Find Middle Ground

Denver Montclair International School is pleased to announce its intention to open a middle school in the fall of 2011.

DMIS is seeking accreditation with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to offer the Middle Years Programme to students in grades 6 through 8.

Starting in the fall of 2011, DMIS plans to offer 6th grade instruction within its larger French and Spanish language programs. There will be two tracks for middle-schoolers. The first is for students who have received a full-immersion education. The second is for students who have not received instruction in a non-native language.

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about DMIS’ middle school:

Why a middle school at DMIS?

Expanding our school through 8th grade will allow DMIS students to receive a more consistent, comprehensive and rigorous education rooted in academic excellence, multilingualism and global awareness. A DMIS graduate will be prepared for advanced study in high school and beyond.

What if my child has never had exposure to a non-native language?

The Rocky Mountain region’s oldest and most respected international school believes that it is never too late to learn a language. For more than three decades, our expert educators have worked to develop curricula and teaching approaches that promote not only language fluency with native-like pronunciation, but also an awareness and sensitivity of other cultures. Though we believe it is ideal for children to begin acquiring second and third languages as young as possible, we are very specially trained and equipped to work with students who are learning languages later in life. DMIS guarantees that its lead teaching faculty are native speakers.

There is no better place than DMIS to send a middle-school child who wants to speak more than one language.

Why International Baccalaureate?

International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are recognized around the world, giving graduates educational and workplace opportunities their peers without IB diplomas typically don’t have. Because of the IB curriculum’s globally recognized status, IB high school graduates potentially can place out of their first year at a college or university.

The curriculum and pedagogy of IB programs focus on international perspectives of learning and teaching, while still requiring students to fully explore their native history, culture and language. IB World Schools must complete an exhaustive and regular authorization process before they are allowed to offer IB programs. Accredited IB teachers must participate in a wide array of professional development courses — which helps guarantee the highest quality of education.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) rigorously instructs students in English, a second language, the humanities, science, technology, mathematics, the arts and physical education.

If you are interested in learning more, please attend the Middle School Open House 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Sat., Nov. 13 on the DMIS campus, 206 Red Cross Way, in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood.