The Middle School program at AISV is specially designed to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of early adolescents. The Middle School teachers strive to provide
developmentally responsive, challenging, empowering and equitable learning experiences that promote student ownership of their learning, social and emotional skills.
In Middle School, the framework for the written and taught curriculum is derived from Common Core/AERO/NGSS standards. As in our Lower and High School divisions, inquiry drives our approach to teaching and learning. Middle school students receive their core subject (English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies) instruction grouped with their grade level peers. In addition to core academic subjects, Middle School students have two Language classes: Lithuanian language and culture (for both native and non-native Lithuanian speakers) and a choice from the World Language offerings (French, German and Russian). In World Language classes, students are grouped by proficiency in the target language. Through weekly Physical Education, Art, Music, AISV Community Life (AISVCL) and Encore classes, the Middle School offers a balanced, co-curricular program which allows students to explore their individual strengths and interests.
The Middle School Encore program consists of 90 minutes a week of co-curricular classes that provide students an opportunity to engage in activities, discuss topics of personal interest and practice skills that extend beyond their academic core classes. The program consists of required classes such as Health (Rights, Respect and Responsibility), Wellness, Reading and Learning Lab as well as elective classes such as Media Creation, AISV Vision, Photography, School of Rock and Girl’s Club.
To yield higher motivation, independence and empathy, Middle School students engage in active, experiential learning opportunities both in and outside the classroom. Meaningful learning experiences focus on the questions, issues and concerns of early adolescents in relation to their world. Additionally, teachers collaborate to encourage students to connect knowledge and skills among the disciplines. Our curricula ensures that students are internationally-minded and engage with both local and global contexts in their learning. By reinforcing overarching Approaches to Learning and IB Learner Profile Traits, students develop increasing responsibility for their learning and self-management throughout their Middle School years. We promote compassion and respect for others and an understanding of the impact of our words and actions on our school community as well as the world at large.
