities

through the Meritas teachers college and other programs. a collaborative

and resource-rich environment allows teachers to excel professionally and

provide personalized instruction for each student.

Partnering with Parents our faculty is committed to making sure parents know that we are their

partners in the journey of raising and educating their children. like our

parents, our teachers value the community-oriented feel of our school. Many

faculty members are also HIS parents who know firsthand that our caring and

nurturing environment enables all children to grow and thrive

our faculty

I am truly grateful to experience a school community as close knit and nurturing as Henderson International School. Staff, faculty and parents have each and every student’s best interest at hand. Henderson International School has always been, and will always be, an extension of our family.

– Joyce Maalouf, parent

I became a teacher because I wanted to instill a love of learning and teach students that

learning can be both fun and valuable. My favorite thing about Henderson International is that our

classes are small and I can get to know each child individually. We become a family during the school

year and I love that I continue to be close with past students. I also love that Henderson International

educates the whole person, valuing experiences in the arts, athletics, service, and academics equally.– Riki Seybert, teacher

the community our program stimulates and challenges young minds. every student is unique and that uniqueness is a gift to be nurtured for confidence and creative success in a supportive learning environment.

– Annette Sooper, Early Childhood Director

the community early c h i l d h o o d

Henderson International School offers a preschool (3 years old) and

prekindergarten (4 years old) program that strives to encourage

confidence, creativity and love of learning! our teachers nurture

and enrich a student’s academic, social, emotional and physical

growth. The academically-challenging program focuses on critical

thinking skills and hands-on, fun experiences. The curriculum

integrates weekly themes that develop learning skills in fundamental

courses such as reading, mathematics, science and social studies.

We believe in developing the whole child. Therefore your student

will take courses in technology (computers and iPads), fine arts and

music, and Spanish and library. art, physical education and daily

playground time help further develop fine and gross motor skills.

The teachers celebrate each student’s achievements to develop

growth and learning in a strong, supportive family environment,

teaching self-esteem and self-help skills.

loWer schoolHenderson International School provides students with rich opportunities for intellectual, emotional and social growth. We emphasize hands-on exploration in a fun, stimulating environment that is both challenging and supportive. We nurture natural curiosity by encouraging students to ask meaningful questions and discover answers. In this way, they strengthen critical thinking skills and develop higher order reasoning skills.

all told, it’s a vibrant combination that promotes growth, encourages learning and feels like family. our lower school curriculum is focused on educating the whole child. ensuring proficiency in reading, science and math is paramount. our lower school program also offers Spanish, social studies, physical education, art, music and technology. our goal is for our young students to become independent thinkers and confident decision-makers who are excited to learn.

i love coming to school everyday. i get a great education from my teachers and have so much fun!– Claire, lower school student

miDDle schoolPreParinG tomorroW’s leaDersour middle school is an inspiring learning environment focused on the academic, social and emotional needs of children in grades 5-8.

Students enter the 5th grade as children, but we work together to help them become responsible young adolescents. ours is a personal, nurturing environment that provides students with the relationships and resources they need to thrive. our teachers are not only instructors, they are trusted advisors who monitor and care for students.

today’s world requires critical thinkers and problem solvers. Thus, the middle school program of study focuses on propelling our students to a higher level, engaging them in integrated studies that encourage independent thought and application of learning. Such a program prepares our middle school students for high school, college, and life, while helping them discover their true potential as they cultivate their identities.

We also emphasize character development and promote personal growth. under the instruction of skilled teachers, students define and strengthen individual interests and master the knowledge and skills required by a vigorous curriculum.

Henderson International School students are high-performers, continuing to grow academically each year at our school because of our nurturing environment. each and every student receives the highest quality education because as teachers we provide individual learning plans and maintain high expectations of our students. In an ever-growing world of technology, Henderson International School provides its students and teachers with leading edge technology not only within its computer lab but within classrooms. being employed at Henderson International School allows me to not only reach my students in a personal manner, but also provides all necessary learning tools.

– Heather McDonald, lower school teacher

Go WolVerines

What I like most about working with the athletic department at Henderson International is the small class sizes. This allows us to give more individual coaching so we can focus on details and fundamentals. our facility is second to none with our all-turf field featuring our high school level softball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and football fields. We also have an indoor gymnasium, outdoor sportcourt and swimming pool. The kids here are hardworking and excel in the classroom as well as on the playing field. I can think of no other place I’d rather work.

– Andy Corridori, PE teacher and coach

Henderson International promotes healthy minds and bodies through physical

education. our interscholastic athletic program provides students with opportunities

to develop physically, mentally and emotionally, and it uses athletics as a vehicle to

reinforce essential life skills.

