Our Kindergarten programme, KG1 and KG2, follows the Alberta Education (Canadian) Curriculum through play-based learning. Children build early literacy, numeracy and social skills alongside Arabic, Islamic Studies and Moral Education, as required by ADEK, in a structured but playful environment led by Canadian-certified teachers.
The goal at this stage is confidence: children who are excited to come to school and ready for the structure of Grade 1. Our teachers actively model respect, patience and teamwork from the very first day, so character-building runs alongside the early academics rather than after it.
Why choose our Kindergarten programme
Two things matter most in the first years of school: that children want to be there, and that they arrive in Grade 1 ready to learn.
Play-based foundations
Early literacy and numeracy are taught through structured play, so children practise letters, numbers and listening without sitting still for a worksheet.
Ready for Grade 1
By the end of KG2 children can follow a routine, work in a group and hold a pencil with control, which is what Grade 1 asks of them from the first week.
Kindergarten programme highlights
What a week in KG1 and KG2 actually looks like.
Play, story and song in every day
Canadian-certified early years teachers
Programme benefits
What families tell us their children take home from the Kindergarten years.
Learning through play
Structured play builds early literacy, numeracy and curiosity.
- Play-based Alberta programme
- Small-group teaching
A settled start
Familiar routines and a calm classroom help new children feel safe.
- Gentle settling-in period
- Daily routines and structure
Talking and sharing
Children learn to listen, take turns and put their ideas into words.
- Circle time and storytelling
- Cooperative play
Frequently asked questions
Maplewood Canadian International School follows the Alberta Education (Canadian) Curriculum from Nursery to Grade 12, taught by Canadian-certified teachers. Alongside it, every student studies Arabic, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and UAE Social Studies as required by ADEK, plus Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Career & Technology Studies and Fine Arts.
We accept students from KG1 through to Grade 12. For younger children, our sister nurseries take babies and toddlers from 45 days old and progress straight into KG1 at Maplewood Canadian International School.
The official school uniform is worn for all regular classes, with a separate P.E. uniform for physical education. Grades K-6 may wear P.E. kit all day on their timetabled day; Grades 7 to 12 change for each gym class. On theme or free-dress days, modest and culturally appropriate attire is still required. A uniform shop operates on site with flexible opening hours.
Students in Grades 1 to 9 sit MAP assessments each October and May, Grade 3 begins with Student Learning Assessments, Grades 6 and 9 sit Provincial Achievement Tests, and Grade 12 sits Alberta Diploma Exams. Written reports covering academic performance, behaviour and social development are issued at regular intervals.
Yes. School transport is available to all students including KG1 and KG2, one-way or two-way, operated by a dedicated transport team under Department of Transport regulations. Complete the transportation form during admissions.
Yes. Our After School Care Programme lets KG1 and KG2 students stay until the Grades 1 to 12 dismissal time. It is deliberately non-academic, arts and crafts, storytime, music and movement, outdoor play and free play, supervised by our experienced staff.
Ready to apply? The KG1 admissions page has the 2026-2027 age rule, the documents and what a KG1 day looks like.