In middle school, students either begin the International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Programme (MYP) or continue their French-English bilingual program from elementary school.

LILA’s middle school IB program delivers years 1-3 of the MYP and lays the groundwork for student success in the final two years of the program once they transition to high school. The MYP challenges students to think critically, connect learning across subjects, and engage with real-world issues through a globally minded lens. It nurtures both academic growth and personal development by encouraging inquiry, reflection, and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the world.

Global contexts are central to the MYP experience. They frame learning in real-world situations that help students explore themes such as identity, culture, sustainability, and innovation. By connecting classroom content to broader social, environmental, and ethical issues, students begin to see the relevance of their studies and their role in shaping a more interconnected world.

Throughout the program, students also develop Approaches to Learning (ATL)—a set of core skills in research, communication, collaboration, self-management, and critical thinking—that equip them to become autonomous, responsible learners. 

A key milestone of the MYP is the individual learning project, a long-term, student-driven exploration that encourages initiative, independence, and deep reflection. Over the course of several months, students choose a topic of personal interest, conduct extensive research, create a final product, and assess both their outcomes and process. This culminating project is a meaningful demonstration of their ability to manage a complex task, think critically, and take ownership of their learning.

At LILA, the MYP fosters confident, globally aware students ready to thrive in high school and beyond.