Humanities is at its core about people-their experiences, perspective, and connections that are captured in the stories of our world-from both past and present. The Humanities program at AIS-R Middle School weaves literature, history, and writing through a concept-based inquiry approach that provides students with opportunities to develop as critical readers, writers, speakers and thinkers. Learning experiences are enriched by a focus on the interactions of people, cultures and the physical and intellectual environment. Students will embrace the concept of change, a constant in our global community. As global citizens, students develop respect for others’ perspectives, attitudes and values.
The Middle School offers a balanced mathematics program, developing both computational skills and conceptual understanding through authentic problem solving. Learning experiences, aligned to the Common Core standards, are designed to cultivate confident, mathematically proficient students. The curriculum develops procedural fluency, adaptive reasoning, strategic competence, and productive disposition to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to question, investigate, think, analyze, and communicate mathematically. Differentiated instruction supports diverse learners, and safe learning environments cultivate risk-taking and perseverance in authentic problem solving, reasoning, and discourse.
Through phenomena-based units aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students generate questions and tackle complex issues, as individuals and teams. Instruction is three-dimensional, designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn core disciplinary knowledge, develop deep understanding of cross-cutting concepts, and engage with the practices of scientists and engineers. Each of the units is designed to teach rigorous academic content within a realistic context and phenomena for students to investigate, explain, and problem-solve.
The Middle School Arabic Program is thoughtfully structured to cater to a diverse student body, offering a unique pathway for Heritage learners as well as leveled classes for students learning Arabic as an additional language. Our program is designed with a dual focus: to enhance communication skills in Arabic and to deepen students' understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage associated with the language. Heritage learners, who have a background in Arabic, are immersed in an environment that nurtures their existing language skills and connects them more deeply with their cultural roots. For students new to Arabic, the program offers a structured, level-based approach that gradually builds proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing. Across both pathways, cultural awareness is a key component, with the curriculum integrating a variety of cultural experiences and insights, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic-speaking world.
AIS-R's Middle School Physical and Health Education program fosters an appreciation of physical activity and empowers students to make healthy choices to sustain a lifelong physically active and balanced lifestyle. Students develop important life skills as they practice perseverance, cooperation, and responsibility. All students in Grades 6-8 participate, regardless of ability level or personal experience. Units are planned to help students increase their athletic skills and expand their health and wellness knowledge in a positive and supportive environment.