Middle School

“To stimulate in the child a love for learning, an attitude of inquiry, a passion for truth and beauty, a questioning mind. The learning of right answers is not enough, beyond answers, alone we must help children ask the right questions, and discover their answers through creative thinking, reasoning, and understanding”

Alexander, W. (1963): The junior high school, A changing view, Cornell University

The Stamford American Middle School supports the learning, social-emotional growth, and well-being of students from Grade 6 to Grade 8. We prioritize a culture of care for every student through our advisory program, which includes a large number of staff focusing on the well-being and pastoral care of our students. We aim to create a community where every student has a trusted adult.

We honor our diversity through an inclusive approach, both supportive and challenging as appropriate, and our students can expect a warm, optimistic and empowering environment for academic and personal growth.

As an international school, global issues and international mindedness play an important role in our academic program and extracurricular activities. Our learning program is based on American content standards delivered within the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) framework, so that knowledge and skills are framed within deeper universal concepts, stimulating students to take action as a result of their learning.

In our Language & Literature program (offered in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish), students engage with a wide range of global texts, including both fiction and nonfiction. Through reading, discussion, and creative projects, they develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. The curriculum encourages students to analyze key themes, explore diverse cultural perspectives, and express their ideas through essays, speeches, and media projects. With a focus on analytical and argumentative writing, this program prepares students for future academic challenges and nurtures a global mindset, setting the foundation for success in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

“I really love the diversity at Stamford. I enjoy learning about my classmate’s backgrounds and cultures. We’ve had a lot of opportunities to work together in groups and I love drawing upon both our shared and different experiences and perspectives.”

– Teagan, Grade 8.

Our inquiry-based Middle School curriculum uses the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) as a framework for the  content standards in each subject. Students are required to study topics from 8 subject groups:

• Language and Literature (English, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean or Japanese)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Individuals and Societies
• Language Acquisition (English, Mandarin or Spanish)
• Arts
• Design
• Physical and Health Education

The IB MYP framework is centered on the academic, emotional and social development of young individuals. MYP teachers develop inquiry units based on global contexts and concepts, approaches to learning skills, criteria-based assessments, and service-as-action opportunities. Middle School students are guided and inspired to apply the concepts they learn to current global issues.

Visit our applications page for student enrollment requirements.

“Our teachers are very kind. They also push us so we can get better.”

– Kate, Grade 6

“The teachers have demonstrated the highest level of genuine care and concern for the kids. The community is diverse, engaging and most importantly, inclusive.”

– Grade 6 Parent

“I love this community and so grateful for the beautiful memories we’re all making.”

– Mangla, Grade 8 parent

Browse the CPE Approved Course Names: