Academic Programs

Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies/U.S. History are considered academic core classes. The 80-minute block for each core class enables students to explore subjects in greater depth, understand topics through authentic activities, and be team-taught by teachers across disciplines when opportunities arise.

World Language courses, including Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Spanish, and French, are designed around fun and engaging cross-cultural explorations, imaginative activities, and projects, as well as interactive technology presentations that demonstrate how to use language in cultural contexts.

The ASD Physical Education program adheres to the standards set by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America). At ASD, students will develop health-related fitness, physical competence, cognitive understanding, and positive attitudes about physical activity, enabling them to make informed decisions that enhance their lifelong wellbeing (physical, social, mental, and emotional, spiritual). They will derive personal satisfaction from active participation and develop the intrinsic motivation for an active lifestyle. Students will develop social skills and understand the concept of social responsibility within a physical activity context.

Exploratory courses are a rotation of courses that all students take, exposing them to a wide range of exciting new topics and resulting in a well-rounded student. These include Drama, Art, Music, Robotics, Computers, Service Learning, and Career Exploration.

Elective courses are selected on the basis of a student’s area of interest. We believe that students of this age should be exposed to as many stimulating learning opportunities and situations as possible. Sample electives include Advanced Robotics, Art of Fused Glass, 2D Art, Cultural Arts, Drama, Model United Nations, Outdoor Education, Photography, Skills for Life, Speaking with Purpose, Tech Exploration, the Amazing Brain, and Video Production.

The MS Advisory Program is the heart of ASD’s MS. The advisor is a teacher who works with a group of 10 – 12 students throughout the year, both inside and outside of the classroom. The advisory program enables students to develop a sense of identity, as well as their role in a larger society. By working within group settings, serving their community, and engaging in positive interactions with their peers, counselors, and advisors, students develop into responsible and caring global citizens. In addition to developing ASD’s core values and habits of mind, the advisory program will help guide and support students by facilitating their academic success and personal growth, while at the same time building a dynamic and exciting MS identity that each and every student is proud to be a part of.

The school counseling program in the MS centers on the theme of “Strong Kids, Safe Kids” in order to promote personal safety and personal development. Students learn social emotional skills that are based on the International School Counseling Model. The program builds a sense of self and of community. Counselors engage with students through individual counseling, small group counseling, academic check-ins, classroom lessons, advisory activities, pro-social campaigns, responsive services, and systems support. Each grade level has their own school counseling curriculum: Grade 6 – Strong Kids, Safe Kids; Grade 7 – Careers Exploration: Work Safe, Live Safe; Grade 8 – Strong Transitions, Safe Transitions. Transitions and change are another focus area for the school counseling program. The counselors provide support during times of change for students entering from Grade 5 and moving on in Grade 8, as well as to new students at the beginning of the year and moving students at the end of the year. Through all of these modes, the counselors focus on the personal and intellectual development of students, helping them to learn more about themselves so that they may live out the ASD values and become positive, active global citizens.