Middle School

The Middle School years at IST, Grades 6 to 8, serve as a vital bridge between the foundational inquiry of Elementary and the rigorous academic challenges of High School. Our program is designed to support students through this significant period of transition, fostering both academic growth and the development of strong personal values within a supportive, international community.

At IST, we embrace a total immersion approach to ensure natural language acquisition, meaning that English is the primary medium for all learning. Aside from dedicated Italian and World language lessons, every subject is taught exclusively in English to build high-level academic proficiency.

Curriculum

The Middle School curriculum represents a vital transition, encouraging students to evolve from guided learners into independent thinkers who take greater ownership of their academic journey. Anchored in a total immersion model, English Literacy moves beyond foundational mechanics into the sophisticated analysis of prose, poetry, and non-fiction, where students engage in Literature Circles and master the five-paragraph essay. 

In Mathematics, the program spans from the logic of negative numbers and absolute value in Grade 6 to the complexities of Pythagorean theorem, linear equations, and multi-step real-world problem solving in Grade 8. This core is further enriched by World Languages, where students select French, German, or Spanish to develop communicative reception and production skills aligned with international A1/A2 standards.

Our holistic approach extends to Science and Social Studies, where students utilize the scientific method to explore everything from plate tectonics and basic astronomy to the chemical interactions of matter. The Social Studies program fosters a deep historical consciousness, guiding students from the exploration of the Americas and the Renaissance to the complexities of the French Revolution and modern global government structures. This academic rigor is balanced by a vibrant specialist program in Art—covering Renaissance portraiture and functional ceramics—and Physical Education, which emphasizes active living and athletic development. 

Central to this experience is our Advisory Programme, where students across Grades 6, 7, and 8 are grouped into four “Houses”—Anyi, Busara, Kleos, and Shakti—to participate in multi-grade activities and collaborative projects that encourage socialization across different age groups and cement the school’s core values through teamwork and healthy competition.

Team

The Middle School Team embodies the international spirit of IST, featuring a diverse group of educators from around the globe. These dedicated teachers foster a  multicultural environment where academic excellence is seamlessly paired with the development of global citizenship. To balance our international curriculum, our Italian faculty provides authentic cultural and linguistic instruction, ensuring students maintain a deep connection to local heritage while meeting rigorous standards. Acting as both instructors and mentors during these formative years, IST teachers provide a stimulating atmosphere tailored to the unique developmental needs of early adolescents, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for the transition into High School.

Specialized support is available to students still developing the required proficiency in English or Italian;  

• English as an Additional Language (EAL), provided during English lessons to support mastery of the language of instruction,  and 
• Italian as an Additional Language (IAL), provided during Italian lessons to help students integrate into our local linguistic context. 

Our dedicated language teachers work in tandem with parents to ensure a student’s progress. Success in these programs relies on a commitment from all parties; by reinforcing learning both in the classroom and at home, we aim to help students access the mainstream program.

Furthermore, for students with specifically identified learning needs, our Learning Support service works together with lead teachers and families. Through this collaborative approach, our staff works as a cohesive unit to provide personalized guidance for students to access the mainstream program and achieve their full potential.

Values

In Middle School, the foundational values established in Early Childhood and Elementary undergo a vital transformation. As our students enter a period of significant personal growth, we move from teaching character traits to providing a dynamic environment where these values are lived, tested, and strengthened.

The heart of this transition is our Advisory Programme, which centers on our four Houses: Anyi, Busara, Kleos, and Shakti. Each House is a vertical community, intentionally grouping students from Grades 6, 7, and 8 together. This structure ensures that every student belongs to a community larger than their specific grade level, fostering a mentorship culture where older students model leadership and younger students find peer support.

Through weekly activities and inter-house competitions, Middle School students apply the school’s core values in new ways:

• Collaborative Leadership (Cooperative): By working in multi-grade teams, students learn to value diverse perspectives. They discover that true cooperation means coordinating different skill sets—from the energy of Grade 6 to the experience of Grade 8—to achieve a common goal.
• Personal Agency (Independent): In the House system, students are encouraged to take initiative. Whether organizing a House event or leading a group project, they transition from guided autonomy to true self-reliance and accountability.
• Critical Inquiry (Reflective): Weekly advisory sessions challenge students to look inward and outward. They reflect on their roles within the House and how their individual actions contribute to the collective spirit and the broader global community.
• Empathetic Connection (Grateful & Respectful): By interacting daily with students across different grades, our students develop a deep sense of respect for the unique journeys of others. They learn to appreciate the contributions of every House member, fostering a culture of humility and mutual support.
• Resilience & Spirit (Courageous): Inter-house competitions provide a safe yet spirited arena for students to step outside their comfort zones. Embracing challenges with a growth mindset, they learn that persistence and bravery are essential, whether on the playing field or in the classroom.

The Middle School House system ensures that as our students grow, their values grow with them. We are not just educating students; we are nurturing Global Citizens who understand that they are part of something greater than themselves, ready to transition into High School with integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of community.

Facilities

Within our Upper School classrooms, digital innovation meets rigorous academic inquiry. By integrating advanced technology—including interactive smartboards and personal devices—teachers create collaborative lessons that challenge students while maintaining a focus on the specialized skills required for higher education. 

To support a culture of research and discovery, the campus features a specialized lab designed for hands-on inquiry as well as a dedicated Upper School library ensuring that age-appropriate resources and study areas are available to encourage their intellectual growth.  In addition, students benefit from a well-equipped gymnasium for Physical Education and after-school sports activities. 

From world-class research centers to our local sports facilities, we ensure our students remain energized, inspired, and connected to the world around them.