In Middle School, students learn deeper concepts in grammar, writing, and reading differentiated to meet their literacy needs. Students will read a wide ranger of literature, and be exposed to new ideas and values and be challenged to make application of those ideas in their lives. These courses serve to encourage students to pursue lifelong habits of critical thinking as well as reading for enjoyment!

Students study a range of genres in literature from poetry to prose and drama.

Middle School Science aims to provide exposure to a wide range of foundational concepts in preparation for higher school. Students in 6th grade learn general life sciences, environmental science and anatomy. Students in 7th grade learn earth science, geology, and astronomy. Students in 8th grade will either study a general science preparation course (biology, chemistry and physics) or will be eligible to undertake ICP (Introduction to Chemistry and Physics) as a high school level subject while in middle school.

The Middle School math curriculum progresses from general math concepts in Grade 6 into more advanced concepts such as Pre-Algebra and Algebra by Grades 7 and 8. This differentiated and branching math curriculum allows students to learn more abstract concepts at the right time for them with many students completing High School Algebra I by 8th grade.

Middle school Social Studies blends history, geography and social sciences in its study of culture and civilizations.  Beginning in Grade 6, students learn about Ancient civilizations, moving into Medieval and Early Modern Times in 7th grade, and a comparative American History study in 8th grade.  Throughout these courses, critical thinking, debate, analysis and research skills are emphasized in an engaging manner.

Art is a required elective in both Grades 6 and 7, giving students the opportunity to develop their fine motor skills, principles of design and appreciation for art.  The art classes are project based and students will be exposed to the fundamentals of drawing, ceramics, painting and more while also presenting their work at art shows, reflecting upon their process, and learning how to use art as service. In Grade 8, students may choose to continue in one of two upper art electives: Introduction to Art and Design (a high school level class) and/or Advanced 3D Art.

All middle school students are required to take a Thai Language and Culture class. Students with a Thai passport are required to take the Thai for Thai class. Students with a foreign passport, take the Thai for Internationals class. Both classes focus on developing Thai language skills as well as understanding the culture of Thailand.

Mandarin, French, and Spanish are offered as full year electives for Middle School students by Grade 8. These are introductory courses, which will help direct students what language to take in High School. A single semester Pre-Mandarin class is also offered to Grade 8 students who would like to sample and prepare for Mandarin studies in high school but prefer a slower pace and more emphasis on culture as well as basic language skills.

Upon enrollment, students entering ICS may be required to take an ESL support class in order to provide extra attention to literacy development across the curriculum.  This class takes the place of an elective and is limited in size so that students are given individualized attention.  Students may test out of the class at the end of each academic year.

In order to provide strong technology literacy, all Middle School students will take a computer class in Grade 6 and 7 which covers both basic and more advanced applications of the google suite of programs used at ICS. In addition to basic coding and cybersafety topics, students will develop proficiency in all software needed to be successful throughout secondary school.  In Grade 8, students may undertake an advanced Robotics elective using the VEX Robotics system which introduces topics such as engineering design, autonomous programming, mechanical systems, and team-based problem solving. Through hands-on challenges, students explore core STEM concepts while developing critical thinking, collaboration, and coding skills using the VEXcode platform.

The ICS Music performances classes are required for all middle school students for one year, generally completed in Grade 6.  After the beginner year, most middle school students will choose to continue their music education in Grades 7 and 8.  Band and Orchestra (Strings) are ability level classes divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced and new students are placed in these classes through an audition process.  Choir is a class for both experienced and new singers.  Our thriving music program performs in both informal and formal concerts throughout the school year and participates in various festivals.

In Middle School, students may choose to take drama either for their performing arts credit or as an additional elective.  Drama is offered at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and focuses on developing confidence, creativity, and communication skills through acting, improvisation, script work, and performance. In Advanced Drama, students direct, act in, and provide technical theatre support for the 8th Grade Drama or Musical performance generally produced in second semester.

Physical Education is a required course throughout Middle School and supports the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of each student. The curriculum promotes self-awareness, athletic and gross motor skill development and social-emotional collaborative learning. In addition to the core wellness program, Health is explicitly taught, addressing age-appropriate topics such as nutrition, personal safety, mental health, and human development. In Grades 7 and 8, students may elect to take an Independent PE class in addition to the required PE class, focussing upon personal fitness and goal setting.