Preparing Students for a Connected World

At Spokane International Academy, global learning is woven into the student experience from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Our goal is to help students develop curiosity, empathy, cultural understanding, and the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

 

Our Goal

 

At Spokane International Academy, we believe students should graduate not only academically prepared, but also equipped to understand diverse perspectives, engage thoughtfully with complex challenges, and contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.

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Primary Academy (Kindergarten–5th Grade)

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In the Primary Academy, each grade level explores a specific region of the world throughout the school year. Students learn about the geography, history, cultures, languages, traditions, literature, and daily lives of people within their assigned region. These studies help students appreciate diverse perspectives while recognizing our shared humanity.

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Regions of Study

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• Kindergarten: North & Central America

• 1st Grade: South America

• 2nd Grade: Asia

• 3rd Grade: Oceania

• 4th Grade: Africa

• 5th Grade: Europe

Through literature, art, music, science, social studies, and classroom projects, students make meaningful connections between their own lives and communities around the world.

 

Middle Academy (6th–8th Grade)

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As students enter Middle Academy, global learning expands beyond a single geographic region through a dedicated Global Perspectives course.

Students investigate complex local and global issues while learning to think critically, evaluate multiple viewpoints, and develop informed perspectives. Rather than simply learning about the world, students are challenged to consider how they can positively impact it.

Topics explored may include:

• Human rights and civil rights

• Global cultures and religions

• Government and political systems

• Environmental sustainability

• Economic systems

• Migration and refugee experiences

• Media literacy and propaganda

• Identity, culture, and belonging

• Social entrepreneurship

• Global citizenship

To explore these topics authentically, students engage with a wide variety of texts, multimedia resources, primary sources, guest speakers, and real-world experiences.

 

Grade-Level Experiences

 

6th Grade

Students engage in an in-depth study of civil rights movements, examining historical events while making connections to current issues and civic responsibility.

7th Grade

Students explore the experiences of refugees through literature, firsthand accounts, guest speakers, research, and participation in Model United Nations, where they practice diplomacy, collaboration, and global problem-solving.

8th Grade

Every student completes a capstone Community Project aligned with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Spokane's Sustainable Action Plan, identifying a local issue and designing meaningful solutions that create positive community impact.

 

Learning Through Authentic Experiences

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Students explore global perspectives using a rich variety of resources, including:

• Novels and informational texts

• Primary source documents

• Junior Scholastic Magazine

• Learning for Justice

• Participate Learning resources

• TED Talks and educational videos

• Kiva.org

• Local publications such as The Black Lens

• Documentary and feature films

• Guest speakers, including:

  • International university students

  • Refugees

  • Religious leaders

  • Community members

  • Local authors

  • SIA families sharing their careers, cultures, and travel experiences

These experiences help students connect classroom learning to the real world while developing empathy, critical thinking, and informed global citizenship.

 

High School (9th–12th Grade)

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As students enter high school, global competence becomes increasingly authentic, applied, and career-connected. Students deepen their understanding of global issues through Advanced Placement coursework, internships, service learning, community partnerships, and real-world experiences that prepare them to make meaningful contributions in college, careers, and their communities.

 

9th Grade: AP Human Geography

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Students explore how humans have understood, used, and transformed Earth's surface over time. Using the tools and thinking processes of geographers, students investigate patterns of human settlement, migration, culture, political systems, and economic development while examining how geography influences societies around the world.

Topics of Study Include:

• Population and migration

• Cultural patterns and identity

• Political geography

• Agriculture and rural land use

• Cities and urban development

• Industrialization and economic systems

Students learn to analyze current global issues through geographic thinking and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of people, places, and cultures.

 

10th Grade: AP Environmental Science

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Students investigate the relationships between humans and the natural world while examining today's most pressing environmental challenges. Through laboratory investigations, field studies, and data analysis, students explore scientific solutions to local and global environmental issues.

Topics of Study Include:

• Ecosystems and biodiversity

• Population ecology

• Earth systems and natural resources

• Land and water use

• Energy resources and sustainability

• Atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial pollution

• Climate change and global environmental systems

Students are encouraged to think critically about environmental stewardship and the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future.

Community Partnerships have included:

• Generation Alive

• World Relief Spokane

 

11th Grade: Internship Experience

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During their junior year, students participate in internships and career-connected learning experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. Working alongside professionals and community organizations, students develop workplace skills while exploring careers that contribute to their local and global communities.

These experiences foster professionalism, collaboration, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of how individuals can create positive change through their work.

 

12th Grade: Senior Capstone & Global Leadership

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As seniors prepare for life after graduation, students demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and habits of globally competent citizens through leadership opportunities, advanced coursework, service learning, and postsecondary planning.

Students are challenged to apply what they have learned throughout their K–12 journey by thinking critically, communicating effectively, collaborating with others, and taking meaningful action to address real-world challenges.

 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

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Throughout high school, students have opportunities to build global competence through experiences such as:

• Advanced Placement (AP) coursework

• Career-connected internships

• Community partnerships

• Service-learning projects

• Guest speakers and industry professionals

• College and career exploration

• Field studies

• Leadership opportunities

• Civic engagement

• International and cross-cultural learning experiences

By graduation, Spokane International Academy students are prepared not only for success in college and careers but also to become informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens who are ready to make a positive impact in an interconnected world.