Curriculum

Three tracks. One journey.

Every level has dedicated teachers for Boli, Virsa, and Gurmat Sangeet. Curriculum is set by our subject leads and assessed quarterly.

Students working in Punjabi workbooks at GAISS

Track A

Boli

The language

Punjabi as a living, daily language. Students learn to read and write Gurmukhi, build a working vocabulary, and engage with stories, poems, and the literature that has shaped Sikh thought.

  • Gurmukhi alphabet & phonetics
  • Reading fluency at every level
  • Conversational Punjabi
  • Punjabi literature and folk traditions
  • Composition and creative writing
A teacher leading a Sikh heritage discussion class at GAISS

Track B

Virsa

The heritage

Sikh history, Gurbani, and the values that shape a Sikh life. Lessons connect the lives of the Gurus and the principles of Sikhi to the everyday decisions students will make.

  • Lives and teachings of the ten Gurus
  • Introduction to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
  • Gurbani recitation & meaning
  • Sikh history through the centuries
  • Ethics, identity, and contemporary Sikh life
Students and teachers practicing dilruba and sarangi at GAISS

Track C

Gurmat Sangeet

The sacred music

The music of the Gurus. Students choose one of two paths and learn the raags, taals, and shabads that have carried Sikh devotion for centuries.

Vocal & Strings

Vocal kirtan training paired with one of the traditional stringed instruments:

  • Dilruba
  • Rabab
  • Sarangi

Tabla

Foundational rhythm training — taals, bols, and accompaniment for kirtan ensembles.

By level

Progression at a glance.

Pre-K / KG

The beginning

Songs, stories, simple Gurmukhi sounds, and first introductions to the Gurus. Joy is the curriculum.

Level 1 – 3

Foundations

Reading and writing Gurmukhi, basic Punjabi conversation, foundational Sikh history, simple Shabad and Ardas.

Level 4 – 6

Fluency & depth

Fluent reading, structured composition, deeper study of the Gurus' lives, kirtan participation, introduction to Gurbani vichaar.

Level 7 – 9

Mastery

Punjabi literature, advanced Gurbani study, Sikh philosophy, contemporary issues, and preparation for leadership in Divan.

Senior Volunteers

Teaching as learning

Older students serve as classroom helpers and junior teachers, putting the principle of Seva into daily practice.

Assessment & progress

Students are assessed quarterly across both tracks. Families receive updates so progress is visible, and teachers adjust pace and approach where needed. The point is not the grade — it's making sure no child gets left behind.

Young children learning stringed instruments in a circle Students performing tabla for the congregation at Divan A bright GAISS classroom during a Boli lesson