Grades 5 – 8

Middle School Curriculum

Our Middle School curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while providing the support and structure they need to grow into confident, independent learners. We offer a broad range of subjects that allow students to explore their interests, deepen their understanding, and develop the skills they will need for high school and beyond.

 

Language Arts

Building Literacy for Lifelong Success

In our Elementary School Language Arts program, we follow the American Common Core Standards to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded foundation. In the early years, our focus is on phonics, word recognition, and developing fine motor skills—key components that help students take their first steps into literacy. As students progress, we emphasize building vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing skills through a workshop framework that allows teachers to personalize instruction and meet the unique needs of each learner.

Our goal is to inspire lifelong readers and writers—children who are not only skilled in literacy but also passionate about exploring the world through words. By cultivating both technical skills and a love for storytelling and information, we prepare students to confidently communicate their thoughts and ideas, setting them up for success in the years ahead.

 

Mathematics

Strengthening Problem-Solving Skills

At KAIS, we use the Singapore Math program (Math in Focus), a curriculum that emphasizes a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through a problem-solving approach. This program, aligned with American Common Core Standards, encourages students to visualize and conceptualize mathematics, fostering a strong foundation in both basic and advanced mathematical skills. By providing tailored support and extension activities, we ensure that every student can thrive.

The Middle School curriculum also prepares students for the rigors of high school and beyond. Through a blend of direct instruction, collaborative learning, and independent problem-solving, students develop the skills necessary to approach complex mathematical challenges with confidence.

 

Science

Inspiring Inquiry and Exploration

Our Middle School Science program follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), providing a comprehensive framework that balances the development of science literacy with engaging hands-on experiments and project-based learning. We believe that science education should be both informative and experiential, fostering a deep understanding of key scientific concepts through exploration and inquiry.

Students participate in a variety of collaborative learning projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving. 

Our curriculum covers a wide range of scientific disciplines, including life science, physical science, and earth science. Each unit includes interactive experiments that invite students to hypothesize, investigate, and analyze data, reinforcing the scientific method and encouraging a spirit of curiosity.

 

Social Studies

Cultivating Informed Global Citizens

Our Middle School Social Studies program immerses students in the rich tapestry of human societies—past and present. In Grades 5–6, learners explore the macroregions of the world through project-based investigations, interactive lessons, and hands-on activities. They examine history, culture, climate, and more, developing a broad understanding of global diversity.

In Grades 7–8, students build on this foundation by investigating global themes. By delving into topics such as technological innovations, sustainable energy solutions, and population migration patterns, they sharpen critical thinking skills and cultivate cultural awareness.

Through hands-on projects across all grades, students are encouraged to ask questions about the world around them and seek answers through research, discussion, and exploration.

 

Japanese

Engaging with Japanese Language & Culture

In our Middle School Japanese language program, students continue to build on foundational skills developed in elementary school while deepening their appreciation for the language and culture. We offer a variety of streams for non-native and native language learners, ensuring each student receives the right level of challenge and support.

The curriculum focuses on enhancing reading, writing, and speaking skills through engaging activities, with a specific emphasis on grammar and kanji. Cultural insights are woven into each unit, allowing students to connect language learning with Japan’s traditions, customs, and contemporary practices. Through these varied experiences, learners gain confidence in expressing themselves in Japanese.

 

Physical Education

Building Skills and Confidence

Our Middle School Physical Education program instills a solid foundation in fundamental movements, techniques, and healthy habits while fostering a lifelong appreciation for staying active. Students participate in a diverse range of sports, fitness activities, and cooperative games, developing strength, endurance, and coordination alongside crucial teamwork and communication skills.

Emphasizing locomotor, non-locomotor, and manipulative skills, our curriculum also prioritizes reflecting on and improving performance. By promoting a supportive environment focused on safety, personal growth, and positive social interaction, we equip learners with the confidence and motivation to lead healthy, active lives.

 

Differentiated Labs

Data-Driven Learning

Our Differentiated Lab Class utilizes the i-Ready program, an adaptive learning platform designed to meet the diverse needs of our students in reading and math. Aligned with American Common Core Standards, this program begins with a diagnostic test that assesses each student’s current skill level and places them at the appropriate grade level.

The program then provides students with level-appropriate lessons tailored to their individual needs. This ensures they receive targeted support to fill in any gaps in their understanding or to extend their learning for those who are working ahead. Throughout the year, students complete three diagnostics, allowing us to gather valuable data and track their progress over time.

 

Social Awareness

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence

Our Social Awareness program is dedicated to fostering social-emotional learning, addressing the personal development of our students, and equipping them with essential interpersonal skills. We provide age-appropriate lessons that explore topics relevant to the students’ growth and development.

Through engaging activities and discussions, students build vital social skills that enable them to interact effectively with peers and adults. Our curriculum promotes self-awareness, helping students recognize their emotions and understand how they impact their behavior. We emphasize self-regulation, encouraging learners to manage their feelings and responses in various situations.

By nurturing these competencies, our Social Awareness program prepares students to navigate their social environments with confidence, empathy, and resilience, laying the groundwork for successful relationships throughout their lives.

Research-Based Pedagogical Approaches

Visible Learning

Following John Hattie’s Visible Learning research and engaging with Corwin in a three-year School Impact process, KAIS has revamped its pedagogical approaches to ensure that they have the highest possible impact on student progress and achievement. KAIS International is on its way to becoming the first Visible Learning School in Japan, employing strategies and tools that have been proven to work in the classroom.

 

Our approach is data-driven, and we engage in a regular process of reflection, evaluation, and feedback to improve performance and allow our students to become independent and assessment-capable learners. At KAIS, we strive to create an environment where mistakes are welcomed and viewed as opportunities for learning, and we believe that our collective teacher efficacy will enhance the learning outcomes of all students. 

 

High quality teaching and learning at KAIS is student-centered and empowers students to take ownership of their learning. It is marked by a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It involves the ongoing evaluation of student progress and the use of evidence to inform future instruction. Overall, high quality teaching and learning at KAIS is engaging, meaningful, relevant, and helps students to develop the skills and competencies they need to succeed in the 21st century world.

Developing a Safe, Caring Learning Environment

A Love and Logic Approach

At KAIS, we focus on creating a safe and caring learning environment where students can thrive. Developing a strong sense of community and a family-like atmosphere allows us to forge meaningful relationships and inspire each other to reach our fullest potential. We do that by using the principles of the Love and Logic system developed by Jim Fay and David Funk.

 

Love and Logic provides an empowering approach to classroom management and student development. This system is built on the principle of giving students the freedom to make choices and experience the natural consequences of their actions, all within a caring and supportive environment. The balance between empathy and accountability fosters personal responsibility and helps students develop essential life skills, such as self-regulation and problem-solving.

 

By offering students choices and encouraging thoughtful decision-making, Love and Logic nurtures independence and emotional resilience. Teachers act as compassionate guides, helping students navigate challenges while reinforcing the importance of ownership over their actions. This approach not only supports a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere but also equips students with the tools they need to confidently handle both academic and personal challenges, preparing them for success in and beyond school.

middle school snapshot

Challenging Minds, Nurturing Hearts