Academics

Mountainside Middle School is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) World School. 

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a globally recognized educational framework designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a challenging and inclusive curriculum that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.

At its core, the MYP fosters critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a lifelong love of learning. It supports students in becoming active, compassionate, and globally minded individuals who are prepared for the academic demands of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or other advanced studies.

The MYP is a five year International Baccalaureate programme, split between two SUSD school sites, Mountainside Middle School (Years 1-3) and Desert Mountain High School (Years 4-5).  

Mountainside's IB Middle Years Programme is school-wide, wall to wall model, and Desert Mountain's program is a school within a school model. Students entering Desert Mountain in grades 9 and 10 may choose to register for the IB MYP Programme at DMHS for years 4-5.

Key Features of the MYP

• Holistic Learning: Students explore eight subject groups, including Language and Literature, Sciences, Mathematics, Individuals and Societies, Arts, Design, Physical and Health Education, and Language Acquisition.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: The MYP emphasizes connections between subjects, helping students see how knowledge is interrelated.
• Global Contexts: Learning is framed through global themes that encourage students to think beyond the classroom and consider their role in the world.
• Approaches to Learning (ATL): Students develop essential skills such as communication, collaboration, research, self-management, and critical thinking.
• Service as Action: Community service is integrated into the curriculum, promoting empathy and responsible citizenship.
• Community Project: In 8th grade, students complete a collaborative, student-led project that addresses a need within their community, allowing them to apply their learning in meaningful, real-world ways.

All sixth, seventh, and eighth grade Mountainside students are learners in the IB MYP Programme.

Why Choose the MYP?

The MYP nurtures curious, confident, and capable learners. It equips students with the tools they need to succeed academically while also preparing them to be thoughtful, ethical, and engaged members of their communities.

As such, they take courses in the eight content areas, required by IB for Years 1-3 at Mountainside: Arts (performing and fine), Design (STEM, Computers, and Media), Individuals and Societies, Language Acquisition (French, Mandarin, Spanish), Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physical and Health Education, Sciences. 

*Click the links above for information on the subject-specific MYP curriculum 

A Pathway to Future Success

Whether your child continues into the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or another academic path, the MYP lays a strong foundation for future achievement. It nurtures independent thinkers, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners.

Visit ibo.org for additional information on the IB MYP.