The Henderson International Fine arts experience is an essential component of

our educational philosophy. We believe that the creativity and multidimensional

thinking developed through the disciplined study of instrumental music are

vital to the acquisition of these necessary skills. HIS students are exposed to a

multitude of opportunities that foster self-discovery and self-confidence.

Through music, visual arts, dance and drama, the Henderson International Fine

arts department focuses on the aesthetics and the cognitive mechanics of various

genres. The blend of these approaches instills creative and critical thinking.

building upon an introduction to music and strings in preschool and

kindergarten, 1st to 3rd graders will learn general music theory and history

through hands-on experience with age-appropriate, custom-sized violins.

beginning in 4th grade, students can choose their fine arts focus.

fine arts

learninG violin is fun. – Beau, lower school student

Henderson International School provides students with the opportunity to learn at their own pace, to experience the arts and sports. classes are taught by nurturing and caring teachers, who make learning fun. This is the kind of school I would have loved for my own daughters to have attended.

– Debbie Levy, lower school art teacher

the 14-acre campus includes a full-size indoor gymnasium, football/soccer field, baseball/softball diamonds, heated swimming pool, outdoor sport court and playground areas. academic facilities include separate middle school and lower school buildings, band room, violin room, two science labs, two art studios, a Mac lab and a roaming computer lab.

facilities

science laBs

every day I watch students examine new things and delight in the knowledge of what is waiting for them. I’ve watched children in awe of what lies under a ladybug’s spots, inside a leaf, discovering that microbes silently swim in a pond or amazed at the beauty of all the things that live under a rock. I delight every day in the sights that prove teachers cannot really teach a child the way things work. They must inspire the child to find it within themselves and discover it!

– Jill Brown, lower school science teacher

Students learn using a hands-on approach called scientific inquiry and are

guided to record and understand quantitative data. The instruction covers

earth, life, physical science and astronomy. Students learn to use graduated

cylinders, beakers and become familiarized with the International System

of units. They eventually advance to cover topics such as surface tension,

plot averages, basic chemistry, viscosity and pH levels. The curriculum

allows teachers to instruct at the pace of the student. The goal of the science

curriculum is to encourage excitement about the world in which we live.

think locally…

affect GloBally

community service is an integral part of

student life at Henderson International

School. Through personal interactions

and projects, students develop a sense of

responsibility for their school community,

their surrounding neighborhood and the

entire world. community service begins

in preschool and is developmentally

appropriate throughout 8th grade. our

students and families participate with

numerous local organizations including,

adopt-a-School, variety early learning

center, communities in Schools,

terracycle and Jump rope for Heart.

our teachers are the heart of our school. Henderson

International School has teachers who care about every

single student and see their potential for greatness.

our goal is not just to teach or give them knowledge,

but our goal is to make sure every child is valued, loved

and is given a sense of pride. We want our children to

be successful and believe in themselves. We also create

classrooms that are safe, and every student has the

ability to express themselves and not be threatened.

Kindness is always our rule. our students discover the

joy of learning something new. From there, they begin

to see everything they can accomplish. The hearts of our

teachers enable our students to become more than they

have ever imagined.

– Heather Berg, middle school teacher

i like going to henderson international school because the teachers and friends that i make are like

family! – Kaitlyn,

middle school student

the meritas aDVantaGeMeritas schools are a worldwide family of exceptional college preparatory schools committed to igniting students’ full potential.

With a network of top schools in the americas, europe and asia, Meritas provides students with a unique college preparatory experience.

Meritas schools share a commitment to delivering the highest-quality academic experience. each school believes that a personalized education focused on critical thinking best prepares students for success in college and in life.

exPanDeD offerinGs• curriculum developed from a global perspective

• meritas academic olympics – international

academic competition

• meritas Games – athletic tournaments involving

teams from all meritas schools

• meritas fine arts festivals – musical and theatrical

performances, art exhibitions and fine arts festivals

• Videoconferencing with classmates from around the world

• summer vacation and school holiday opportunities

• international exchange programs

i enjoy my specials! i never had these great classes at my other schools.

– Claire, lower school student

When considering a school for our daughters six years ago, the quality of the education was the primary concern for my partner and me as parents. but for our family, of equal importance was the sense of community and a welcoming environment. With Henderson International School, we had a feeling of inclusion from the day we stepped on campus. this is the environment we want for our children.

– John Pinocci, parent

The Henderson International School campus is nestled at the hillside crossroads of

Sandy ridge avenue and Summit grove drive. visitors will enter the administrative

office from the parking area on the south end of the campus, off of Summit grove drive.

Visit us1165 sandy ridge avenue henderson, nV 89052

702.818.2100 | hendersonschool.com

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