At AIS kids come first. Students at AIS are the beneficiaries of an individualized education in which academic concepts are presented in a real world context.   Students develop depth of understanding around skills and concepts and know how these skills apply to the world around them. Real world problem solving, understanding multiple perspectives, and the ability to collaborate with a wide variety of people, are all a part of a child’s education at Ascend. At AIS we mentor children to ask the right questions, formulate answers using multiple approaches, critically evaluate information, and reflect on their learning process.

Though AIS is a new school, it's founders have rich history of supporting cultural and educational traditions.

The founders of AIS are part of an educational trust by the name of Kasegaon Education Society. Shri Rajarambapu Patil established KES in 1945. Founded in the heart of Maharashtra, the Society's programs have been created in order to bring educational and economic opportunities to rural communities. There are currently 39 schools and colleges in operation, which continue to enrich the lives of children and residents of small villages throughout the rural and tribal regions surrounding Mumbai.

Other social initiatives of the founders include: the Rajarambapu Co-Operative Sugar Factory, The Rajarambapu Co-Operative Milk Union, the Rajarambapu Co-Operative Bank and the Rajarambapu Group of Co-Operative Textile Industries.

Ascend International School is modeled after and inspired by University Child Development School in the United States. Established in 1911, University Child Development School (UCDS) is renowned for its leadership, cutting edge curriculum, research-based teaching methods and exceptional faculty. Beginning in 2008, the founders of AIS began to work in partnership with the faculty and leadership of University Child Development School. Their goal was to create a school that offered families living in Mumbai the type of education in which children's natural curiosity propels their learning and to design an environment in which skills and concepts are taught in an integrated context. With that in mind, they wanted to find an existing school to work beside that highlighted some specific traits: problem solving, collaboration, big ideas, generosity, high expectations and above all, a school where everyone had an enthusiasm for learning. This collaborative relationship continues to support the foundational teaching practices, philosophy and educational model of Ascend International School.

Per the IB and other international school calendars, the academic year begins in August and goes until June.

At full student capacity, AIS will serve 810 total students beginning at age 3 on up through the 12th grade.

For the 2012-2013 school year, we are accepting enrollments for pre-Kindergarten (nursery) through the 4th grades. We will grow the school by grade level every year thereafter.

In 2012-2013 we have limited our enrollments in order to get to know each child deeply and establish a relationship with families within the context of our new community.  As we introduce new children into our expanding community in subsequent years, it is a priority for us to maintain close relationships with each of our current students and families.

To enroll for the 2012-2013 school year, the youngest children must be at least three years old by August 31st, 2012 to begin the pre-kindergarten (half-day/nursery). To apply for Kindergarten I (Junior/Lower KG) children must be at least 4 years old by August 31st, 2012; for Kindergarten II (Senior KG), children must be 5 years old by August 31st, 2012 so on for subsequent grades.

Our goal in the admissions process is to get to know each family and learn as much as we can about each child. We have constructed our Admissions process very carefully to ensure we are able create a diverse community of learners each school year. We welcome you to contact our Admissions office learn more about us.022 7122 2000

Along with annual tuition, there is a one-time non-refundable Admission Fee and a Refundable Deposit which is returned once the child leaves the school.

Ascend International School draws upon the best practices of a wide variety of pedagogies to create consistently innovative curricula for each of the primary, middle and high school programs while considering the social, emotional and academic needs of the child at differing stages of development.

Assessment is thoughtfully built into every part of the curriculum at AIS.  Teachers use a variety of coaching techniques and performance based assessment tools as they work with students each day.  Teachers carefully observe a student’s approach to a problem, the methods and skills students use to solve a problem and how students adjust their strategies when asked guiding questions. Ongoing assessment through one-on-one student and teacher interaction is integral to constructing curriculum and developing teaching techniques that are responsive to the individual needs of students.

The formal reporting system consists of a narrative report and set of academic continua for each student. Narrative reports give parents a detailed picture of the way their child learns, collaborates, communicates and understands concepts and skills. Narrative reports are accompanied by a set of continua that outline the level of understanding that a student demonstrates for skills in reading, writing, mathematics and social/emotional domains. The continua give a measureable picture of each child's developmental progression and are tools for teachers to further individualize instruction by assessing students' current skill level in specific subject areas.

As an International School, we recognize that many of our students will have the opportunity to attend or arrive from different school structures. We take this reality as a responsibility and assure that our students have the academic skills to easily make this transition and that our teachers understand how to welcome and support new students. For students arriving to AIS, our individualized curriculum adds many layers of depth and support because teachers can assess where new students are academically and design curriculum around their skill set. When students depart from AIS and enter a new community, they take with them the confidence, reflective thinking skills, ability to self-advocate and deep academic skill set that they acquired at AIS.

While each child handles transition differently, the skills students acquire at AIS transfer to a wide array of school environments.

We value parents as partners in the whole development of their child. Teachers and administrators have an open door policy and welcome parents to communicate with us. At the Early Elementary (primary school students ages 3-5), parents are invited to bring their children to the classroom each morning at drop off and at all levels, parents take up volunteer positions for school events and activities, and share their professional expertise at times. Parents may also be invited to chaperone field trips.