The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an international program for students aged 11 or 12 – 16 to develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world. 

This program helps students participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly interrelated world. Learning how to learn and how to evaluate information critically is as important as learning facts. The Middle Years program emphasizes the importance of a balanced curriculum and encourages authentic assessment, long-range tasks, and interdisciplinary units. Teachers develop units of study that focus on a unit question and can be applied across disciplines.

Overall Curriculum

The MYP is a skill-based program that teaches students to think critically and reflectively. Students are enrolled in 8 courses that all have equal importance: English, Spanish, Individuals & Societies, Science, Mathematics, Arts, Physical Education, and Technology. In addition to school work, students demonstrate their connection to the world by embracing community service. Service Learning is an integral part of the Peter Gruber International Academy curriculum.  Each class is organized around a collection of units. These units are inquiry-based, meaning that there is a big question that the class will investigate while gaining knowledge and developing skills.

Students are expected to work independently and collaboratively on projects, called summative assessments. They also receive formative assessments, such as homework and quizzes that help prepare them to demonstrate what they have learned throughout a unit in the summative assessment.

In addition to the MYP-specific requirements, VIMSIA offers a VOLT class to develop study skills and constructive habits of mind, and Enrichment classes such as Organic Gardening, VI Culture, and Eco-Store.

VIMSIA’s MYP is offered as a five-year programme, with students entering the programme in Year 1 (grade 6). For more information, please refer to the International Baccalaureate Organization's MYP Curriculum Guide. 

Taken as a whole, the curriculum provides a balanced education focused on critical thinking that will equip young people for effective participation in the modern world.