OVERVIEW
The goal of RIS Middle School (MS) is to develop students who are creative, compassionate problem-solvers. With a focus on skill-building and project-based learning, students explore topics ranging from communication and digital citizenship to empathy and stress management. This approach supports academic growth, social-emotional needs, and global-mindedness while fostering positive, genuine relationships with peers and teachers.
Curriculum
Middle school at RIS is powered by a 1:1 laptop program that keeps students engaged with technology in every class. Core subjects—language arts, social studies, math, and science—are taught through collaborative, project-based approaches that build both knowledge and application of skills. Language arts uses a workshop model to strengthen English proficiency, math and social studies follow AERO standards, and science is based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Health & Wellness and Values are also integral parts of the MS curriculum. Students learn about physical, mental, social, and digital health, while the MS Advisory program builds social-emotional well-being, interpersonal skills, digital literacy, and college- and career-readiness.
Students also have a Static Block each day to reinforce their learning—whether by clarifying content with teachers, extending knowledge through application, or closing gaps with targeted support.
Interdisciplinary opportunities and electives further enrich the MS experience. Students can explore modern languages (Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, Thai), culinary arts, design technology, industrial arts, robotics, computer science, drama, band, and choir, as well as visual arts. Guided by the philosophy of “exposure, exploration, and experimentation,” RIS MS provides diverse opportunities that nurture curiosity, creativity, and the critical-thinking skills needed for success in IB and AP programs.
EXPLORE THE KINGDOM
A hallmark of middle school at RIS is the annual Explore the Kingdom trip—a four-day, three-night outdoor learning adventure. Each grade level embarks on a journey that blends team-building, environmental education, and real-world applications of classroom learning.
Past trips have included collecting water samples, building dams, identifying wildlife, and recording data. Students also take on challenges like hiking, rock climbing, and exploring caves—all while bonding with friends and peers in unforgettable settings beyond the classroom.
