Blog
A Hidden Gem in Middle School Education: The True Value of an International Curriculum
In the vibrant educational landscape of Berkeley, École Bilingue de Berkeley (EB) stands out as a shining example of international middle school education. At the forefront of this multilingual school is the opportunity for 6th Grade students, with no prior French exposure, to join the international academic program and receive an accelerated bilingual education.
For decades, EB has been committed to fostering bilingualism and biculturalism. The school's middle school program builds upon this foundation, offering a rigorous academic experience that seamlessly integrates 50% French and English instruction. EB's curriculum is carefully crafted to meet both French and California educational standards while students engage with core subjects in both languages, developing strong biliteracy skills.
The school's approach goes beyond language acquisition, incorporating French and American teaching methodologies to provide a truly international perspective on education. New 6th Grade students integrate seamlessly with their peers as they weave through Science, English, Drama and Math to PE, Music, Stem and Art in French. Middle school plays a crucial role in social and emotional growth, and the small class sizes in the international track foster a sense of connection, belonging, and individual attention during these formative three years. Regular cultural events, French student exchange programs, enrichment trips to Catalina Island, Washington D.C and France offer a deep experiential learning experience. EB middle school collaborates with international schools in francophone countries to offer students unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion and global understanding.
Additionally, programs that encourage students to engage in projects like TEDx and community initiatives help students learn to deal with obstacles from a global stance. These types of programs develop students' communication skills and encourage them to consider how they can contribute to a broader society. Such experiences are essential for children who may someday work in international fields, as they not only build language proficiency but also cultural awareness.
A current EB international track student said "I love the individualized attention I receive from my teacher, and being surrounded by so many bilingual people has really boosted my confidence and helped me feel more self-assured as I learn French." This confidence extends to their social skills as well—children who can communicate effectively across cultural divides often emerge as leaders among their peers. These experiences cultivate cultural awareness and prepare students for careers in international fields where adaptability is key.
EB’s dual-language experience equips students with the ability to navigate complex academic content in multiple languages, sharpening their problem-solving and executive functioning skills. Students who have graduated from EB’s middle school have emerged as curious, confident and culturally aware individuals as they seamlessly transition to many sought after high-schools in the Bay Area. This hidden gem in southwest Berkeley remains firmly committed to its driving principle of connecting, respecting, and valuing students, while prioritizing academic competencies and equipping students with the confidence and global perspective needed to succeed in high school and beyond.
Dos
The school's approach goes beyond language acquisition, incorporating French and American teaching methodologies to provide a truly international perspective on education. New 6th Grade students integrate seamlessly with their peers as they weave through Science, English, Drama and Math to PE, Music, Stem and Art in French. Middle school plays a crucial role in social and emotional growth, and the small class sizes in the international track foster a sense of connection, belonging, and individual attention during these formative three years. Regular cultural events, French student exchange programs, enrichment trips to Catalina Island, Washington D.C and France offer a deep experiential learning experience. EB middle school collaborates with international schools in francophone countries to offer students unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion and global understanding.
Additionally, programs that encourage students to engage in projects like TEDx and community initiatives help students learn to deal with obstacles from a global stance. These types of programs develop students' communication skills and encourage them to consider how they can contribute to a broader society. Such experiences are essential for children who may someday work in international fields, as they not only build language proficiency but also cultural awareness.
A current EB international track student said "I love the individualized attention I receive from my teacher, and being surrounded by so many bilingual people has really boosted my confidence and helped me feel more self-assured as I learn French." This confidence extends to their social skills as well—children who can communicate effectively across cultural divides often emerge as leaders among their peers. These experiences cultivate cultural awareness and prepare students for careers in international fields where adaptability is key.
EB’s dual-language experience equips students with the ability to navigate complex academic content in multiple languages, sharpening their problem-solving and executive functioning skills. Students who have graduated from EB’s middle school have emerged as curious, confident and culturally aware individuals as they seamlessly transition to many sought after high-schools in the Bay Area. This hidden gem in southwest Berkeley remains firmly committed to its driving principle of connecting, respecting, and valuing students, while prioritizing academic competencies and equipping students with the confidence and global perspective needed to succeed in high school and beyond.
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
Campus de l'école primaire
Tous sont les bienvenus ! (Politique anti-discriminatoire)
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any individual to discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or religion. This policy applies to all programs, services, and facilities, including applications, admissions, and employment.
