Middle School

Rochester Arts & Sciences Academy offers a world class middle school curriculum aligned with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

For the 2023-2024 school year, RASA offers 6th and 7th grades, with an 8th grade being offered for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond.

A dynamic and challenging learning environment

Middle school is a time when students are constantly asking questions, navigating their world both emotionally and intellectually. We believe in nurturing the whole child, helping them grow not only academically, but also as compassionate members of society, through an education guided by the International Baccalaureate principles. As a community, we value and celebrate the journey of growth, while maintaining an environment of mutual respect and accountability. During these formative years, students have the opportunity to discover their own identities, develop personal skills, and receive support from those around them.

Academic Program

Our curriculum aligns with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, the Minnesota State Standards, and Common Core Standards. Furthermore, all of our classes move at an accelerated pace led by specialized teachers, ensuring a challenging and stimulating learning environment.

  • Grade 6:

    Math 6th

    Pre-Algebra

    Algebra I

    Grade 7:

    Pre-Algebra

    Algebra I

    Geometry (High School Credit)

    Grade 8:

    Algebra I

    Geometry (High School Credit)

    Algebra II (High School Credit)

  • Grade 6:

    Honors ELA 6

    Grade 7:

    Honors ELA 7

    Grade 8:

    Honors ELA 8

  • Grade 6:

    Honors Minnesota History

    Grade 7:

    Honors US History

    Grade 8:

    Honors Geography

  • Grade 6:

    Honors Earth Science

    Grade 7:

    Honors Life Science

    Grade 8:

    Honors Physical Science

Foreign Language | Daily

PE & Health | Daily

Music | Weekly

Art | Weekly

Homeroom | Daily

Academic Advising | Daily

1:1 iPad

Service Learning Projects 

Project Based Learning

Striving for excellence, through diverse and comprehensive programs designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

We aim to broaden our students' perspectives by exposing them to the richness and diversity of human experience, as well as the intricacies of the world around them. Moreover, we strive to cultivate their critical thinking skills, empowering them to challenge existing beliefs, systems, and norms, and encouraging them to imagine and critically explore a world that aligns with their values and aspirations.

Strong Open Minded Community

As a place of learning, we encourage students to explore different perspectives and ideas, promoting a global outlook that celebrates cultural differences. Our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students to become responsible and compassionate global citizens. Together, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects and embraces the uniqueness of every individual.

Small Class Sizes

At our school, we believe that small class sizes provide an optimal learning experience. With fewer students in each class, our teachers are able to provide individualized attention and support, catering to the unique needs and learning styles of each student. Within our generously sized classrooms and school, this approach fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where students can engage in meaningful discussions and receive personalized feedback, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the material. We take pride in creating a community that values close relationships between teachers and students, which enhances academic achievement and social-emotional growth.

Individualized Academic Pacing

RASA offers individualized academic pacing with a variety of single, double, and triple accelerated courses to cater to students' unique needs and abilities. This flexible approach allows students to learn at a pace that challenges and stimulates them, promoting academic growth and achievement. With smaller class sizes, our teachers can personalize their instruction to suit the specific learning style and interests of each student, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Whether a student is an accelerated learner or requires more time to master a subject, our approach enables them to thrive and reach their full potential. Our students consistently score in the gifted and talented ranges on standardized tests at significantly higher rates than the general population.

Extended Academic Day + Year

Our school's academic year is structured around five terms, providing students with an extended period for learning and growth. Our extended academic year allows us to cover a broader range of material and provide more in-depth instruction, preparing our students to excel academically and professionally. Additionally, our academic day is extended to maximize learning time, allowing for more comprehensive instruction and in-depth discussions. This approach provides students with a more immersive and engaging learning experience that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. At our core we are committed to academic excellence and strive to provide our students with every opportunity to succeed.

Diverse + Challenging Enrichment

RASA prides itself on providing a diverse and challenging environment that prepares students to thrive in a globalized world. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are critical components of a well-rounded education, which is why we strive to create a community that celebrates cultural differences and encourages the exploration of different perspectives. Our challenging curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. With a focus on personalized learning and individualized support, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are focused on excellence and dedicated to preparing our students to become responsible, compassionate, and successful global citizens.

Faculty Excellence

We are dedicated to providing a rigorous and globally-focused education, which is why we hire only the most qualified teachers who receive specialized training in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP). Our faculty members are highly experienced and passionate educators who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Legeraging a specialized model, our teachers focus on particular subject areas enabling increased rigor and individualized instruction. With a focus on personalized learning and the IBMYP's inquiry-based approach to education, our teachers are able to provide individualized support and instruction, catering to the unique needs and learning styles of each student. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the success of our students, who consistently outperform their peers. We take pride in our faculty's expertise and dedication and are committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to continue to excel in their roles.

Targeted Extracurricular Activities

RASA is committed to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. We offer a wide range of targeted extracurricular activities that cater to the diverse interests and passions of our students. These activities include a business and finance club, chess club, art club, music appreciation, fencing, soccer, yoga, and band among other rotating offerings. Our extracurricular activities are tailored to student requests and interests, providing them with opportunities to explore and pursue their passions. We believe that extracurricular activities are an essential part of a well-rounded education, promoting personal growth, teamwork, and leadership skills. Our students have the opportunity to develop new skills, build relationships, and enhance their overall academic experience.

Community Partnerships

At RASA, we are committed to providing our students with the best opportunities possible. We believe that community partnerships are a critical part of achieving this goal. Over the years, we have developed strong partnerships with the International School of Dublin, One Athletics, Youth Enrichment League, Code Ninjas, Pure Rock, Gateway Science Fair, Children’s Business Fair, and other excellent community partners that are focused on supporting student development. These partnerships have provided our students with unique opportunities to explore their interests and passions outside of the classroom. Whether it's through sports, technology, or the arts, our community partners help to enrich our students' academic experience and promote their personal growth. We look forward to continuing our commitment to developing these valuable partnerships and are constantly seeking new opportunities to further support our students' development.

Before + Afterschool Care

We understand that parents have busy schedules, which is why we offer flexible and convenient care options for our students. Our care program begins at 7am, allowing parents to drop off their children before our 8am school start time. We also offer earlier drop-off times if needed. Additionally, we provide enrichment and care until 6pm daily, giving parents peace of mind knowing their child is in a safe and nurturing environment. We are committed to supporting our students' academic and personal growth beyond the traditional school day. That's why we offer summer and term break care, ensuring that our students have access to quality care and enrichment opportunities throughout the year. Our dedicated and experienced care staff is passionate about providing a safe and inclusive community where our students can learn, grow, and thrive.