Middle School (Grades 5-8)

Preparing for a World of Opportunities

Academic Excellence

Making Learning Visible

At KAIS, we design learning experiences with clear learning intentions and success criteria, empowering students to take ownership of their academic journey. Through well-defined goals and ongoing feedback, students can track their progress, understand where improvements are needed, and confidently navigate their path toward success and mastery.

Learning by doing

Project-Based Learning

In our Middle School afternoon classes, students engage in collaborative group work and hands-on projects that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. With a focus on design and personalized choices, these projects encourage students to explore real-world challenges, apply their knowledge, and develop essential skills for lifelong learning. lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

elective Wednesdays

A Change of Pace

Every Wednesday, Middle School students dive into a full day of elective classes, offering fun and engaging opportunities to explore their passions. With a wide range of choices each semester—such as cooking, robotics, sports, art, engineering, and role-playing games—students can pursue creative, academic, and physical interests, sparking their enthusiasm for learning. llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

care and support

Nurturing a Sense of Responsibility

We foster a culture of care where mistakes are seen as valuable learning opportunities. Using the Love and Logic approach, we empathetically guide students to find solutions to their challenges, building the character, independence, and resilience they need for future success. This positive, growth-focused environment supports their holistic development in Middle School and beyond.

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 Middle School Language Arts program, students are immersed in a diverse range of texts and writing styles, helping them develop as confident, articulate communicators. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of grammar, vocabulary, and overall written and verbal expression, while nurturing a lifelong passion for reading and writing. The program follows the American Common Core Standards, ensuring that students meet key benchmarks for language and literacy development.

Using a workshop framework, every student is supported at their individual level. Lessons begin with a mini lesson, where key reading and writing strategies are introduced. Students immediately apply these strategies in their own work, receiving personalized feedback that helps them improve and grow.

We focus on building confidence in speaking and writing, encouraging students to express their ideas clearly and creatively. By exploring different genres and formats, students gain the tools they need to analyze texts, construct arguments, and engage in meaningful discussions. Our program fosters not only academic skills but also a deep appreciation for the power of language.

Mathematics

Strengthening Problem-Solving Skills

In our Middle School Mathematics program, we utilize 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.

We focus on challenge and differentiation to meet the diverse needs of our students. Each lesson is designed to push students to think critically and engage with mathematics at a deeper level. By providing tailored support and extension activities, we ensure that every student can thrive, regardless of their starting point.

Our curriculum not only addresses current academic standards but 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. These projects allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, promoting critical thinking and innovation. By working together, students learn to communicate effectively, share ideas, and learn from one another.

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 is designed to engage students in project-based learning that fosters critical thinking and collaboration. By exploring real-world challenges and investigating complex issues, students develop a deeper understanding of society, culture, history, and geography.

Through hands-on projects, students are encouraged to ask questions about the world around them and seek answers through research, discussion, and exploration. This inquiry-driven approach allows them to engage with the material actively, making connections between historical events and contemporary global issues.

We emphasize the importance of global citizenship, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. By examining diverse perspectives and cultures, students learn to appreciate the richness of human experience and the complexities of societal dynamics.

Japanese Language

Engaging with Japanese Language & Culture

In our Middle School Japanese language program, students build on the foundational skills developed in elementary school while deepening their appreciation for the language and culture. Designed for both native and non-native speakers, the curriculum focuses on enhancing reading, writing, and speaking skills through engaging activities.

Students explore grammar, vocabulary, and kanji in a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and communication. Cultural insights are woven into the curriculum, allowing students to connect language learning with traditions, customs, and contemporary practices in Japan.

Through a variety of activities, students gain confidence in their ability to express themselves in Japanese.

Physical Education

Building Skills and Confidence

Our Middle School Physical Education program is designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for being active. Students engage in a diverse range of activities that not only build their athletic skills but also encourage personal growth and social interaction.

Emphasizing foundational skills, the curriculum includes a variety of sports, fitness activities, and cooperative games, all aimed at developing strength, endurance, coordination, and team spirit

Through engaging and dynamic activities, our Physical Education program fosters confidence and a positive attitude toward fitness, equipping students with the tools they need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle throughout their 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.

Our teaching staff collaborates during regular meetings to analyze this data, enabling us to strategically address student needs and guide them toward the next steps in their learning.

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.

Celebrating Achievements, Building Community

School Assemblies

Every Friday, our school houses—Byakko, Seiryu, Gembu, and Suzaku—come together for lively assemblies that foster community spirit and celebrate student achievements. These gatherings provide a platform for showcasing student work and presentations, allowing learners to share their creativity and efforts with peers.

During assemblies, we take time to celebrate wins and acknowledge students for their important accomplishments, reinforcing our school spirit and culture words. We also tally up the points accrued over the week in our friendly house competition, culminating in the announcement of the weekly house winners. This exciting tradition encourages teamwork and camaraderie while nurturing a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

Through these weekly assemblies, we strengthen our school culture, promote engagement, and create lasting memories together as a united school family.

Co-Curricular Programs

Learning Outside the Classroom

At our school, learning extends far beyond the classroom. We believe that co-curricular activities—including trips, excursions, electives, and after-school athletics clubs—are vital for the students’ holistic development. These experiences offer students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in class to real-world situations, explore new interests, and develop essential life skills such as leadership, collaboration, and resilience. Co-curricular activities enrich their educational journey, fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of community. By balancing academic rigor with these enriching experiences, we help students grow into well-rounded, capable individuals ready to thrive in all aspects of life.

Electives

Choose Your Own Adventure

Our Electives Program gives students the freedom to dive into their passions through a wide range of exciting courses offered each semester. Students choose from a menu of creative options, working alongside peers who share their interests in an environment that encourages exploration and collaboration.

In a departure from the regular academic schedule, each week, we dedicate a full day to these electives, allowing students and teachers to immerse themselves in hands-on, creative learning experiences. Teachers bring their own personal passions and hobbies into the classroom, guiding students in unique and engaging subjects that go beyond traditional academics. Whether exploring the arts, technology, outdoor pursuits, or other specialized topics, our electives offer a chance to expand horizons, discover new talents, and deepen the joy of learning.

Athletics Clubs

Building Team Spirit and Sportsmanship

Our Athletics Clubs offer our young Llamas the chance to engage in competitive sports while developing essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. With a focus on fostering both athletic ability and character, we offer a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and futsal. These clubs provide students the opportunity to challenge themselves physically, build team spirit, and grow as leaders on and off the court.

Through regular practices and competitions, students enhance their athletic performance while learning the values of perseverance, respect, and fair play. Whether they’re aiming to compete or simply enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a team, our athletics clubs help students develop a passion for sports, strong relationships with teammates, and a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and sportsmanship.

Trips

Adventures Outside of School Walls

At KAIS, our school trips take students beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors, offering unforgettable experiences in Japan’s beautiful countryside. Whether hiking, rafting, canoeing, or tree climbing, these adventures encourage students to explore new limits, all while engaging with our host country’s stunning natural landscapes.

These trips are designed not only to challenge students but also to create lasting memories and strengthen friendships. By stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new experiences together, students build resilience, teamwork, and a deeper sense of connection with one another.

KAIS school trips combine outdoor exploration with personal growth, making them a key part of our mission to develop well-rounded, confident individuals ready to take on any challenge.

middle school snapshot

Challenging Minds, Nurturing Hearts