Middle School students are given the opportunity to make meaningful choices within their academic program. Students learn to develop time-management skills, and have more freedom in selecting classes and in how assignments are completed. Students are also required to have their own laptop in Middle School; this is a new responsibility and so we work with students to ensure that they know how to be responsible users of technology.
We understand that our middle schoolers need to move and be active. Our robust after-school activities and athletics program gives student the opportunity to develop key skills. Our school trips - including the beloved Ski Trips and Week Without Walls - give students an opportunity to try something new and build lasting friendships.
Our counseling team and advisory program supports the social and emotional changes of the middle school years. Every morning, students meet in small advisory groups, led by their advisory teacher. This is a time for students to check-in and prepare for the day ahead. The regularity of advisory meetings also gives students a sense of belonging amongst fellow advisees.
Curriculum
As a World IB School, our Middle School follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).
The MYP supports a broad-based curriculum that teaches students to become independent thinkers and passionate learners. Through their classes, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in authentic tasks and solve real-world problems. All MYP lessons are placed in a global context, which applies real-world relevance to what is being taught, and are guided by inquiry questions, which encourage students to extend their line of thinking. The focus on developing the whole learner, in the context of being a global citizen, aligns with CA's Mission and Values.
The MYP program comprises of 8 subject areas and students take classes in each: Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design.