Back to School: Important Updates for the 2025–2026 School Year

As we wrap up the summer break, Stepping Stone International Academy (SIA) looks forward to welcoming students and families to a brand-new academic year beginning Monday, August 4. May this school year begin with renewed hope and unity.

Key Announcements:

• English Only Policy: To strengthen language skills, SIA will strictly enforce its English Only Policy. Students are expected to speak English on campus at all times.

• Grade Structure Update: To better align with the American academic system, SIA is restructuring its grade levels as follows:

  • Kindergarten: Nursery & K1 (Preparatory), K2 (Start of academic learning)

  • Elementary School: Grades 1–5

  • Middle School: Grades 6–8

  • High School: Grades 9 (Freshman) to 12 (Senior)

  This alignment reflects our U.S.-based curriculum (SOT/ACE) and ensures consistency in academic tracking.

• Department Leadership: SIA’s academic departments will now function independently, each led by a designated Head Teacher:

  • Kindergarten: Ms. Heather Espelico

  • Elementary School: Mrs. Chanran Seoun

  • Middle School: Ms. Amy Morales

  • High School: Mr. Jef Espelico

• New Family Orientation: Families new to SIA are invited to attend the New Family Orientation on August 1 at 4:00 PM. This session will cover curriculum overviews, key guidelines, and important department-specific information. Returning families may review the latest announcements and updated handbooks instead.

• Fee Policy Change: Starting this school year, the administration fee applies only to the first and second child. The third child and beyond are exempt. For families who have already paid for a third child, the same amount will be credited toward tuition.

• Student Dress Code: SIA emphasizes the importance of neat appearance as a reflection of student discipline and mindset. All students are expected to wear the proper uniform with care, maintain clean grooming, and adhere to hairstyle guidelines. Improper footwear such as sandals, slippers, or stepped-down sneakers, is not permitted, and students arriving in these may be sent home to change. We appreciate parents' continued cooperation in helping students meet the school’s dress code standards

• Academic Calendar Now Available: The official 2025–2026 Academic Calendar is now available and includes key dates, events, and holidays. We encourage all families to review it and stay informed throughout the year.

As we prepare to welcome students back on Monday, August 4, we look forward to another year of meaningful learning, growth, and partnership. Thank you for your continued trust in SIA. Together, let’s make this school year a truly fruitful one.

— Stepping Stone International Academy Administration