Welcome to AIS-R’s Middle School website. From grade 6 to grade 8, our middle school is alive with excited, curious students and engaged, dedicated teachers. We are child-centered and focus on the unique age group that is middle school. Our goal is to provide our students with an authentic learning experience that is based on developmentally appropriate practices. We offer a challenging curriculum and a variety of opportunities that allow students to discover their own unique talents by exploring sports, music, drama, art, world languages, student leadership, information technology and much more.

The middle school distinguishes itself from both elementary and high school in that we are organized by grade-level teams using a block schedule. Teams meet regularly to design curriculum, discuss the needs and progress of their students, and engage in interdisciplinary planning. The block schedule allows for more flexibility and time for in-depth learning.  It allows our teachers to use a variety of instructional strategies that are appropriate for middle schoolers including hands-on instruction and cooperative learning. Walk into any classroom and you will see students actively working in pairs, in small or large groups, and independently with teacher guidance giving them the best opportunity to achieve their learning targets.

One of the aims of middle school is to build a sense of community among the students. At AIS-R we use the house system. Students are organized into "houses" with a teacher assigned to each one. Teachers serve as student advocates and mentors.  The greatest benefit of the house system is that it provides time for students to engage in conversation with each other, reflect upon and share their feelings about issues important to them, and do some problem-solving. This is done in an environment that is safe, nurturing and encourages risk taking.

However, middle school students also need time to just have fun.  After school, you will find lively students all over our campus participating in extracurricular activities such as “hang outs” in our new Student Center, sports competitions, drama productions, and music programs.  Our goal is to balance a challenging academic program with opportunities for self-exploration.  We encourage our students to develop their own interests, find their own strengths, and discover their own passions.  This journey of self-exploration allows our students to become, to quote AIS-R’s mission statement, “responsible, productive and ethical world citizens.”

Middle school is a great place for students to learn, grow and spread their wings. You are always welcome, and we encourage you to visit our campus.  Hope to see you there.

Jerri Myers,

Middle School Principal