Middle School

TIS Middle School - At a Glance

The middle school program at TIS places students in active group learning environments that support the development of Learning skills including collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Daily Schedule

Middle School Course Offerings

Core Courses	Electives
Mathematics Literature (Reading) or Intensive English Writing or Intensive English Cultural Studies Physical Education Art Science Music	Technology American Studies Instrumental Music Study Skills Dramatic Arts Art I (secondary course) Languages Other Than English (Foreign Languages)

As appropriate, some students in the 12 and 13 year-old classes may take secondary level courses and receive secondary credit. If a student leaves a QSI school before entering the secondary school, a letter will be attached to the student’s evaluation form (status report) indicating the secondary level of work in which the student was involved.

Student Services

Counseling

Our middle school students have access to counseling to ensure that all students are well adjusted, learn appropriate social skills, and receive extra support when needed. The middle school teachers and counselor work to create and provide a comprehensive social emotional learning program for all students.

Intensive English

Every QSI student has the opportunity to be successful in their learning, and students are expected to flourish in their classrooms. However, a student whose English proficiency level is below that commonly associated with their age may not be able to flourish in the mainstream classroom. The Intensive English program is designed for these students. The goal of the Intensive English program is to facilitate an accelerated learning environment in which students are able to acquire the English language skills in the four domains of speaking, listening, reading, and writing to be successful in their age-appropriate mainstream classes. Intensive English classes are smaller than mainstream classes to allow teachers to target individual student needs more effectively. The Intensive English program allows students to be successful at school and feel confident as learners.

Learning Support

TIS admits students with special needs within the scope of meeting the student's needs in the classroom. For students with more moderate to severe disabilities, the school will review additional information including; educational psychological evaluations, IEPs, teacher and counselor recommendations, and parent information. The school will review this information and speak to relevant service providers to be sure we are able to appropriately meet the student's needs. At times, TIS accepts students with special needs based on the family or sponsor providing the additional school fees to cover the cost of appropriate professional services.
TIS values an inclusive approach to educating students with disabilities. We believe an inclusive and diverse school community helps us to grow together and effect positive change in our world. This means that our students with special needs are active learners with their age appropriate peers, their differences are celebrated alongside the differences of all TIS students, and they are encouraged to form authentic and possibly lifelong relationships with their peers.

Student Life

Middle school is a time of discovery. We encourage our students to develop their interests and passions through our extracurricular activities programs. From athletics to fine arts, there is something for everyone. In middle school, students also begin to participate in interscholastic events, having the opportunity to travel to other regions or countries and developing positive relationships.

Middle School has always been a time of growth and discovery for young people. Not only are Middle School students expanding their learning in the classroom, but they begin to try new things, meet new people, and forge the path that will lead them into adulthood. Throughout the three years students spend in Middle School, they are given the opportunities to expand their thinking and sharpen their skills all in a safe environment that promotes internal growth and experimentation. Students at TIS Middle School should walk out of these doors not only ready for High School, but with an idea of who they are, who they want to become, and a fundamental knowledge of how to get there. At TIS MS we are helping build 21st century adults and the future of TIS MS will continue to adapt to an ever-changing world so our students will be ready.

Jeffrey Tempel
Director of Instruction

A primary component of our middle school program are 21st century skills. Developing these skills helps our student to prepare for a rapidly changing future. Through project-based learning, our students are engaged in authentic, real-world learning situations.

The academic environment is focused on kids growth, with customized learning plans when necessary and tailored opportunities for kids to ensure academic challenge. We also love that TIS is part of the CEESA network, allowing for enriching opportunities to exchange with other schools in the region, engage with other kids and their families, and appreciate diversity and cultural difference.

