Middle School
Middle School at DIS offers adolescents the opportunity to learn and grow, while developing socially and beginning to learn independence.
Middle School Students at DIS can choose to work toward the French Baccalaureate in the DIS French Program, or the Middle Years Program (MYP), an IB program taught in English that works towards the IB Diploma offerings. All programs at DIS emphasize language learning and cultural education.
French Program
Middle School, called Collège in France, starts in 6th grade and is a four-year course. At DIS, the Middle School goes to 8th grade to mirror the American experience. The curriculum is based on the program provided by the French Ministry of Education. In addition, DIS blends in the English language courses that will allow students to graduate as bilingual and bicultural young adults.
DIS students take the DELF exam to demonstrate their language proficiency. Upon passing, they receive official diplomas issued by the Ministry of Education of France in a special on campus ceremony.
The Middle Years Program
The Middle Years Program/ MYP prepares students to be successful in school and to be active, lifelong learners.
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16. At DIS, the MYP begins in 6th grade and culminates in 10th grade. It provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world.
6th to 10th Grade - IB Middle Years Program*
11th to 12th Grade - IB Diploma Program OR IB Career-related Program
- DIS 5th Grade International Program
- Preparation for the IB Middle Years Program.
- Alignment with and extension beyond Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). - DIS Middle School
- IB Middle Years Program (MYP). - DIS High School
- IB MYP in 9th and 10th; IB Diploma Program or IB Career-related Program in 11th and 12th.
- Dually-accredited high school program, culminating in the DIS High School Diploma.
- Advanced academic programs provide excellent preparation for university.
*DIS is an approved candidate school for the IB Middle Years Program and the IB Career-related Program.
The MYP at DIS fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding, and global engagement—essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders. It prepares students to meet the academic challenges of the IB Diploma Program (DP) and the IB Career-related Program (CP).
For more information about the MYP view the DIS MYP program:
Middle Schoolers at DIS enjoy an engaging community and special events just for them. Middle School Dances called BOUMs, and special events and clubs are tailored specifically towards the middle school years.
The Middle School years at DIS build the foundation for what’s to come! With 2 tracks available, students can work towards the French Baccalaureate or enter the IB Middle Years Program (MYP).
Middle School
Curriculum
2 Academic Tracks Available
French Program
(Core Subjects taught in French)
- Language & Literature
- History & Geography and Civics
- Biology/Geology
- Physics/Chemistry (starting at 7th grade)
- Science & Technology
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Spanish or Chinese
- Art & Music
DIS Instruction
- Language & Literature
- Language Acquisition (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish)
- Individuals & Societies
- Sciences
- Maths
- Arts (Visual, Music, Theatre)
- PHE (Physical Health Education
- Design/STEM
- MYP Core (Community Service Learning)
Experiential Learning
Middle School Students at DIS participate in many events and trips throughout the year:
- Medieval Fair
- Science Fair
- Overnight Trips offered each school year:
- 5th Grade: Quebec
- 6th Grade: NASA and Louisiana
- 7th Grade: Independence Trail (Washington D.C. and Philadelphia)
- 8th Grade: France
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Elementary School