MS Profile 2024 - 25

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROFILE

WHO WE ARE

LEIGH FITZGERALD

Head of School headofschool@aischennai.org

GREG CLINTON

Deputy Head of School cgreg@aischennai.org

JENNIFER BERTRAM

Principal bejennifer@aischennai.org

CHRIS GALATY

Secondary Associate Principal gchristopher@aischennai.org

GRETCHEN GALATY Counselor ggretchen@aischennai.org

AZIZUNNISA AND MARGARET S. Administrative Assistants

Together we inspire a love of learning, empowering all students with the courage, conﬁdence, creativity, and compassion to make their unique contribution in a diverse and dynamic world.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM (Grades 6–8)

As a middle school, we provide excellent learning experiences and a nurturing environment for our students to challenge themselves and grow. Our academic and co-curricular experiences provide students with opportunities to develop themselves as internationally-minded lifelong learners and individuals. This foundation positions students to successfully transition to schools in their home country as well as other international schools.

ABOUT AISC

The American International School Chennai (AISC) was established in 1995 as a nonproﬁt, independent, co-ed day school located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

In the 2024–2025 school year, AISC has ~767 students in Early Years to Grade 12, representing 26 nationalities. AISC has a two-semester calendar year (Aug. 6–Dec. 20; Jan. 15–June 5). AISC is accredited by the Middle States Association.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)

Our EAL Program focuses on providing developmentally appropriate resources that assist students in their learning of English for academic and social success. Some core courses are co-planned and co-taught by EAL specialists and content teachers so that students are able to demonstrate mastery of content.

ADVISORY

CORE CLASSES

The Middle School program is a progressive, inquiry-based American curriculum with an international perspective. Aimed at developing intellectual curiosity and a sense of responsibility, our entire curriculum fosters collaboration, preparation, and engagement and initiative.

ELECTIVE CLASSES

Students in Grades 7 and 8 select two elective courses from a wide range of options that aim to develop conﬁdence and creativity. Students in Grade 6 take one semester elective and one year-long elective as well as a required health class. All Middle School students also select a world language course to inspire a love for language learning and to develop a foundation for intercultural awareness that will foster internationalism.

COUNSELING

100 Feet Road, Taramani, Chennai - 600113.

+91 44 2254 9000 www.aischennai.org

The middle school years are a time of transition and change as students grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Our counselor works in partnership with students, families, and school personnel to foster the development of each student and advocate for a learning environment that safeguards the rights of all members of the school community.

These small, 30-minute classes create a structure that promotes connectedness and communication. Advisory builds friendly, inclusive communities and offers time for students to get to know teachers, their peers, and themselves better in order to develop each others’ wellbeing.

ARTS, SPORTS, & ACTIVITIES (ASAs)

Students choose from various co-curricular activities that keep them engaged with others inside and outside of our community. We offer opportunities to participate in sports teams, ﬁne arts activities, and service learning activities, and also have an active Model United Nations (MUN) Club. SEVAI SEVAI, which means “service” in Tamil, promotes exploration for community connection and service learning by providing students the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in service to others in Chennai.

SEVAI

SEVAI, which means “service” in Tamil, promotes exploration for community connection and service learning by providing students the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in service to others in Chennai.

WEEK WITHOUT WALLS

Week Without Walls (WWW) is a week-long destination trip within Southern India that provides students with cultural, personal, interpersonal, and environmental experiences not available within the regular classroom walls. It is also an opportunity to highlight our incredible host country, India.