Middle-School years constitute a crucial transition period for students, with developmental opportunities and risks that have a lifelong impact on them. These years are ones of expanding discovery and exploration, where students are further encouraged to take academic risks, accept challenges as part of the learning process and also begin to develop their sense of agency. To better guide and support ISG students along these crucial developmental stages, our “collège” comprises sixth to ninth grade, a departure from the American system where Middle School does not include ninth grade.

Middle School | Grade 6-9

Every student takes French and English literature, continuing their studies of grammar, writing and reading comprehension, as any student in a French or American school would do. French literature is taught in French by a Francophone teacher and English literature is in English taught by an Anglophone teacher.
Students flourish in a cross-cultural learning environment as they are introduced to major authors of both cultures across centuries from Molière to Simone de Beauvoir, Shakespeare to Steinbeck.
Each scholastic year, students take history and geography in English or in French, with a focus on global studies. Knowledge of civilizations and world geography; an understanding of the complexity of economic, social, political, and cultural structures; and development of skills in argument and critical thought are vital tools to help our students grasp the major issues facing our interconnected, pluricultural world.
In addition to French, English and Spanish (that they started in 3rd grade), students choose an other language starting in sixth grade: German, Italian, or Spanish. Students continue studying their chosen language through 12th grade.
In science, which includes a study of the scientific method, at each grade level students take a yearlong class that covers biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. Students do extensive classroom and laboratory work in our science laboratories.
Our math program is rooted in the French curriculum, celebrated around the world for its rigor and level of study. Students learn key concepts in algebra, geometry and pre-calculus. All Middle School students take computer science each year. The program covers technical aspects such as programming, coding, and modeling, as well as digital citizenship and technology ethics.
Music and visual arts play an integral part in the program throughout Middle School. Students take visual arts classes in either English or French. Their course of study includes art history and development of technical skills in drawing and painting. In music, students explore music appreciation and composition in our dedicated music room.
The French curriculum values physical and sports education at the same level as other academic subjects and is part of the French Baccalaureate exams. Through the study of physical education, students develop coordination, resilience, and the refinement of motor skills. They also learn the fundamentals and rules of many sports and learn to collaborate with teammates and compete fairly.