Overview and Signature Programs

IDEAL’s Middle School is an inclusive, supportive program where every student is known, heard, and encouraged to grow both academically and personally.

The curriculum meets students where they are, sparking curiosity and a love of learning. Classes connect subjects to help students think critically and understand big ideas. IDEAL also encourages leadership and a sense of justice in every student.

Lessons are tailored to different learning levels. For example, eighth graders may read Romeo and Juliet in either its original form or a simpler version, and meet as a full class and in small groups. The writing program challenges all students to write weekly, helping them improve across different formats. Discussions and presentations build communication skills, and connections to history and the arts deepen their learning.

Math classes are grouped by ability, not grade, and range from foundational skills to Algebra 2. Real-world problems and hands-on learning help students see the value of what they're studying.

Most students study Spanish for three years, unless their learning plan calls for extra support in English. Language classes highlight both communication and culture. History and science use a team-teaching model to personalize learning.

In the arts, sixth graders explore music, visual art, and drama. In seventh and eighth grade, students choose two areas of focus. Performances like the fall play and spring musical help students build confidence, and electives like digital photography offer more ways to be creative.

Small Class Sizes

With small class sizes and co-teaching teams, students receive individualized attention while developing critical thinking skills through engaging, interdisciplinary lessons.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to challenge students at different levels, ensuring everyone can explore, succeed, and grow.

Creative Arts

The creative arts — visual art, music, drama, and dance — are deeply integrated into learning. Our unique electives program offers classes like yoga, chess, and drama while also allowing time for necessary therapies without disrupting academics.

Visual Art

a female student wearing glasses with dark straight hair draws a picture while a teacher sits at the same table

Music

Drama

Dance

Signature Programs

IDEAL prioritizes inclusion, diversity, and social justice, helping students develop strong character, emotional intelligence, and advocacy skills. We invite you to visit and experience our vibrant, welcoming community firsthand.

Advisory

All Upper School students meet daily in a small advisory group, co-led by two faculty members. Advisors watch over and foster the social, emotional, and academic growth of their students, acting as personal, in-school advocates and coaches. Advisory provides time for students to organize their work and for advisors to check in with their students. Advisors also serve as a first point of contact for parents, partnering proactively to ensure all students are fully engaged and thriving in the IDEAL community.

Diversity Curriculum

Community Time & Assemblies

Student-led assemblies occur biweekly, alternating with club time in the Upper School schedule. Assemblies include eighth grade IDEAL Talks, announcements, and presentations from outside speakers. On the first day of school, a special schedule includes an assembly at which students learn about opportunities to propose and lead clubs and to run for student council. Community Time is focused on our diversity and ability curricula, our social justice programming, and interpersonal relationships.

Civil Rights Museum

Middle School Civil Rights Museum projects focus on social reform and activism. In 2025, sixth graders presented and participated in a museum talk about ancient artifacts located outside their historic homes. Seventh graders explored historic oversights, inaccuracies, and crimes commited against Native American people. Eighth graders studied different American immigrant communities and presented on prejudices and ethnic hatred they have felt.

Science Expo

Each year, students at IDEAL prepare for our Science Expo, an opportunity for them to showcase concepts they have learned in science through interactive, hands-on exhibits.

In Middle School, students are guided to pursue individualized and interest-driven projects, many with real-world applications.

The Middle School Science Expo includes presentations by students as well as a keynote speech to all students by a professional in a science-related field.

ArtBeat

ArtBeat is IDEAL’s annual art show and performance showcase, with schoolwide exhibits of our students' creative endeavors displayed throughout both school buildings. Each spring, as the school year begins to wind down, our community takes the time to reflect upon and celebrate all that our students have accomplished throughout the year in the visual art department. All students in visual arts classes showcase a body of work, and performing arts students sing, play, and act for their families and peers. IDEAL families tour our school art gallery as students highlight the motivation and techniques behind their work. Our authentic, gallery-opening style approach to ArtBeat provides an opportunity for students to display their skills and work, and student creations reflect each artist's creative spirit, courage, tenacity, and unique style of expression.

Counseling

IDEAL’s Middle School counseling program offers a safe space for students to meet one-on-one or in small groups to talk about their feelings, behavior, and social-emotional growth. Counselors work with all students—both through ongoing support and as-needed check-ins. Through games, activities, and conversations, students build skills in self-awareness, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and relationships, learning how to handle challenges both in school and beyond.

a counselor sits on the floor of her office talking to three girls

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In This Section...

Overview and Signature Programs

Small Class Sizes

Curriculum

Creative Arts

Visual Art

Music

Drama

Dance

Signature Programs

Advisory

Diversity Curriculum

Community Time & Assemblies

Civil Rights Museum

Science Expo

ArtBeat

Counseling