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ages 11 to 13

THE DAIS AMERICAN MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Spanning Grades 6, 7, and 8, the curriculum at our private Middle School in Dalian, China, builds on our students’ subject knowledge and hones their academic skills, preparing them for High School. Learning in the classroom is complemented by a enriching experiences and After-School Activities, which nurture passions and talents. 
Middle SchoolMiddle School

OUR AMERICAN MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Middle School at Dalian American International School (DAIS) encompasses grades 6, 7, and 8. Our standards-based educational model emphasizes skill building, the use of higher order thinking skills, and student ownership of learning.

Our teachers engage learners through hands-on strategies, cooperative learning, and authentic experiences. Our rigorous curriculum provides a smooth transition from Middle School to High School, preparing students for success on our Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
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THE SUBJECTS WE TEACH AT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL IN DALIAN

  • English Language Arts
    Our English Language Arts courses are primarily skills-based. They connect to correlating Social Studies courses and align with Common Core State Standards. Our program develops our students’ reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills through literary and/or non-fiction texts. Successful progression gives our students access to Advanced Placement English courses in High School.
  • Mathematics
    Our Middle School Mathematics courses align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS), following the accelerated benchmarks provided by CCSS. Designed to give students the best possible chance of success on our High School Advanced Placement courses, our Math program develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills beyond computation. Our grade 8 learners typically take Algebra, a High School-level course that is factored into their Grade Point Average (GPA).
  • Science
    Our courses are subject specific and align with Next Generation Science Standards. We emphasize the importance of laboratory skills, modeling, scientific inquiry, and data analysis, and encourage students to draw connections across scientific fields. Our progressive programs give our students the best possible chance of success on our Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
  • Social Studies
    Our skills-based Social Studies courses align with the standards delineated by the National Council for History in Schools. Social Studies courses at DAIS correlate to our English Language Arts program, creating connections across the subjects. Our meticulous program offers the best possible preparation for Advanced Placement courses in grades 9-12.
  • Visual Arts
    Aligned to the National Standards for the Arts, our expansive Visual Arts program nurtures our students’ creative growth across a variety of mediums. Students also showcase their work at an annual Art Show held each spring. Our learners take Middle School Art for one semester and Middle School Chorus for one semester. 
  • Music
    Our Music program aligns with the National Standards for the Arts, enabling students to specialize in either instrumental or choral music. Our learners perform in at least one public concert each semester, with further performance opportunities offered each year. Instrumental musicians audition and are placed in either Developing Band or Advanced Band groups. Our learners take Middle School Art for one semester and Middle School Chorus for one semester.
  • Computer Education
    Our Computer Education program spans the curriculum, creating an interactive environment where the latest EdTech enhances learning. Students enjoy a range of individual and group projects, plus an extended assignment that requires the location, collection, and evaluation of information from different sources. Through interdisciplinary activities, learners become technologically proficient and learn how to use the latest tools and resources effectively.
  • Physical and Health Education
    Our Middle School PE courses align with Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) National Standards. In grade 6, students take PE for the entire year. Students in grades 7 and 8 take PE for one semester and Health Education in the other.
  • World Language Mandarin
    Aligned with American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards, our Mandarin as a Foreign Language courses focus on the five ‘Cs’ of language learning: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. Tapping into our local community and environment, our World Language courses encourage learners to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. This prepares them for our Advanced Placement (AP) Chinese Language and Culture courses.
Middle school student

STANDARDS-BASED GRADING AT DAIS MIDDLE SCHOOL

We determine our Middle School students’ academic progress through a standards-based grading system. Our system reports on whether a student has mastered key knowledge and skills in each subject. Grades are based on academic factors only; non-academic factors, such as attendance, behavior, effort, and responsibility, aren’t considered.
Applied Studies

APPLIED STUDIES COURSES

At our private Middle School in Dalian, learners take four Applied Studies courses each year, which encourage creativity and design thinking. Students rotate through four quarter-long courses – Drama, Creative Writing, Product Design, and Coding and Digital Design – which culminate in a final project that will have a positive impact on the school community.
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BEYOND THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

An array of extra-curricular activities enable our Middle School students to explore their passions beyond the curriculum.

Your child can join one of our sports teams or academic clubs, and take part in After-School Activities, which emphasize inclusiveness and teamwork. Our Student Council, meanwhile, plays an active role in Middle School life, bringing our community together through service initiatives and events.
OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCES
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  • Secondary School

A TYPICAL DAY AT MIDDLE SCHOOL

Every day, we provide a breadth of opportunities for students to develop their interpersonal skills and academic knowledge, preparing them for a global future. 
Middle School Curriculum | Dalian American International School - 07 - Visual Timeline
Morning activity
Our students come together as they prepare for a busy day ahead. 
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Mixed lessons
Our students immerse themselves in two blocks of learning, either in our labs, specialist spaces, or flexible classrooms.
mixed lessons
Asian cuisine
Lunch break
Learners enjoy a healthy meal cooked by our onsite chef, whose menu has been devised by a dietician.
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House event
Advisory class
Extended advisory classes on Monday and Friday bring our community together, as students enjoy whole-school assemblies, house events, Character Counts activities, and more.
ADVISORY CLASSES
Middle School Curriculum | Dalian American International School - 07 - Visual Timeline
Further lessons
Our students' academic education continues, as they delve into a range of subjects.
further LESSONS
Athletics
Extra-curricular activities
A variety of After-School Activities give our learners the chance to develop their skills and pursue passions.
extra-curricular activities
Studying
Evening boarding
The day continues for our boarders, who benefit from guided study time before bed.
evening for OUR boarders
Secondary teacher
HOW WE TEACH

THE VERY BEST INTERNATIONAL STAFF

DAIS is home to forward-thinking educators from around the world. Our highly experienced international Middle School teachers belong to an elite group of professionals, who set the highest standards and work hard to stay at the cutting-edge of best practice. Their expertise will inspire your child, ensuring they achieve their full potential.
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DAIS campus
OUR FACILITIES

DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS

Our modern campus has been expertly designed with our students’ education in mind, ensuring a calm, comfortable, and collaborative learning environment. In cutting-edge classrooms, outstanding sports facilities, and dedicated labs and art studios, your child’s talents will shine.
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A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION IN DALIAN

At Dalian American International School (DAIS), we’ll make sure your child has everything they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

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