MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School is comprised of the 7^th, 8^th, and 9th grades. The 7^th and 8^th grades are grouped together for most classes, though the curricula are differentiated within the classroom. The 9^th grade is grouped separately. To enter each grade, the student must have completed the previous grade at an accredited institution, which must provide all transfer documents.

The Del Mar Academy Middle School program is the bridge between DMA’s Montessori education at the primary level and the high school program. International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in the final years of high school. Note: we are not authorized for this program at this time, but are seeking authorization as a candidate school. The middle school courses continue to infuse the Montessori principles of self-direction and individualized learning in an integrated curriculum.

Students will be preparing to meet the rigors of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in High School through exposure to elements of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Framework (this is not an authorized program at Del Mar Academy) and consequently preparing themselves for university and beyond.

As students progress through the Middle School program’s curriculum, they are being equipped with the skills necessary to become individual learners and successful global citizens. Through student-centered, project-based and problem solving learning experiences, students are gaining a greater sense of self as individuals and as learners, while being constantly challenged and working collaboratively with their peers.

The Middle School curriculum includes instruction in the core academic content areas of language arts, mathematics, sciences, social studies, world studies, and civics. Additionally, the curriculum provides enrichment courses in technology, physical education, industrial and plastic arts, music, and life skills.

English and Spanish Language Arts Studies: The middle school language arts classes are designed to further develop students’ skills in both English and Spanish. Students have the opportunity to explore the intricacies of the English and Spanish languages considering genre, craft and conventions of language as they utilize comprehension strategies, critical thinking skills, and methods of investigation through various forms of written and oral expression. By developing the student's ability to use these languages, we strengthen their self-esteem and enhance their ability to express their thoughts, opinions and feelings more effectively. Spelling, word study, writing mechanics, and research, study, and reference skills are developed and refined while delving further into the themes of tolerance, change, integrity, determination and survival.

Mathematics: The Del Mar Middle School Math Program uses Saxon Math and the U.S. Common Core State Standards, articulated with the Costa Rican Ministry of Education curriculum to reach and maintain a high level of mastery of the outlined standards. The Saxon Math Program offers an incremental, distributive and cumulative pedagogy that provide students the opportunity to have consistent success with the material. Students continue to work from the concrete to the abstract to create a greater understanding of mathematical concepts and to solve real-life problems.

Science Studies: The Middle School science program provides a holistic science experience in which students are given the opportunity to observe, inquire, analyze, measure, classify, experiment, predict and make conclusions using the scientific method. Using the Science Fusion series and other sources, students will use their curiosity and reasoning skills to discover and interact with science in meaningful ways. Through the use of print, digital and hands-on activities, students will study topics from physical science, astronomy, geology, ecology, earth science, biology, engineering and technology.

Social Sciences and World Studies: At the Middle School level, students study both Costa Rican social studies and world studies. As students develop their historical knowledge they gain a better understanding of themselves and others. Their perspectives are challenged to promote a greater awareness of societies, events, movements and developments that have shaped humanity. Through an inquiry approach to social sciences, students will assess their personal values and worldviews across a range of topics and contexts to understand social, political, economic, environmental and cultural ideas throughout history both at the local and world levels. The Costa Rican Ministry of Education outlines the social studies curriculum for the Middle School allowing for students to have a deep appreciation for the surrounding culture of the country in which we live. Given the reach of our international community here at DMA, the World Studies curriculum has been designed to offer our students a broader global perspective beginning with the Middle Ages and stretching to Contemporary World Studies.