5th-9th Grade
At Albanian International School (AIS), our Middle School program provides students in Grades 5–9 with a rigorous and supportive academic experience that prepares them for high school and future success. Our American standards-based curriculum is aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and is designed to strengthen academic knowledge while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and independent learning skills.
Through research-based curriculum programs, engaging instruction, digital resources, and meaningful learning experiences, students are guided to become confident learners who take ownership of their education and develop the skills needed to succeed in a changing global society.
Core Academic Areas
English Language Arts
AIS uses Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), a comprehensive literacy program designed to build strong foundations in reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary, and knowledge development. Through the Skills Strand, students develop essential literacy skills such as phonics, decoding, spelling, grammar, and writing. Through the Knowledge Strand (Listening & Learning Strand), students build background knowledge, vocabulary, comprehension, and a deeper understanding of literature, history, science, and culture.
Through rich texts, structured literacy instruction, discussion, and writing experiences, students develop into confident readers, effective communicators, and thoughtful learners.
Social Studies
Through Core Knowledge Social Studies, students develop an understanding of history, geography, cultures, communities, and their role in the world. Students explore important concepts and events while developing respect for diverse perspectives, cultural awareness, and the skills needed to become responsible global citizens.
Mathematics
Through Go Math!, students develop conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and confidence in applying mathematics to real-world situations. The program emphasizes mathematical thinking, explaining reasoning, making connections, and developing strategies for solving complex problems.
Students are encouraged to explore mathematical ideas, persevere through challenges, and build strong mathematical habits that support future learning.
Science
Using Science Dimension, students engage in inquiry-based science learning through investigation, experimentation, observation, and hands-on experiences. Students explore scientific concepts while developing curiosity, analytical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
The program encourages students to make connections between science and the world around them while developing the skills of young scientists.
Specialist Classes
These programs enrich the educational experience by allowing students to discover their interests, develop individual talents, collaborate with others, and strengthen skills beyond traditional academic areas.
Through our Elementary program, AIS aims to develop students who are effective communicators, critical thinkers and problem-solvers, collaborative contributors, responsible global citizens, lifelong learners, and innovative digital learners—the qualities reflected in our Expected School-Wide Learning Outcomes.
In addition to core academic subjects, AIS students participate in specialist classes that provide opportunities for creativity, exploration, physical development, and personal growth. These include:
Art | Music | Physical Education | Albanian Language I French Language | Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)