Middle School
Middle School Program Ages 11 to 14 (Grade 5–Grade 8)
At Red Oaks, we’re all about empowering middle school students to grow and thrive through the globally respected International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). In our small, supportive classrooms, your child will dive into a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum that focuses not just on academics but on their emotional, social, and physical development. With the MYP, students gain the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to tackle challenges, make meaningful decisions, and become lifelong learners who take action to shape a better future. As an IB school, we’re committed to nurturing curious, compassionate, and globally-minded young people who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Middle School
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
- Instilling Global and National Awareness and Action
At Red Oaks, we believe in the power of curiosity, empathy, and openness to different cultures. International mindedness isn’t just a concept; it’s a mindset we nurture in every student. We focus on building strong communicators who are knowledgeable, open-minded, and ready to engage with the world around them. Our commitment to international mindedness includes teaching Spanish and linguistics, promoting intercultural understanding through programs like Model UN and our Racial Literacy curriculum, and encouraging global engagement through initiatives like Service as Action and the Community Project. We’re raising students who aren’t just ready to learn about the world—they’re ready to change it.
- Developing Each Student’s Life Skills
At Red Oaks, we go beyond academics to help students develop essential life skills that set them up for success—now and in the future. We use two proven approaches to support their growth:
Executive Skills: Based on Dr. Peg Dawson’s research, this program helps students build self-management tools like emotional regulation, stress tolerance, organization, time management, and goal-setting—skills that are just as important as academics.
Learning Skills: Rooted in the International Baccalaureate’s Approaches to Learning (ATLs), this framework strengthens collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and research skills—empowering students to become confident, independent learners.
These skills aren’t just taught in theory; they’re woven into daily classroom experiences and dedicated advisory sessions. The result? Students who are not only well-prepared for school but also ready to tackle life with confidence and resilience.
- Project-Based and Inquiry-Based Learning
At Red Oaks, learning isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about curiosity, exploration, and real-world application. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is built on Project-Based and Inquiry-Based Learning, meaning students don’t just absorb information; they actively engage with it.
Inquiry-Based Learning encourages students to ask questions, think critically, and make connections between subjects—developing a mindset of lifelong curiosity.
Project-Based Learning gives students hands-on experiences where they apply their knowledge in meaningful ways—solving real problems, working in teams, and creating projects that matter.
Through these approaches, students gain essential life skills—from research and communication to creative problem-solving and collaboration—preparing them to thrive in school, careers, and life.
- Design Thinking and Next Generation Science
At Red Oaks, students don’t just learn science and design—they think, create, and problem-solve like real scientists and engineers.
Hands-On Science: Our rigorous, Next Generation-aligned science curriculum goes beyond textbooks. Students explore real-world phenomena, conduct experiments, and connect science to everyday life—building curiosity and critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.
STEAM & Design Thinking: Through the IB Middle Years Program, students tackle real-life design challenges using the IB Engineering Design Cycle. They brainstorm, prototype, and collaborate—learning how to think like innovators, whether they’re designing a product, coding an app, or engineering a solution.
These interactive, hands-on experiences empower students to become creative problem-solvers, team players, and forward-thinkers—skills they’ll use in school, careers, and beyond.
- Language Acquisition
At Red Oaks, language learning goes beyond memorization—it’s about communication, culture, and connection.
Spanish Language Program: Students develop their skills in two phases—Emergent and Intermediate—expanding their vocabulary and using Spanish to explore personal, cultural, and social themes. Through interactive lessons, conversations, and multi-modal learning tools, they build proficiency in reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
Linguistics for 7th & 8th Grade: In this unique, two-year course, students dive into the science of language—exploring phonetics, syntax, semantics, and morphology. They study how languages evolve, how we acquire them, and how language shapes identity and culture. By the end, they create a comprehensive guide on language history, development, and meaning—deepening their understanding of both world languages and their own.
Through these immersive experiences, students become confident communicators and lifelong language learners, equipped with a broader perspective on the world.
Our middle school is an accredited International Baccalaureate World School
Middle school at Red Oaks is built on the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP)—a globally recognized framework that prepares students for success in high school, college, and beyond. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking, resilience, and a global perspective while growing intellectually, socially, and emotionally. IBMYP equips them with the skills and confidence to navigate complexity, take meaningful action, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Every year, our 8th graders take the stage for their Community Project, and parents are blown away by their poise, confidence, and depth of understanding. This capstone experience is more than just a presentation—it’s a powerful showcase of their critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills, built over years of inquiry-based learning. By tackling real-world issues, students develop independence, resilience, and a sense of purpose—leaving Red Oaks as engaged, lifelong learners ready to make an impact.
–Noga Beer, Middle School Director
Tour our Middle School today!
Choosing the right middle school is a big decision—especially for a child navigating the challenges of growing independence, identity, and social-emotional development. At Red Oaks, we create a supportive, engaging environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued while building the skills and confidence to thrive.
The best way to experience this? See it for yourself. Visit during school hours to observe our classrooms in action, meet our passionate faculty, and get a real sense of how we nurture curiosity, resilience, and well-being.
Schedule a personal tour today with Fran Sonneborn, our Director of Admissions, and discover if Red Oaks is the right fit for your child.
Download our complete Middle School Curriculum Guide
A home to the creative arts
At Red Oaks, the arts aren’t just an add-on—they’re essential to how we inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration. From music and visual arts to theater, students explore self-expression in a way that’s both fun and transformative. Whether they’re performing, painting, or designing, they build skills that go far beyond the classroom—critical thinking, teamwork, and the confidence to share their voice. Learn more about this program.
Raising compassionate, engaged citizens starts here.
At Red Oaks, we believe education extends beyond the classroom—it’s about making a difference. Our middle schoolers take an active role in their communities, completing meaningful service hours throughout the year. Whether supporting their peers through in-school jobs or partnering with local charities and healthcare organizations, students develop empathy, responsibility, and leadership skills that prepare them for life.
Through hands-on community involvement, they learn what it means to take action, create change, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Learn more about this program.
Beyond the Screen: Empowering Students in the Digital World
At Red Oaks, we don’t just give students access to the latest tech—we challenge them to understand its power and responsibility. It’s not enough to have devices at their fingertips; we teach them how to use technology wisely to enhance their learning and academic success.
But we go beyond that. We guide students in exploring what it means to be a responsible digital citizen—from online ethics to balancing screen time. In a world where technology shapes everything, our students learn to navigate it thoughtfully, purposefully, and with integrity.
It’s not just about keeping up with trends—it’s about preparing them for a future they can shape. Learn more about how technology is applied in the classroom.
Inspiring Global Citizenship
At Red Oaks, we’re committed to shaping students who are not only informed but also motivated to make a difference—both in their local community and on the global stage. We empower them to become well-rounded individuals who lead with integrity, compassion, and responsibility, preparing them to be role models and impactful citizens in an ever-changing world. Learn more about this program.
Wondering how our Red Oaks middle schoolers become top candidates for their high school of choice? The best way to see it is to The best way to see it is to experience it firsthand.
Tour our campus during school hours to observe our dynamic classrooms in action, witness the energy of our students, and get a sense of the supportive atmosphere that sets us apart. You’ll have the chance to see our students thrive academically and socially, and if you’d like, you can meet with our Head of School and Director of Admissions to ask questions and learn more about how we prepare students for success beyond Red Oaks.
Schedule your tour today and see what makes Red Oaks the perfect foundation for your child’s future.