The Middle School offers a variety of required courses in the eight subject areas, as well as exploratory and elective courses in the arts, computer technology, and modern languages. What follows is a brief description of each of these courses.
In the Modern Language, Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Science or ESL (English as a Second Language) courses, students are grouped according to ability or proficiency levels. All other classes are heterogeneously grouped. Students with special needs are supported in the classroom through accommodations detailed in each Individual Learning Plan and through the Optimal Learning Program Specialist during smaller group instruction. Students learning English as a Second Language are supported by a variety of EFL/ESL courses and a teaching assistant in some classes.
The Curriculum consists of eight subject groups offered throughout the three years of the Middle School.
B.A.S.E. = Bonding (Building Relationships) - Academics - Service - Excellence
Each Middle School student is scheduled to a BASE class which meets almost daily with an Advisor. Our BASE program provides our students with a curriculum focused on social and emotional growth and support on academics and general health/wellness. BASE is intended to be a homeroom (BASE) for our MS students and is offered throughout the three years of the Middle School.
1. Language A – at ACS Athens the school’s language of instruction is English - the school also offers Greek and Chinese Language A courses
2. Language B – a modern foreign language learned at school
3. Social Studies – history and geography
4. Sciences – general science, earth science, biology, chemistry and physics
5. Mathematics – core course including topics in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability & statistics
6. Arts – art/design, music, and drama
7. Physical Education – health and hygiene, individual and team sports, fitness
8. Foundations of Technology, Research, Health and Guidance – the nature, processes and impact of technology as a research tool - Health and wellness topics are an integral part of the curriculum
As stated previously, the Middle School uses letter grades: A, B, C, D and F. Teachers may give a plus or minus with the letter grade. The + or – will appear on the permanent record. Letter grades are awarded on the basis of the averages/percentages indicated below.
The Middle School offers a variety of required courses in the eight subject areas, as well as exploratory and elective courses in the arts, computer technology, and modern languages.