ICS Lima is a community of students parents and Christian educators, working together to instill in each student a passion for Truth, a commitment to excellence and an appreciation for diversity.
What can you tell us about educational functioning (certifications, teacher evaluation, educational audit, etc.)?
The most important factors that make our educational operations successful are: (1) Our Accreditation & Peruvian Licensure, (2) Our Affiliation with the NICS Network, (3) Our Teacher Qualifications, (4) Our Professional Development, and (5) Our Academic Curriculum.
First, ISC-Lima is accredited by two USA-based accrediting agencies called ACSI and MSA-CESS. What this means is the ICS-Lima is required to report to these agencies information with evidence about all aspects of our school operations. If our services and operations meet their expectations, our school is awarded their approval (or accreditation).
Second, ICS-Lima is not a stand alone school. For nearly 25 years, we have partnered with the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) to ensure we have support and accountability from outside our school and organization.. NICS supports ICS-Lima with teacher/staff recruitment, leadership accountability, member care and educational resources.
Third, ICS-Lima has a high standard for hiring teachers. In alignment with Peruvian policies, we require all of our teachers to have a teaching license. However, what sets our staff apart is that we also require our teachers to have an evident Christian testimony and strong calling to international Christian education.
Fourth, ICS-Lima works hard to ensure that our teachers and staff are continually growing. The first component is that of observations and evaluations each year for each teacher, in which their supervisor completes observations and evaluates the teacher’s effectiveness. The second component is that of self-assessment and goal setting for each teacher, in which each teacher must identify areas of improvement and show progress towards improving them. The third component is that of a curriculum portfolio, in which the teachers need to provide information and evidence of the curriculum they have taught.
Fifth is our academic curriculum. Each year, ICS-Lima purchases the most up-to-date curriculum (textbooks, assessments, etc) from producers in the USA that are aligned with academic standards from the USA. At the end of each year, our teachers are asked to review the effectiveness of the curriculum to determine if we should continue with it or pursue another more effective option.
How has your institution incorporated digital and virtual tools into its post-pandemic teaching system?
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our educational institution has significantly transformed its teaching systems by incorporating digital and virtual tools. The transition to remote and hybrid learning models has driven the adoption of various technologies and instructional strategies.
First, there has been a significant expansion of professional training to empower our educators with the skills necessary to successfully navigate digital platforms. Our educators use multimedia content, interactive simulations, and online assessments to improve student engagement and understanding.
Second, ICS-Lima also emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of community and interaction among students. Virtual events, discussion forums, and collaborative projects allow our students to connect with their peers and teachers, counteracting the disconnection inherent in distance learning.
Third, formative and summative assessments have been adapted to the digital environment, allowing for faster and more effective feedback. Flexibility and accessibility are now fundamental pillars in our post-pandemic education program, with each teacher taking a more holistic approach to ensure a comprehensive and enriching educational experience in the digital world.
What is the process for school admissions like?
The admission process is a multi-step procedure with the goal of the prospective student becoming an integral part of a great school. Here is a detailed look into each step:
1. VISIT, TOUR & SHADOWING: Parents can ask for a visit or tour of the school before applying to the school, which will allow them to see the classes and gain a good understanding of the school environment. Additionally, prospective students are welcome to attend a day of school to meet teachers and other students.
2. APPLICATION: This is actually the first phase of the admission process. The application forms for school admission requests information about the prospective student and the parents, and has to be filled in genuinely and transparently for a future cordial relationship with the school. An application fee is required in this step.
3. INTERVIEW: The interview step is common practice for any international school around the world. This is the stage where the admissions liaison and school administration come to know about the character and aptitudes of a prospective student.
4. ENTRANCE TESTS: Once a student completes the interview phase, standardized tests are also conducted for students depending upon their age groups and grades they apply for. The results of the entrance tests help the school administration determine the best placement and support for the prospective student.
5. ACCEPTANCE: This is the final phase of the admission process. Even after receiving the letter of acceptance from the school, it is up to the parents or students to make the final decision of whether to join the school or not. Once the letter of invitation gets accepted by the prospective student along with the approval of their guardians, the enrollment process begins.