In order to develop positive routines and habits, middle school classes are daily and follow a consistent schedule with core subjects (two English language arts classes, mathematics, science, and history). To expose middle school students to a variety of subjects, a rotating mixture of art, music, Spanish, PE, assemblies, and clubs are in the afternoon.
English As Another Language Program
The AAIA EAL program supports students in developing strong English skills so they can confidently participate in both academic and everyday communication.
EAL Skills serves as the core course, where students practice reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar. Through exposure to a range of texts and structured discussion activities, students strengthen comprehension, build fluency, and learn to express their ideas clearly in organized written and spoken formats. Vocabulary development and grammar instruction are integrated throughout the course, helping students communicate with greater detail, accuracy, and confidence.
EAL Intensive is taken alongside the Skills course and focuses specifically on writing development. In this class, students learn to structure effective introductory and concluding paragraphs, write clear topic sentences supported by relevant details, and expand single paragraphs into well-organized essays. They also practice using transition words to connect ideas smoothly and develop skills in multiple writing genres such as narrative, descriptive, opinion, and persuasive writing. Revision techniques are emphasized so students learn how to improve clarity, coherence, and style in their writing over time.
Throughout both courses, students are encouraged to be active learners who ask questions, think critically, and collaborate respectfully with others. The curriculum promotes empathy, communication, and responsible participation, aligning with AAIA’s Expected Schoolwide Learning Outcomes: Effective Communication, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Global Awareness, High Character, and Active Learning. The goal of these courses is not perfection, but steady growth, increased confidence, and the development of strong academic habits. Instructional pacing is flexible, allowing additional review and practice whenever needed to ensure students fully understand concepts before moving on.
Participation in EAL during middle school is essential because this is a critical time for building the academic language skills students will rely on in high school. By developing clear communication skills, academic vocabulary, and strong foundational writing habits now, students are better prepared to engage fully in upper-grade coursework, contribute meaningfully to discussions, and complete assignments with confidence. Middle school is the ideal stage to strengthen these abilities before academic expectations increase significantly.
This preparation is especially important because AAIA’s high school program offers rigorous, college-preparatory courses that require advanced reading, writing, and analytical thinking. High school students are expected to interpret complex texts, write research-based essays and lab reports, participate in seminars, and present ideas clearly in group settings. Without solid English proficiency, students may spend valuable time trying to decode instructions or unfamiliar vocabulary rather than focusing on deeper learning. By building a strong English foundation now through the EAL program, students enter high school ready to grow academically, engage confidently in classroom discussions, and meet the challenges of AAIA’s advanced coursework and future university expectations.
MS Graduation Requirements
Middle school students in grades 6-8 are not on the credit system. They do not accumulate credits toward graduation from middle school to high school. They are, however, under certain restrictions as far as promotion is concerned. A middle school student is required to take and pass ALL “core” courses. Core courses are the subjects of Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. If a student fails two or more courses in one year, the student may have to repeat the year or they may have their enrollment rescinded.
