Middle School (age 12-15)

Our Middle School programme, for children aged 12-15, is designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents, who are active doers eager to discover their role in society. Balancing childhood and adulthood, students engage in seminars, debates, and real-world projects that connect them to the community, helping them uncover their passions and societal roles. Alongside their regular studies in math, science, and the humanities, they have opportunities to build furniture, cook meals, volunteer, and explore music and the arts, providing a well-rounded and meaningful educational experience.

Adolescents want to see and understand their own role in everything: they are active doers, not passive watchers or listeners. They want to discover their role in society but stand firmly with one foot still in childhood and the other in adulthood.

The Middle School programme uses these tendencies to give students the skills they desire with the information they need. Through seminars, debates, and real work that connects students to their community, they come to discover their passion and role in society.

In addition to their regular studies of math, science, and the humanities, students have opportunities to build furniture, cook lunch for themselves, volunteer at a local food bank, and explore music and the arts.

Envisioning the High School Together

I just wrapped up an energizing week at MST, diving deep into the visioning work for our 15-18 Adolescent Program. I spent time with students in both the Eucalyptus and Willow classes, facilitated our Parent Visioning Session, and I'm excited to share what emerged from these conversations. Working with Our Students The Eucalyptus students shared with me what makes their current experience meaningful: the freedom to choose their own work, the balance of individual and coll

Dec 15, 2025

Stillness and Reverence in the Borneo Jungle

For middle school guide Kartika Harsono, a journey deep into the Borneo rainforest becomes a powerful meditation on wonder, humility, and our connection to the natural world. One of the most memorable and awakening experiences of my life was a journey into the Borneo rainforest in Indonesia. The trip began in Jakarta and continued by plane to Pangkalan Bun in Central Borneo, the gateway to Tanjung Puting National Park. While the park is best known for its orangutans, made fa

Jan 29

A Strong First Step: MST Takes the Court

Head of School James shares how MST’s Willow and Eucalyptus ballplayers made history in their first middle school-level team sports fixture, showing grit, teamwork, and school spirit in a closely contested basketball match against Nishimachi. Dear Parents, I wanted to personally thank you and your children for being part of last week’s basketball fixture at Nishimachi International School. It was a real pleasure to see our Willow and Eucalyptus students representing MST on th

Jan 29

Speed, Spirit, and Six Medals for MST

MST hosted the ISTAA Cross Country tournament for the third straight year with 352 students competing. The November 21 tournament welcomed runners from 11 international schools: BST, CAJ, Columbia, KAIS, KIST, Malvern, MST, Nishimachi, SIS, UST, and Yoyogi. MST brought a strong team of 57 runners, from 1st grade through middle school, many competing in their first inter-school race. Despite the highly competitive field, MST runners delivered standout performances and secured

Dec 8, 2025

Building Bridges: Chinese Education Leaders Visit MST

Luminaries of the education field in China completed their study tour of Japan at MST. After presentations on the Montessori method, they feasted at the middle school's pop-up restaurant. The evening was capped off with Eucalyptans fielding questions about their own education experiences. Comparisons by the Chinese students to their schools back home were especially illuminating. This is part of a week-long study tour organized by MST parent and education leader Yinuo Li (se

Nov 11, 2025

Together We Build: Exciting Progress on MST’s High School Program

Dear MST Families, I'm thrilled to share the momentum building around our Upper Adolescent (High School) program! This month has brought positive developments that bring us significantly closer to offering your children an authentic Montessori adolescent experience that will truly prepare them to be global citizens and leaders. Advisory Council Expands We've just welcomed Dr. Ben Freud, Head of Upper School at Green School Bali, to our Advisory Council. The Advisory Council,

Nov 5, 2025

- Maria Montessori