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The Bridge to Independence

Navigating Growth, Inspiring Voice, and Expanding Horizons.

Middle School

(Grade 6 to Grade 8)

The Middle School Journey

The CMIS Middle School serves as a vital developmental bridge, guiding students from the self-contained classrooms of Elementary School to the independent, specialized environment of High School. Recognizing that these years are marked by rapid intellectual, social, and emotional growth, we design an experience that honors adolescent development. Here, the Four Pillars of Learning push students to step up as Courageous Learners who advocate for themselves and embrace productive struggle.

Core Academics & Expanded Electives

grade 7

CMIS's curriculum deepens academic inquiry while giving students the autonomy to explore new interests, fully aligned with international and American standards.

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Core Disciplines

Advanced coursework in English Language Arts and Mathematics (Common Core), Science and Engineering (NGSS), and Social Studies (AERO/C3 Framework).

middle school

World Languages

Continuance of Thai Language and Culture (differentiated into Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels) alongside foundational introductions to new modern world languages.

Exploratory Electives & Arts

Students expand their creative horizons with dedicated courses in Design Technology (aligned with CSTA and ISTE Standards), Drama and Theater, Visual Arts, and Music/Band (National Core Arts Standards).


Digital Maturity: The 1:1 Laptop Program

Middle School marks the transition to a fully integrated 1:1 laptop environment. Guided by ISTE Standards, technology shifts from a supportive resource to a primary tool for creation, collaboration, and critical thinking:
  • Google Classroom: Serves as the central digital workspace where students manage assignments, track deadlines, and receive real-time, iterative feedback on their work.
  • Digital Citizenship: Embedded directly into our courses, ensuring students learn to curate a positive digital footprint, protect their privacy, and evaluate online resources critically.

Holistic Development, Wellness & Protection

We intentionally construct a safe, nurturing framework to support the unique social-emotional needs of adolescents:
  • Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Guided by the CASEL Framework and ISCA Standards, our middle school counseling program helps students build healthy identities, manage complex emotions, and achieve personal and academic goals.
  • Physical Education & Health: Following Washington State Standards, our program links physical literacy with mental and emotional wellness, promoting lifelong healthy habits.
  • Child Protection: Continuous, age-appropriate guidance ensures students understand personal boundaries, digital safety, and their right to a safe learning environment.


Nurturing the 9 Attributes

As students seek greater independence, our core attributes provide a moral compass, teaching them to balance their personal freedoms with accountability. We explicitly evaluate and reflect on these traits to cultivate Responsible Global Citizens:


Collaborative • Flexible • Creative • Innovative • Resilient • Respectful • Kind • Proactive • Responsible


Assessment & Accountability

In Middle School, we maintain a strict focus on learning over behavior. Students learn to analyze feedback to drive their own progress:
  • Formative & Summative Coherence: We focus on everyday Assessment FOR and AS Learning, teaching students to look at criteria-based rubrics, evaluate their own "approaching" vs. "quality" work, and self-correct before final evaluations.
  • PowerSchool & Data Transparency: Grades strictly reflect mastery of academic standards. MAP Growth benchmarks continue through Grade 8 to ensure students are positioned for the academic rigor of High School and the Advanced Placement (AP) path.