TIS Parent

In This Section

11-Year-Old Program

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12-Year-Old Program

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13-Year-Old Program

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Middle School & Secondary Classroom Peaks

SEC: When Science Glows: DNA Analysis in AP Biology

17 Apr 2026

This spring, AP Biology students learned how to do gel electrophoresis, a common biotechnology tool. DNA previously cut by enzymes is loaded into tiny wells on an agarose gel submerged in an electrically conductive solution. Agarose is a highly purified polysaccharide from red sea algae. DNA is highly negatively charged due to its many phosphate groups. When an electric current is applied through the solution and the gel, DNA fragments migrate towards the positive electrode and away from the negative electrode. Shorter pieces of DNA are less impeded by the agarose matrix and migrate faster. Larger fragments move slower. As the DNA migrates through the gel, the fragments of DNA separate into a ladder of DNA bands. In the past, high school labs used a blue dye that often resulted in poor visualization of the DNA bands. Ethidium bromide is used in research labs to visualize DNA bands, but ethidium bromide is a potent mutagen and is not suitable for use by high school students. With a new, safe fluorescent dye paired with the use of an orange filter, DNA bands can be visualized with the same clarity as if using ethidium bromide. The resulting banding pattern of the separated DNA fragments is very satisfying.

SEC: Was It Worth It? Students Debate the Impact of American Foreign Policy

17 Apr 2026

Over the past week, students have taken an active role in exploring the evolution of American foreign policy through research, collaboration, and discussion. Students analyzed George Washington’s warnings about foreign affairs, explored the lasting importance of the Monroe Doctrine, and debated how Manifest Destiny influenced U.S. expansion. Through presentations and inquiry‑based learning, they compared the foreign policies of Progressive Era presidents—McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson—and evaluated how U.S. involvement in World War I and World War II helped shape the modern world. Students also examined the influence of the military‑industrial complex and traced key continuities and changes in American foreign policy from the Cold War to today. Throughout the week, students demonstrated strong critical‑thinking skills as they researched historical evidence, presented arguments, and engaged in meaningful debates. To conclude the unit, students are eagerly preparing for a mock trial that will challenge them to answer a compelling question: Has American foreign policy been more constructive or destructive? Way to go!

SEC: Voices on Display: A Celebration of AP & IBDP Art

17 Apr 2026

Our combined AP and IBDP Art class wrapped up the year with a wonderful exhibition celebrating the hard work and creativity of six talented TIS secondary students. Their pieces explored a range of meaningful ideas—from gender in sports to the role food plays in shaping culture—each one offering a unique and personal perspective.

It was an inspiring showcase that highlighted their growth, dedication, and artistic voices. We’re so proud of everything they’ve accomplished!

MS: Where the Curve Meets the Axis: Discovering Quadratic Solutions

17 Apr 2026

Our students are diving into Unit E09, which focuses on solving quadratic equations. They are learning how the graphs of quadratic functions reveal important information about solutions—specifically, whether solutions exist and how many there are. By analyzing the points where the graph intersects with the x-axis, students can determine the number of solutions to a quadratic equation.

In addition to graphing, students are using tables of values to explore patterns and connections. These tools help them see how quadratic functions apply to real-world situations, such as modeling the path of a ball in motion or predicting maximum profit in a business scenario. The combination of graphing and tables is giving them both a visual and numerical way to understand quadratics more deeply.

We’re excited to see students making these connections and applying math concepts beyond the classroom!

MS: Cracking the Code of Numbers: Exponents, Equations, and More

10 Apr 2026

Students in the 12-year-old mathematics class are currently developing their understanding of rational and irrational numbers, exponent rules, and scientific notation. To support learning and skill practice, students complete a blend of IXL activities and assignments aligned with the course textbook. In class, students also participate in IXL Group Jams, which provide immediate feedback, encourage collaboration, and help clarify misconceptions in real time. Looking ahead, the final two units of the year will focus on analyzing and solving linear equations, as well as exploring probability.

SEC: Big Questions, Real Worlds: Student Research on Global Challenges

3 Apr 2026

Ms. Lisa's Secondary II Writing students dressed to impress and presented the findings of their 8-week research projects that resulted in 37 six- to eight-page research papers on a diverse array of topics of their choice. Student research included problems and solutions, in-depth study, and argument with all students drawing very interesting conclusions. Some examples include:

Population Growth in Japan and India
Lowering the Vote to 16
The Impact of Pretty Privilege on Law Enforcement
Immigration's Effect on Economies and Its Ethical Justification
The Portrayal of Women in Monotheistic Religious Texts and Its Effects on Sexism
The Weakening of Languages and Cultural Identity by English
Society's Devaluing of a Humanities Degree
Coral Reef Habitat Fragmentation: A Silent Killer
The Pablo Escobar Effect on Colombia
China's Transition to Nuclear Energy
Internet Shutdowns in Iran and How They Conceal Human Rights Abuses