Student Support
We believe every student belongs and deserves to feel that way.
We want every student to feel challenged and inspired, without being overwhelmed. This is why we ensure they have access to support and additional services to help them get the most out of their school experience.
Our Philosophy
Our student body is intentionally diverse. We value diversity and a plurality of voices – including neurodiversity and linguistic diversity – and know our school is better for it. We understand that thoughtful, proactive planning is required to ensure that everyone is supported and feels that they belong, so we have support systems and services that aim to meet the needs of students of all ages.
At the heart of our support model is a multi-level system that centers on student agency and self-awareness. We have three levels of instruction that provide the appropriate level of challenge and support for each student. We aim to cultivate expert, lifelong learners and our support model reflects this.
Level One Instruction
ZIS classrooms and curriculum are designed with all learners in mind and this responsibility is shared across our faculty. Teachers regularly reflect on best practices as they support all learners, receiving guidance and support from our English as an Additional Language teachers, Learning Support teachers, Counselors and Instructional Coaches.
Level Two Instruction
For some students, short- or medium-term interventions may be required to enhance an academic skill, address a specific gap in knowledge, or guide a student’s social and emotional development. Members of our Student Support team regularly meet to discuss the needs of individual students and collaborate with families to design short-term supports for their children.
Level Three Instruction
Level three instruction includes longer-term services in language acquisition and academic support. Students receiving these services either have a diagnosis from a medical professional or limited English proficiency.
English as an Additional Language
We are a proudly diverse school, home to people of over 50 nationalities and languages. To support this diversity, we offer an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support students in acquiring the English language skills needed to engage with classroom content/curriculum.
Proficiency in English is crucial to ensure that every student maximizes their educational experience. New applicants to the Middle and Upper Schools (Grades 6-12) may be asked to complete a placement assessment to gauge their language level.
In the Lower School, EAL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to create a support plan for beginner and intermediate language learners. At the secondary level, separate EAL classes are available if required, which can replace or supplement mainstream English classes.
Learning Support
Learning Support at ZIS celebrates the neurodiversity within our community and collaborates with the broader school community to support and empower self-aware, self-directed learners.
Learning Support teachers provide developmentally appropriate services, which may include delivering specific and targeted instruction or supporting a student’s executive functioning. They collaborate with faculty and families to best support specific student learning needs.
To learn more about Learning Support service delivery at each division, visit the respective division’s curriculum page.
Individualized Learning Provision (ILP)
We offer Individualized Learning Provision (ILP) at an additional cost to International Pathway students who require a program tailored to their needs.
To discuss your child's needs, please contact our Admissions Team.
Counseling
Our counselors support students with academic, social and emotional issues and can refer and connect families to outside support. They also help students develop the skills they need to optimize their well-being, happiness and learning.
To learn more about counseling services at ZIS, please visit our counseling page.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Students with a diagnosed learning, attention or mental health disorder, or physical/medical disability are eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Eligibility for an IEP requires a formal evaluation from a qualified professional and a diagnosis. Re-evaluations are expected every three years.
The IEP includes the student's diagnosis, strengths, challenges, classroom accommodations, testing accommodations and goals.
All students with an IEP have a case manager who collaborates with the student and family to ensure documentation is up-to-date and that internal or external support services are in place.
Speech and Language Therapy
Our speech-language pathologists and therapists identify, evaluate and treat a range of speech, language and communication difficulties. They work with students of all ages and their services are available on all school campuses.
At ZIS, speech and language therapists emphasize close collaboration among parents, teachers, learning support and other professionals.
Speech and Language therapy is provided in English and incurs an additional cost for families.
Health Services
We have specialized nurses on each campus to support students and staff throughout the school day. The campus nurses can also provide information about local healthcare specialists.
Other Services
We also partner with service providers in our local community. The following services are provided externally and require additional fees:
- Professional Assessments: neuropsychological, developmental and educational
- Occupational Therapy
- Social and Emotional Support
- Psychiatry
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