Middle Years Program

Grades 6-9

We place a strong emphasis on providing personalized support to our students as they cultivate their voices and navigate their journey towards self-discovery.

Our educators are dedicated to creating a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive, where students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions

Central to our academic offering is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP)*, a comprehensive and challenging curriculum that places experiential learning at its core. Through the MYP and our own CARE philosophy, we are committed to delivering an inspiring and dynamic educational experience to our students. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness, preparing students for success in their future endeavours and provides a nurturing and supportive environment as they navigate the critical transition period in their lives. 

Our Middle School program prioritizes self-expression, autonomy, and personalized support, recognizing the importance of students’ physical, socio-emotional, and academic growth. We emphasize emotional well-being to foster a conducive environment for learning and personal development. Beyond academics, we offer diverse extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership programs to shape well-rounded individuals prepared for an interconnected world.

Our educators create a challenging yet supportive environment that encourages students to explore their interests, fostering a love for learning, responsibility, and independence. We focus on holistic development by nurturing a sense of community and belonging, ensuring students feel valued and supported.

Through mentorship and counseling, we guide students through the complexities of adolescence. Our philosophy celebrates individual strengths and promotes inclusivity, respect, and understanding, empowering students to become compassionate, open-minded individuals ready to make meaningful societal contributions.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a comprehensive educational framework designed for students aged 11 to 16. It is a part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, which aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.

Crescent Heights Academy is authorized for the MYP. IB World Schools share a common philosophy-a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education-that we believe is important for our students.

Curriculum

The MYP curriculum includes eight subject groups, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares students for further studies and future careers. The curriculum in British Columbia is overseen and directed by the Ministry of Education.

  • Language acquisition
  • Language and literature
  • Individuals and societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Arts
  • Physical and health education
  • Design

Middle School Overview

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) offers a curriculum framework that encourages students to develop a deep understanding of specific subjects while also promoting interdisciplinary learning.

We help students learn how to learn by developing skills for research, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-management while exploring big ideas that matter.

Global contexts are integrated into the curriculum to help students grasp the importance of their studies in understanding our shared humanity and responsibility as guardians of the planet.

Blended semester program

Middle School follows a blended semester model, with full-year enrichment subjects scheduled on Wednesdays and academic subjects taught in semester blocks.

On Flex Wednesdays, students begin with an extended homeroom block focused on building community, developing leadership, and participating in service opportunities. They then join clubs where they can pursue personal interests in areas such as the arts, technology, or sports. Together, these experiences support our mission to nurture courageous contributors who care for themselves and others. Homeroom encourages belonging, kindness, and integrity, while clubs promote exploration, creativity, and service. For middle school students (ages 11–15), these opportunities strengthen both relationships and self-confidence.

The second half of Flex Wednesday is dedicated to academic skill development and creative application. During the Academic Block, students build literacy, numeracy, and research strategies tailored to their needs. In the Explore Block, they integrate learning across subjects to solve real-world problems. This balanced approach develops critical thinking, collaboration, and reflection—skills that extend well beyond middle school. Rooted in our values of service and resilience, students learn to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

Together with Homeroom and Clubs, Flex Wednesday creates a unique rhythm of community, growth, and discovery.

Project Based Learning

Our students also participate in at least one collaboratively planned interdisciplinary unit each year. These units involve at least two subject groups and are designed to provide students with a holistic understanding of complex issues, themes, or topics. The interdisciplinary approach encourages students to make connections between different areas of knowledge and to develop a more nuanced and integrated understanding of the world around them.

MYP students complete a long-term project as part of their educational experience. The project is an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning by choosing a topic of interest, identifying their existing knowledge on the subject, and determining what additional information they need to complete the project. Studentsalso create a proposal or criteria for completing the project, which allows them to develop essential skills such as research, critical thinking, and project management.

The MYP Community Project serves as the culmination of our students’ project-based learning journey. As a capstone experience, it challenges learners to take meaningful action on an issue they care about, applying the skills and knowledge they’ve developed across subject areas. Over a 12-week term, students independently explore a topic, conduct research, plan and implement a project, and reflect on their learning—all with guidance from dedicated teachers. More than just a requirement, the Community Project empowers students to make a real impact while building confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of global citizenship.

The MYP provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed in their final years of secondary school and beyond. The program’s emphasis on approaches to learning effectively prepares students for the demanding academic work required for higher education.

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Small Class Sizes
The middle school classes are limited to 22 students. This allows for more personalized attention from teachers, ensuring that each student is supported and engaged.


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Specialist Faculty
In middle school, students have subject specialists for all academic areas, in addition to a homeroom teacher. Each subject has its own classroom environment with specialized materials and structure, allowing for focused learning and skill development.
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Language Aquisition
In middle school, students are required to take core French classes. Additionally, there are co-curricular opportunities to study other languages. This allows students to expand their language skills and gain a better understanding of different cultures.

Campus

The campus for the grade 6 to 9 students is located at the senior campus in the Middle School building at 18620 56th Avenue. This will be the main site of the new facility planned for occupancy in fall of 2027.

Please note: in the upcoming academic year (2026-27) grade 6 will be at the intermediate campus on 60th avenue. Grades 7-9 will still be located in the Middle School building at CHA Senior.

For more details on our new campus build, click here.

Join Crescent Heights Academy

To begin the application process, please submit an inquiry form through our website. Once received, we will connect you with the necessary application materials and guide you through the next steps.