AOSR Middle School at a Glance
Grades Served: Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8 (Ages 11–14)
Student Body: ~150 students representing over 55 nationalities
Curriculum Standards: AERO (English Language Arts & Social Studies), Common Core (Math), NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)
Specialized Tracks: English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support (Resource), and Italian Native/CLIL State Exam Prep (Licenza Media)
- Campus Location: Via Cassia 811, North Rome
Nurturing Growth During a Transformative Time
At the American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR), we recognize that middle school is a pivotal transitional period marked by rapid intellectual, social, and personal growth. Our Middle School program provides a safe, dynamic, and challenging environment where young adolescents (Grades 6–8) develop critical thinking, self-advocacy, and a lifelong passion for learning.
Leveraging Rome’s incredible historical and cultural landscape alongside an international student body from over 55 countries, AOSR prepares well-rounded students to seamlessly transition into high school programs - including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) - at AOSR or anywhere in the world.
Core Academic Curriculum
Our daily schedule prioritizes deep learning in core subjects while reserving dedicated time for electives, physical development, and academic support.
English Language Arts (ELA)
Guided by AERO standards and a balanced literacy model, our ELA courses center on three core themes: identity, community, and expression. Through Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop, students engage with class novels, independent reading, book clubs, and writing genres including narrative, analytical, and persuasive writing.
- Grade 6: Foundations in reading comprehension, text analysis, and root word study.
- Grade 7: Focus on identity, community, dystopian literature, and independent voice.
- Grade 8: Advanced literary analysis, close reading, and interdisciplinary connections.
Mathematics
Aligned with Common Core State Standards, our mathematics program develops conceptual understanding, computational fluency, and real-world problem-solving skills.
- Math 6: Geometry, ratios/percentages, expressions, equations, and rational numbers.
- Math 7: Rigid transformations, linear relationships, functions, and proportional reasoning.
- Integrated Math 1A & 1 (Grade 8): Foundation for high school mathematics, focusing on linear and exponential equations, bivariate data, and coordinate geometry.
Integrated Science
Following the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and UC Berkeley’s Amplify curriculum, students investigate real-world phenomena across Earth, Life, Physical, and Environmental sciences.
- Grade 6: Microbiome, cellular metabolism, genetics, thermal energy, weather patterns, and Earth’s climate.
- Grade 7: Planetary geology, plate tectonics, rock transformations, phase changes, and chemical reactions.
- Grade 8: Mechanics, wave properties, evolutionary biology, and environmental dynamics.
Social Studies
Our Social Studies program emphasizes historical inquiry, geography, and civic engagement. Students utilize Rome itself as an extension of the classroom through experiential projects, mind-mapping, and field excursions that connect historical events to current global issues.
World Languages & Italian Native Program
AOSR offers a differentiated World Language program catering to all proficiency levels. Students are encouraged to study Italian, with additional options in French and Spanish.
Italian Native / State Exam Track (CLIL Alignment): For qualified Italian native speakers, we offer specialized courses (Matematica e Scienze I, II, e III) combining mathematics, science, and humanities to prepare students for the Italian Licenza Media State Exam at the end of Grade 8.
Exploratory Cycle & Electives
To build well-rounded individuals, Middle School students participate in a rotating Exploratory Cycle designed to spark creative discovery.
- Visual Art: Foundations in design, color theory, and studio practice.
- Drama & Performing Arts: Public speaking, stagecraft, and performance skills.
- Design Technology: Hands-on STEM projects, digital literacy, and practical problem solving.
- Music Options: Full-year enrolments in Concert Band or Choir.
- Physical Education: Promoting physical health, teamwork, and personal wellness.
Student Support & Advisory Program
Every child learns differently. We provide individualized support structures to ensure every middle schooler thrives:
- English as an Additional Language (EAL): Tailored instruction for non-native English speakers to achieve fluency and master core academic subject matter.
- Study Skills & Resource Support: Targeted instruction in Grade 6 for organization, time management, test prep, and self-advocacy.
- Focused Academic Support for Writing: Small-group coaching designed to build academic vocabulary, grammar, and essay structure.
- Advisory Program: Dedicated daily time connecting students with faculty mentors to foster social-emotional health, community values, and character development aligned with our Profile of a Graduate.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Education at AOSR extends far beyond campus grounds. Through our Classroom Without Walls initiative, middle schoolers participate in:
- Annual Middle School Cultural Trip Week: A week-long immersive trip to another region of Italy, building independence, cultural appreciation, and group cohesion.
- Rome Field Excursions: Regular day-trips to local museums, historical sites, and ecological landmarks across the city.
- Co-Curriculars & Events: Shakespeare Festival, Science Fairs, International Day of Languages, Robotics competitions, Student Council, and after-school sports.
Experience Middle School at AOSR
Discover how our American-international curriculum in Rome can help your child succeed.