Middle School
12-15 years
No longer children but not yet adults, Maria Montessori recognized adolescence as a time of rapid growth, not unlike the very first years of life. Designed for students ages 12 to 15 or Grades 6-8, the Middle School program provides the ideal setting to expand their knowledge, discover who they are, and embark on adult-like responsibilities, resulting in a solid, unique foundation for young adulthood.
Project-based curriculum
Classroom subjects are explored in an integrated manner, where students confront real-world issues while honing their skills in math, economics, science, humanities, language and writing. This cross-curricular approach is complemented by hands-on activities and projects that allow students to engage with their school community and society at large. Classroom lessons do not remain theoretical; they achieve a purposeful practicality when students encounter current events, authentic situations, and urgent social issues.
Socratic seminars
Middle School students are sensitive to issues of social justice and personal dignity. Critical thinking and public speaking skills are learned through Socratic seminars as students are challenged with issues they have to assess with pragmatism, reason and critical thinking. Through this process, an appreciation of multiple perspectives on a given topic develops.
Mathematics
The joys of exploration and discovery are the keys that make the study of math and geometry so special at TRIS. Students are provided a map of concepts that serves, together with the guidance of the teacher, as their guide to this fascinating world. Each student is encouraged to follow their interests and allowed the space to make their own discoveries. Students at The Renaissance International School are not told how to solve problems, but are led to make their own discoveries and to deeply understand why problems are solved in a certain way. Each student’s path is different, allowing them to progress at their own pace. Mathematics covers Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics.
Science
Nothing makes knowledge more interesting and engaging than actually having to use it and talk about it. For this reason, students at TRIS are not simply taught in the classroom; they are taught in the real world. Science classes then are profoundly experiential. They serve a concrete purpose: students explore the world of science through hands-on projects called occupations that are developed around needs in the community. As a result, students immediately understand the relevance and necessity for what they are studying. As students explore each particular concept, they will visit museums and universities, consult with experts in the field, and do research to deepen their understanding. Science topics include Biology, Botany, Chemistry and Physics.
Microeconomy
Students develop and run their own real business, marketing and selling products that they manufacture themselves. Supporting lessons are given on the scientific, historical, economic, practical and organizational aspects of their products. Student work includes bookkeeping, budgeting and purchasing, design, advertising, surveys, research, the writing of proposals, interviews of experts, and documentation.
Language Arts
Language is a primary force in our lives that allows us to communicate with each other and to pass along the richness of the human experience from one generation to another. The ability to communicate in multiple languages provides opportunities for our students to imbibe in a variety of cultures and develop flexible thinking.
At the middle school level, students are asked to read, write, listen and express themselves in three languages: English, French and Spanish. Furthermore, to hone their analytical skills, creative thinking and logical reasoning, the students compose essays, create term papers and produce projects in these languages. The students would likewise read literary texts (short stories, novels, poetry, drama, essays) and other reading materials across curricula, cultures and media.
History and Humanities
History and Humanities involve studying the evolution of human civilizations through time, with a particular focus on understanding the causes and effects of historical events. Each year, students traverse the human story, focusing on different events, time periods and places to develop a deep understanding of world history in engaging and experiential ways. Aside from exposing students to the breadth of human endeavor, the course seeks to layer class discussions and projects with numerous fields of study like the arts, economics, geography, philosophy, science, social science and politics. The students are thus encouraged to recognize connections between disparate topics, comprehend how their world has come to be, and situate themselves in it as empathetic, conscientious and responsible global citizens and custodians.
Music
Music is a part of the human experience and can be found in every culture across the globe. At TRIS, it is equally important. Led by a qualified music instructor, students learn music based on the Kodály Method, founded in Hungary by Zoltán Kodály. Students develop their musical abilities and participate in various ensembles and private lessons.
Fine Arts Program
Led by qualified fine arts instructors, middle school students learn fine arts in small groups in a dedicated Art Studio. Students receive formal lessons on technique, art history, and composition in a variety of media. The program offers opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and lateral thinking and helps the students to explore their own identity in the context of the greater world around them.
Physical Education
Basketball, badminton, pickleball, running–these are just some of the games and activities TRIS students use to develop their agility, coordination, and strength. They also promote teamwork, confidence and fun.
TRIS's official student-run journal
Parc / Du Monde is the student-run official journal of the TRIS community. It seeks to be the online meeting place for the school's diverse and international students, staff, and families. The articles featured at PDM are likewise multifaceted: essays by parents, drawings by teachers, interviews, opinion pieces, curated playlists, and art reviews. PDM comes out with new issues and updates the whole year round and relies solely on the journalistic and artistic fervor of its editorial staff and the talents of the community it serves.
Community
Beyond intellectual development, the Middle School program guides students to become active citizens and fully informed problem solvers within the local community and beyond.
Our alumni excel in school — and in life
Years of watching our students matriculate to high school, college and beyond confirms that an authentic Montessori Middle School is an excellent education for life. They excel in school and careers of choice but, more importantly, emerge as confident, well adjusted, happy adults.
“TRIS offers a holistic approach to education, this program has high academic standards AND focuses on a holistic approach to learning including practical life skills and the introduction of multiple languages. The program looks at each child and puts the needs of each child first. For example: One of our kids excels in math and they do math with the grade level above them. This same kid loves to move their body, thus putting away the dishes and preparing snacks is a great way for her to move prior to a lesson. Another one of our kids loves to read and as a 3rd year in her classroom she was able to read books to the younger kids at circle. This gave her even more confidence in reading and an opportunity to be a leader in the classroom. AND the language program is like nothing else in the bay area, a dedicated teacher for each of the languages allowing kids to have lessons in multiple languages and daily conversations in multiple languages. It is as close are you are going to get to a trilingual immersion school in the bay area. Oh and TRIS has a fantastic music and art program. The musical concerts are professional and polished as is the end of the year art show which is more like a gallery exhibit. Being able to see the progression from age 2 - 15 is amazing. The Middle School children coming out of TRIS are mature, self aware and independent.”