AIS follows the British National Curriculum complemented by a Steiner Waldorf perspective and Mindfulness practices. Its unique AIS Educational Model ensures that equal emphasis is placed on solid academic foundation, artistic expression and socio-emotional development. It is a place for children to be authentic; to be able to grow, develop and learn in a supportive and creative environment.
Our school is a learning community which is formed by our teachers, our students and their families. We hold parents meetings every month either as individual meetings with the class tutors or as a whole class. Our parents are invited into school regularly for fairs and celebrations and we encourage them to participate alongside us in their organisation. We have parents as class representatives who work together with us to ensure the smooth running of the school. Another popular event with our pupils are the family excursions, where we come together and enjoy walks into the surrounding countryside.
Children have the opportunity to learn in an outstanding natural setting where their day is intertwined with outdoor activities. Breathing in the fresh air and smell of Mediterranean pine trees with incredible sea and mountain views. AIS is a vibrant, multi-cultural and inclusive school where Individuals feel able to express themselves. We are a small friendly school. Individual care for each child is fundamental, and everyone – students, staff and parents know each other well.
| Number of students |
250 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
30 |
| Most common nationality |
Spanish |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
50:50 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish (Castellano), Valenciano, German |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
15 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Only in secondary classes for IT |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, we are able to use Google Classroom and Zoom as we did in 2020/21 |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE, A Levels |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
90% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
We are SEN registered should it be needed. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes, we have a psychologist at school |
| Entry evaluation for students |
We do an interview, then an assessment and exams to see what level the student is at in english and maths |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
An assessment in english and maths is done for new entries at secondary level |
| Waiting list |
In some classes yes. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
It is an ongoing registration. Parents that register before the end of March and make payment in full, may receive a discount on the fees. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:30 am |
| School finish time |
3:00 pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
No, we offer after school activities |
| School bus service available |
Yes we have a school bus that serves the towns of Javea, Moraira, Calpe, Villajoyosa and Alicante |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, we have a lunch service cooked and prepared on site through a trusted supplier. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
It is a vegetarian diet. |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Spanish
|
| Sports activities included |
They have PE and Games |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
No |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, Music Hall (Auditorium), Forest in the grounds, The School Allotment, Science Lab |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Basketball court, Volleyball court, Swimming Pool (Seasonal) |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
AIS is a privately owned British international school with its own Steiner-Waldorf inspired AIS Educational Model, dedicated to offering a unique learning experience.
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| Teaching approach of the school |
We celebrate our students’ individuality and encourage them to find their true selves through all our activities. We do not judge the students by their academic results, but rather foster their creativity whilst striving to prepare them academically for their IGCSE and A-level exams which they will need at a later date. We give great importance to the arts as well as other traditional academic subjects. Our school is a learning community which is formed by our teachers, our students and their families. We hold parents meetings every month either as individual meetings with the class tutors or as a whole class. Our parents are invited into school regularly for fairs and celebrations and we encourage them to participate alongside us in their organisation. A community market which is run by the parents is a new and successful initiative taking place at least twice per year. We have parents as class representatives who work together with us to ensure the smooth running of the school. Another popular event with our pupils are the family excursions, where we come together and enjoy walks into the surrounding countryside. |
In Primary, our offer at AIS is a rich balance of academics, art, music, drama, handwork and movement – a curriculum that is lively and current, designed to help form an understanding of the world and our relation to it.
Secondary education is based upon the British Curriculum complemented by a Steiner Waldorf perspective and Mindfulness practices. The Curriculum of Key Stages 3 and 4 culminates in the IGCSE exams at age 16.
Sixth form is the two years of academic study for children aged 16-18 in preparation for admission to university. Several subjects are studied in depth and students can make their preferred choices from a range of subjects. The assessment is through A-levels which are required for university entry and are the equivalent of the Spanish Bachillerato.
AIS International School moved to El Cautivador in 2016. The site was chosen for the ambience, the situation and its historic and spiritual heritage. These were considered the perfect ingredients for the physical space for AIS and the transformation into the school that it is today makes for one of the most unique and beautiful, yet wholly practical, schools you are likely to discover.
Altea International School is delighted that you’re considering our school for your child’s education. We are always available to answer questions about our school and the admissions process. Please feel free to contact us.
We are looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
