MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION

CAIS Middle School exists to provide each student a sense of ownership for their education in preparation for success at CAIS High School and beyond. We accomplish this through project based learning that is innovative and relevant. Students achieve this by persevering through risk taking in a safe environment that is focused on building empathy, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills.

By utilizing a traditional Engineering Design Process, CAIS Middle School aims to provide ample opportunity for students to reflect and improve upon their skills. Here, mistakes are learning opportunities. We focus on instilling a growth mindset, and learning for the sake of learning rather than grades. We focus on evolving critical thinking and problem-solving skills through creativity and innovation. We challenge our students to ask and imagine before they create, and to maintain empathy as they move through their work. 

In conjunction with CAIS High School, our students are afforded opportunities to utilize industry-standard equipment (e.g. 3D printers, laser cutters, and access to our "Maker Space" woodshop) under the careful and considerate eyes of our trained instructors. As they learn how to use these tools, they become familiar with the techniques and skills they need to be able to succeed in these environments for their futures in CAIS High School and learn how to apply these skills to their current projects.