A Mosaic of Cultures United in Education –

In the vibrant heart of Ulaanbaatar, the Canadian School of Ulaanbaatar (CSU) has emerged as a model of global-minded, culturally rooted learning. In under three years, the school has cultivated a joyful, inclusive learning environment that honors Mongolian cultural values while encouraging academic exploration through a global lens.

The Lower Primary section, led by Head of Lower Primary, Richard Leak, exemplifies this mission. Backed by a diverse team of educators from North America and Canada, CSU’s youngest learners are nurtured to become “independent thinkers and global citizens.

Harnessing EdTech for Holistic Development

To match their bold academic vision with operational strength, CSU turned to Alma’s modern Student Information System. With the leadership of Craig Draper-Johnson, Solongo Damchaabadga, and Dr. Andre Dyer, Alma was integrated into the daily life of the Lower Primary classrooms – streamlining administrative workflows and amplifying academic oversight.

“Alma, a comprehensive Student Information System (SIS), streamlines both administrative and academic processes.” From managing attendance and grading to parent communication and performance tracking, Alma has helped CSU establish systems that support both student success and educator collaboration.

First-grade teachers Yolanda and Janet “enthusiastically embraced the transition from Google Classroom to Alma,” improving parent communication and simplifying classroom logistics. In second grade, Mayo and Joy regularly tap into Alma’s robust reporting features. “Alma’s robust data retrieval capabilities… allow for quick access to student performance metrics that inform and enrich their instructional strategies.”

Building a Robust Literacy Framework –

With Alma supporting classroom organization and communication, CSU’s Lower Primary team could focus its energy on what mattered most – literacy. The school launched a structured, joyful literacy framework rooted in data and tailored to every student’s growth.

• Reading Benchmark Assessments were implemented to “gauge each student’s reading level,” helping educators personalize instruction based on real, accessible data.
• Weekly Reading Comprehension Quizzes were added to encourage deeper engagement with texts and critical thinking.
• Curriculum Alignment with New Brunswick (Canada) standards ensured CSU’s instruction meets international academic expectations, giving students a strong foundation for future success across diverse learning environments.

This carefully constructed framework, paired with Alma’s capabilities, allows educators to track growth, adjust instruction, and celebrate progress – all with clarity and confidence.

Fostering Positive Behavior and Comprehensive Data Management –

Student success isn’t only about academics. CSU has extended Alma’s utility into the social-emotional space by incorporating elements of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. The platform is used to monitor student behavior, assign detentions, and acknowledge positive actions – strengthening the school’s overall climate.

This “proactive and compassionate approach cultivates a positive school culture where students are encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behavior and take joyful ownership of their actions.” Alma helps CSU create a feedback loop between behavior and achievement, reinforcing a culture of respect, kindness, and accountability.

A Testament to Dedication and Vision –

“The range of options provided by Alma for school management and data tracking has profoundly influenced the Lower Primary section at CSU.” From instructional planning to family engagement and student development, Alma has become an essential partner in CSU’s mission.

Its integration has enabled the Lower Primary team to thrive – rooted in compassion, driven by data, and inspired by the joy of learning. As CSU continues to grow, it does so on a foundation built with purpose, collaboration, and the right tools to guide every learner forward.

“In essence, Alma’s management system embodies the spirit of CSU’s mission, inspiring educators and students alike to strive for excellence, embrace joy in learning, and make meaningful contributions to the world.”

Learn more on their website, Facebook, or follow on Instagram.

#CanadianSchoolUlaanbaatar #CSUMongolia #InternationalEducation #BilingualEducation #GlobalCitizens #MongolianEducation #CSULynx