About Our Middle School
We have a vibrant and caring Middle School community that empowers students to gain responsibility and take ownership of their education. ISM’s curriculum offers a challenging, structured, and well-rounded education with the instructional support needed to succeed. Students completing the Middle School curriculum at ISM are well prepared for High School and beyond.
Social and emotional growth are developed through a weekly advising period in which students are encouraged to discuss topics such as kindness, positivity, and emotional growth. We place an emphasis on providing opportunities for students to collaborate across age levels. Our Middle School students play an active role in peer tutoring with younger students and are exposed to a number of student-led activities with High School peers. Through their active participation in these exchanges, our students learn skills that will benefit them in and out of the classroom.
Beyond academics, students participate in a variety of in-school activities and extra-curricular opportunities. Through the SABIS Student Life Organization® at ISM, our students are able to propose and plan their own clubs and activities from walking and hiking clubs to book clubs to a “mad scientist” club. These clubs provide opportunities for students to further explore interests, build friendships, and enhance skills.
Awards & Recognition:
Minnesota's Best Awards
On June 28, 2026, the Minnesota Star Tribune announced Minnesota's Best Award winners for 2026. ISM is proud to be named a 2026 Minnesota's Best Gold Winner in all six education categories, including Best Middle School.
This recognition reflects the strength of our Middle School program, where students are challenged academically, supported personally, and prepared for success in high school and beyond.
Read the full article here! National Recognition as Minnesota's #1 Private K-12 School
ISM is proud to be recognized by Niche.com as the #1 Best Private K-12 School in Minnesota for the fourth consecutive year in its 2026 rankings.
This statewide ranking speaks to ISM's comprehensive Preschool-Grade 12 approach, including the middle grades, where students strengthen study skills, discover new interests, and begin taking greater ownership of their learning.
Read the full article here! What It Means for Your Child
- Proven academic excellence from preschool through grade 12.
- A world-class SABIS® curriculum that builds curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
- Supportive teachers who help every child feel seen, valued, and supported.
- A school recognized nationally and locally for strong, consistent results.
AP® Honor Roll & Advanced Academic Recognition
For the second year in a row, ISM is proud to have earned Platinum Distinction on the AP® School Honor Roll, placing us among the top 7% of qualifying schools nationwide and one of only 11 in Minnesota. Read the full article here!
This distinction means your child will:
- Have access to rigorous, college-preparatory courses.
- Receive personalized support to excel academically.
- Be part of a school that consistently prepares students for college success and beyond.
AP® School Honor Roll Platinum Distinction
We are thrilled to announce that ISM has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning a Platinum distinction. This is the second year in a row that ISM received a Platinum award, the highest level of distinction, which places ISM within the top 7% of the 5,061 eligible schools to achieve this honor. Furthermore, ISM is one of only 11 schools that have achieved the Platinum distinction across Minnesota. This recognition validates our commitment to student opportunity and success in the Advanced Placement program.
Read the full article here!
Curriculum Highlights:
English
Middle School English focuses on reading comprehension and interpretation, writing skills, vocabulary development, and communication fluency. Students explore a variety of literary genres from global authors while engaging in research and research writing. Students are also encouraged to read for pleasure through their participation in the Accelerated Reader® program. English courses act as critical stepping-stones to more specialized, college preparatory literature and composition classes offered in high school.
Math
After mastering basic arithmetic operations, students move on to algebra and geometry. Additional topics include units for measurement and data. Throughout their coursework, students develop the ability to address abstraction through observing and stating the various properties of addition and multiplication. These courses lay a solid foundation for a rigorous high school curriculum.
Social Studies
Students start by exploring Minnesota history including geography and the influence of Native Americans on state life. This survey of state history describes the lives of early settlers and the impact of United States trade and conflict on Minnesota’s economy and statehood. After completing a deep dive into state history, students learn the role of historians as they explore United States history including early life in America. Students will investigate the role of colonization and exploration and the impact of both on the American Revolution. While learning about early government and the economy in the United States, students will understand the impact of Western expansion and the conditions that brought about the Civil War.
Science
Our Science program emphasizes learning about the topics of science, how to do science, and about the importance of science in daily life. The curriculum includes the discovery of physical, earth, and life sciences. Learning about science focuses on the study of science by seeking to discover the order of nature and the scientific method. The relationship between science and humanities is examined with the inclusion of historical impacts. Both theoretical and practical applications of science are addressed as students are learning how to do science. Students engage in hands on experiments and theoretical predictions with an emphasis on problem solving and logical frameworks. Lastly, students learn about the importance of science by identifying and understanding the impact of science on daily life.
World Language
The importance of world language is reflected in daily language instruction of either Spanish or French, from instructors who are native speakers. As a result, students become functionally bilingual by graduation. Language instruction includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking while also learning about culture.
Computer Science
Our goal for this program is to ensure that all students attain an excellent understanding of computer and network technologies and how to use them. By providing a conceptual understanding of the technology, students are positioned to gain a sustained ability to use current computer applications while also understanding future versions and advancements. Computer Science subjects promote and improve important skills and abilities such as critical thinking, planning, problem solving, organization, and communication.
To ensure a well-rounded education, the curriculum also includes instruction in the following:
