Choosing the right private school for a child in grades 5–9 determines not only the quality of education, but also the confidence with which they enter secondary school. This material will help parents understand which grade is suitable for admission, how the stages of education differ, and what to look for when choosing an international or private school.

Year 7 — transition from primary school

Year 7 pupils encounter a new system: several teachers, more subjects, new requirements. Private schools help reduce stress through adaptation programmes and individual support.

Year 8 — developing independent learning skills

This is the period when students develop a consistent learning rhythm. Private schools focus on developing self-regulation skills, information processing, and motivation.

Year 9 — expansion of subjects and interests

In-depth courses, projects, first specialisations. International schools add subjects in English and project-based research.

Year 10 — choice of specialisation and preparation for the OGE

The number of subjects studied is narrowed down in favour of each child's interests. Subjects are studied in greater depth. Private schools often introduce additional classes and individualised training plans.

Year 11 — exams and transition to secondary school

Focus on preparing for the OGE, choosing a specialisation for Years 10–11 or international programmes (e.g. IGCSE).

What does the private school offer at each stage?

Year 5: gentle adaptation

∙ support from a tutor,

∙ planning skills,

∙ identifying strengths,

∙ introduction to project work.

At CIS, Year 5 students begin the year with an adaptation week: lessons are held in a relaxed mode, team building activities, campus quests, and master classes from the class tutor are conducted. This helps to relieve anxiety and safely get acquainted with the new system of classrooms and subject teachers.

Year 6: building a foundation for learning

∙ Deepening knowledge in key subjects

∙ Developing independence

∙ First electives, choosing 3-4 subjects for in-depth study

Year 6 students at CIS complete their first Research Mini Project — a short research paper in English (3–5 pages) with a presentation. This helps them learn how to search for information, format references, and speak confidently in front of the class.

Year 7: extended programmes

∙ additional clubs and sections,

∙ subject projects,

∙ development of research skills.

In Year 7, CIS students complete an interdisciplinary project: for example, ‘How does the city of the future work?’ combining physics, geography and computer science. The result is a presentation in English.

Year 8: exam and profile preparation

∙ advice on choosing a direction,

∙ mock exams,

∙ intensive classes in mathematics, Russian and English.

CIS introduces weekly written assignments in English and Russian: essays, analytical notes, mini-research projects. This prepares students for the exam format and teaches them to structure their thoughts.

Year 9: academic focus

∙ preparation for the Unified State Exam,

∙ individual programmes,

∙ assistance in transitioning to secondary school, including international programmes.

At CIS, students compile an academic portfolio: projects, achievements, Cambridge English certificates, and competition results. The portfolio is used to select a profile, apply to secondary school, and apply for the first international programmes.

Advantages of private schools specifically for grades 5–9

Small classes (15–18 students on average)

Teachers can monitor each child's progress and adjust their academic trajectory in a timely manner.

Individual learning paths

Advanced courses for strong students and extra lessons for those who need support.

Development of 21st century skills

Communication, critical thinking, teamwork — in private schools, these skills are built into the learning process.

A well-thought-out exam preparation system

In grades 8–9, students prepare in advance, without stress or overload.

Specialised education and flexible schedule

The school helps students choose a direction: humanities, technical, international, or mixed.

How to enrol in a private school (grades 5–9)

Submit an application on the school's website or by phone.
Testing — assessment of proficiency in core subjects.
Interview — conversation with the child and parents.
Submission of documents: parent's passport, birth certificate, medical documents, previous grades.
Receipt of the school's decision.

The timing depends on the grade: enrolment in grades 5–6 is more flexible, while enrolment in grades 8–9 is often done in advance.

How to compare different schools and choose the right class

Checklist for parents

∙ Quality of educational programmes

∙ Qualifications of teachers

∙ Student results

∙ Language of instruction and availability of international courses

∙ Infrastructure (laboratories, sports areas)

∙ Cost and additional services,

∙ Schedule and logistics (travel, employment),

∙ Level of support during the adaptation period.

Choosing a private school for grades 5–9 is a decision that determines not only the academic path but also the emotional well-being of the child. It is important to compare programmes, visit the campus and ask questions to the teachers. International schools, such as CIS, create an environment in which students grow confidently, develop their abilities and calmly prepare for secondary school.

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