Academic Information

Welcome to Ames Middle School! The learning environment and culture at Ames Middle School combine the expertise and caring attention of our staff to create opportunities for every student to succeed. We don’t just teach students and collect data about their progress, we get to know them so we understand the interventions that will keep them growing academically and socially.

We place a high priority on attendance, good behavior and academic standards, and so we equip students with skills that contribute to self-control and responsibility, we nurture mindsets that encourage students and promote positive outcomes, and we provide checks and balances throughout the school day that keep learning on a proactive course.

We appreciate the support of our parents and families. There are many ways parents and guardians can stay involved with their child’s learning experience at Ames Middle School—by staying in touch with teachers, keeping informed in the Parent Portal, and by volunteering.

Our Philosophy

We believe

Ames Middle School students and staff have the responsibility to support a caring environment, promote a sense of belonging, and encourage learning experiences that develop self-esteem.
Ames Middle School staff have the responsibility to meet the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.
The needs of Ames Middle School students are best met within small communities of learners.
Students and staff at Ames Middle School should respect the uniqueness of each individual and work cooperatively.
Parent and community involvement is integral to a successful school program.
Diverse teaching strategies empower teachers and students to create a flexible learning environment.
An interdisciplinary approach to instruction has great value.
Students should be encouraged to become responsible for their own behavior, learning, and citizenship in a democratic society in preparation for integration into the global community.
The Ames Middle School educational program emphasizes both the skills development and the understanding of the content necessary to promote lifelong learning.

Teams Approach

Our school serves over 1,100 students in grades 6-8. Students are grouped by teams in all grade levels to allow students and teachers to develop quality relationships and differentiate instruction and support services in a collaborative manner.

Each grade level has 3 academic core teams consisting of math, science, social studies, and literacy teachers. We refer to teams as teams A, M, and S. Each academic team serves approximately 135 students. Students on all teams in each grade level have access to the fine arts, PE, and exploratories not arranged by team design.

If you need to know which team your student is on and who their homeroom teacher is, log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to view this information.

Course Enrollment and Differentiation

Ames Middle School offers differentiated opportunities at all grade levels. We begin making course and team decisions in March of the prior year enrollment as part of the scheduling process. We offer a full range of services for students who require additional assistance meeting essential standards and for those who require additional challenges and/or who perform above grade level expectations. Our multi-tiered system of supports ensures that student needs are met in both formal and informal processes.

Accelerated/Differentiated Courses

Students who desire differentiated or accelerated courses in math (all grades) are required to fill out an application for acceleration. We share information about this process on our website, through parent presentations, and in the classrooms with students. Student acceptance into differentiated or accelerated courses is based on Iowa Assessment scores, class grades, previous differentiation, and teacher recommendation. The process is approved by the Ames Community School Board, and there is no process for appeals. Learn more about acceleration.