Middle School
Anyone who works in a Middle School does so because they love to witness all the ways in which Middle School students make sense of their world. Our Middle School is in the unique position of being just that - 'in the middle' - and this guides all that we do. We offer a strong curriculum with opportunities to participate in a broad range of activities. We are proud of our students' success within school and beyond.Marina Frias, Principal
Parent View
At WAB, we believe in empowering student voices throughout their learning journey—starting with choosing the right school. With the toggle above, families can easily switch between the "Parent" and "Student" views to explore information tailored to your needs. This way, everyone in the family can learn about our school and share in the decision-making process.
360
Total students in WAB Middle School
37
Nationalities that are represented at WAB Middle School*
26
Languages spoken by WAB MS Students
100%
We All Belong
WAB's Middle School is:
Unique and Student-centered
Our students come from everywhere and all have unique learning backgrounds. We celebrate these differences and strive to understand who each student is, what motivates them, and what sparks their curiosity. Learners and teachers work together to find each student’s strengths and interests and then structure a custom learning path. We believe every learner can thrive, and our distinctive approach to personalized learning is designed to make this a reality.
Where Learning is Challenging and Joyful
We believe that learning is inherently joyful, and our role is to guide students in discovering this joy in their unique way. We want students to be excited about their learning, not merely striving for perfect grades.
For some learners, joy may be found in higher challenges or acceleration. Others may flourish with flexible timetables or specialized subjects. At WAB, we seek the balance that fits their learning style.
Where Students have Voice and Choice
Strong academics and innovative learning are mutually reinforcing. To create a balanced learning path for each student, we listen to them first. We want to give them control and ownership of their learning. We work together towards deeper understanding and self-motivation, a key life skill. Then we translate this growth to real-world applications in our unique progammes, like China Studies, WAB Wild, and Day 9.
And Social Emotional Learning is Key
We recognize that early adolescence is a critical stage filled with individual and collective potential. We facilitate optimal learning and well-being by equipping students with essential skills to navigate sensitive situations, resolve conflicts respectfully, and uphold the dignity of all involved. Students find comfort in being themselves while developing organizational skills, enhancing self-regulation, and becoming well-prepared for learning.
Curriculum
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP)
WAB's international Middle School curriculum delivers years 1-3 of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) and lays the groundwork for student success in the final two years of the program once they transition to High School.
In Grades 6-8, students develop an understanding of their own approaches to learning, independence in the subject-specific objectives and assessment practices, and an appreciation of service and action. These experiences deepen their understanding of the concepts embedded in the middle school program and what it means to be an internationally minded member of our global community.
Guided by our definition of learning and the IB Middle Years Programme, our Middle School curriculum exposes students to a broad and balanced range of subjects taught by specialist teachers. You can browse our curriculum pages and find out more about these subjects.
Student View
At WAB, we believe in empowering student voices throughout their learning journey—starting with choosing the right school. With the toggle above, families can easily switch between the "Parent" and "Student" views to explore information tailored to your needs. This way, everyone in the family can learn about our school and share in the decision-making process.
20,000
Number of books in the MS Red Scroll Library, in 10 languages collections
58
Number of countries your new classmates are from
1
Student designed playground with zip-line and in-ground trampolines
5
Different meal options each day PLUS snacks (and did you know we have a pizza oven?)
Welcome to WAB Middle School!
At WAB, everyone belongs and can be who they really are. We all feel best when we are accepted, achieving big things, and learning new things. Sometimes gaining knowledge can be challenging, but our teachers and experts can help. The bigger the challenge, the more fulfilling it all is when we surmount it and achieve together.
The campus is amazing! We have gyms, a MS student-designed playground and garden, a modern library, and of course lots of comfortable and inviting spaces optimally designed for learning. We even have our own lake for paddle boarding, dragon boating, and ice skating.
A Typical Day for a WAB Middle School Student
Middle School Schedule Explained
Each Letter corresponds to a subject; our schedule is a 9-day tumbling rotation. That means subjects are at different times on different days so that you can have a chance to be in each subject at the time you learn best! ?
- Mentor Check In
- A: Language and Literature (English)?
- B: Language Acquisition (French, Spanish, or Chinese)
- C: Individuals and Societies (Humanities)?
- D: Mathematics
- E: Sciences?
- F: Design?
- G: Physical Education?
- H: The Arts?
- Flex Block?
- Day 9?
Mentor Check In
A: Language and Literature (English)?
A Language and Literature (English)
The Language and Literature course helps students explore different types of stories and texts while developing important skills like writing, speaking, and listening. Through engaging activities and discussions, students learn to think critically about what they read and how to express their ideas clearly, all while discovering more about themselves and the world around them.?
B: Language Acquisition (French, Spanish, or Chinese)
B Language Acquisition (French, Spanish, or Chinese)
The Language Acquisition course allows students to learn a new language—Chinese, French, or Spanish—while having fun and discovering different cultures. Through engaging activities like games, songs, and conversations, students build their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
C: Individuals and Societies (Humanities)?
C Individuals and Societies (Humanities)
The Individuals and Societies course invites students to explore the fascinating world of history, geography, and cultures. Through exciting projects and discussions, students learn to think like historians and geographers, examining how people and societies interact and change over time, while also understanding their own role in the world.?
D: Mathematics
D Mathematics
Mathematics at WAB encourages students to discover the power of numbers and problem-solving in everyday life. As a community of learners, using hands-on activities and real-world applications, students develop their skills in areas like algebra, geometry, and statistics, helping them think critically and creatively as they tackle various challenges.?
E: Sciences?
E Sciences
In the sciences, students explore the world through inquiry, observation, and experimentation in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. By connecting scientific concepts to real-life situations, students develop critical thinking skills and learn how science impacts their lives and the environment around them.?
F: Design?
F Design
Design encourages students to unleash their creativity while solving real-world problems through a structured process known as the design cycle. Through hands-on projects, students learn to inquire and analyze issues, develop innovative ideas, create prototypes, and evaluate their solutions, all while understanding the importance of design in everyday life and its impact on society.
G: Physical Education?
G Physical Education
The Physical and Health Education course helps students discover the importance of staying active and making healthy choices for their bodies and minds. Through a variety of activities like team sports, individual challenges, and fitness training, students develop their skills while building teamwork, communication, and a sense of social responsibility.?
H: The Arts?
Flex Block?
Flex Block Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Program
Flex Block the time when students meet with their teachers and participate in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program. In Middle School our SEL program focuses on developing essential skills such as self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship-skills and responsible decision-making.?
?
Every Friday, during FLEX, all of Middle School participate in WEIRD – WAB Extended Independent Reading Day. This is when everyone in the Middle School spends 40 minutes reading for pleasure each week.?
Day 9?
Day 9 Activities
During Day 9 at WAB, students engage in a variety of enriching activities that promote exploration and creativity beyond the standard curriculum. This special day is designed to encourage students to pursue their passions, collaborate with peers, and participate in hands-on projects, workshops, and presentations that inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning.
Middle School Experiences
As part of the middle school program, all Middle School students go on unique trips around China: We recently checked out the Terracotta Warriors, visited a Shaolin temple, and explored the Ming Tombs.
You will also learn in a world-class outdoor education program called WAB Wild, where you get to try navigating, abseiling, rock climbing, kayaking, and more, all connected to the natural environment and committed to sustainable practices.
Outdoor Learning
Head outdoors and explore how we learn beyond the classroom.
China Engagement
Learn about our host country through China Studies.