Summer program

Information about the KIST Summer Program 2021 will be available in spring 2021.

To assist families in planning ahead, the tentative dates for the next program are listed below.

  • Session 1: June 21–July 2, 2021
  • Session 2: August 2–13, 2021

What is the Summer Program?

KIST’s Summer Program, held during late June and early August each year, provides an opportunity for students to avoid summer slide and keep their academic skills sharp over the summer vacation. Whether for parents looking for fun and exciting learning opportunities for their Elementary School children during the summer months or Secondary students seeking to get a head start on the upcoming school year, KIST’s Summer Program offers something for everyone.

A range of courses is available for KIST students of all ages, and includes:

  • inquiry-based day camps for Elementary students designed to complement the regular PYP curriculum;
  • intensive mathematics and English language and literature courses for students who need to catch up on areas where they may need a little extra help to succeed or those who are looking to get a head start on the upcoming year; and
  • specialized courses for students to prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT.

What is the goal of the Summer Program?

As stated in the school’s vision, KIST “seeks for all learners to demonstrate excellence in academics and a commitment to making the world a better, more peaceful place.” In line with this vision, we aim to provide a high-quality education that challenges students to reach their full potential. In order to support students in this, we believe that it is our responsibility as a school to provide academic support systems that complement the regular curriculum so that students can achieve success both in their studies at school and as they continue their academic careers into tertiary education. The Summer Program is one of these support systems and provides the opportunity for students to focus on identified areas of need in an intensive manner throughout the day.


Who are the Summer Program instructors?

Summer Program courses are planned and designed by KIST academic coordinators and taught by KIST instructional staff, who have a strong familiarity with the students and the regular academic curriculum. This ensures that the Summer Program course syllabi are always constructed to support and enrich students’ learning during the school year and that the instructors are able to cater to the needs of the students in a way that will best complement their learning styles and enhance their academic abilities. Several KIST graduates, recruited for their strong performance during their time as students at KIST, also join the Summer Program instructional staff each year. These alumni have recent first-hand knowledge of the academic hurdles current students face, and are therefore able to teach the material in a highly relevant way, while also giving relatable advice regarding study habits, time management, and more.


Who can enroll in the Summer Program?

Summer Program courses are open to all KIST students of the appropriate grade level; however, spaces may be limited, so we encourage families to keep an eye out for announcements from the school regarding registration.

At the time of initial enrollment at KIST, new students may be informed that attendance at certain Summer Program courses is mandatory, either as a condition of enrollment or as a condition to enroll in certain classes, such as the higher levels of mathematics classes. In such cases, if the student fails to enroll in the required course/s, his or her enrollment at KIST may be revoked. Similarly, continuing students at all grade levels may be recommended or required to attend certain Summer Program courses if their academic performance indicates that they are not meeting grade-level expectations. In cases where students who are required to attend the Summer Program do not comply with this requirement, their failure to attend will be noted in their records and may be a deciding factor in whether or not they are permitted to progress to the next grade level or academic program in subsequent years.

In most years, the courses in KIST’s Summer Program are open only to current or incoming KIST students, or those who are currently on the waiting list. Any courses that are open to non-KIST students will be identified as such when course offerings are announced.


What is the registration process?

The registration process for the Summer Program is conducted electronically through an online system that opens each spring. KIST families are notified at the time registration opens through E-Communications. Please note that applying for the Summer Program does not automatically secure a place in the desired course. As availability is limited, priority is given to those recommended or required to attend.