To see the world through two lenses. To make connections across two contexts. To imagine new possibilities shaped by two points of view. These are the gifts we strive to instill every day through our bilingual Middle School program, as we assist our students in taking on a greater personal role in their educational experience and pride in their capabilities.
Our Middle School curriculum is designed to encourage students to stretch their advancing skills and acknowledge their full capacity, asking them to acquire the recommended competencies of both the French Ministry of National Education and the U.S. Common Core. Every foundational subject—Humanities, Math, and Science—is taught in both French and English, by native-speaking specialists, exposing students to the pedagogical expectations of each academic system. To ensure they develop a multi-cultural worldview, their study of Mandarin is continued, or replaced by Spanish. Our unique World of Work career program then connects classroom content to real-life opportunities, inspiring students to think more deeply about their potential future areas of study.
Agile minds
Putting perspective to work
It’s during the Middle School years that our students begin to personally recognize and apply the benefits of their bilingual experience. Immersed over their years at The École in not just two languages, but two learning systems, they know there is always another way to look at and solve a problem, no matter the subject. Empowered with multiple approaches and tools, they develop the confidence to select those that work best for them in their day-to-day schoolwork, or that help them embrace and adapt to new cultural experiences, both in the classroom and out in the world.
Open hearts
Giving kindness a voice
Surrounded with classmates of wide-ranging nationality, but connected through their two shared languages—and an increased capability in a third—our Middle School students’ demonstrate and champion a respect for people and points of view from places other than their own. Supplemented by our formal Character Education program and school- and community-services clubs, they nurture in themselves, each other, and their communities the traits of a truly caring society.
Bright futures
Preparing for a bigger world
In the final years of The École, our staff works beyond the classroom with students—and their parents—as they increasingly focus on high school planning in New York or abroad, helping them connect with the schools of their choice and navigate through testing and application processes. Their continued strong performance beyond our school walls is a great source of pride, and the stories of our growing alumni community proof that our bilingual program prepares students to both personally flourish in and positively contribute to the world around them, wherever their path takes them next.
Required & Suggested Summer Reading
The required and suggested summer reading for Middle School can be found here. Please note that the grade levels listed correspond to the student’s grade in 2021-2022.
Questions about our Middle School curriculum?
If you’re interested in learning more about our rigorous curriculum for Middle School students, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re very proud of our program and would love to answer any questions you may have or discuss in more detail how your child can benefit from a bilingual education at The École.