Our Middle School
Middle school is a time of intense growth and intellectual development. Middle schoolers learn best through interactive approaches in which they can engage, discuss and take action around real life problems. Middle schoolers are also ready and eager to work towards making positive contributions to their communities. This understanding informs how we teach and engage middle school students at EBI.
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in our Middle School
As an authorized International Baccalaureate school, the backbone of the EBI middle school program is the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. It emphasizes intellectual challenge and encourages students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world.. It fosters the development communication skills, intercultural understanding and global engagement. It also supports students in forming a better understanding of themselves, strengthens their emerging sense of self, and inspires them to become responsible citizen in their communities.
At EBI, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is specifically designed for students in the 6-8 grades. This is a key period in their lives for gaining exceptional learning habits, self-confidence and a thorough understanding of a variety of academic subjects. Our student-centric educational approach embraces and transcends traditional school subjects by helping students recognize the connections between academic disciplines.

The EBI Approach to Language in our Middle School
Our middle school bilingual immersion program is designed for students who have grade-level literacy and communication skills in Spanish. In this program, they study language and literature in both Spanish and English while learning Mandarin as a third language. Students in this language program become fully literate in Spanish and English, and acquire reading, writing and conversational skills in Mandarin.

Meet Our Principal of Middle School


Raquel VizcaÃno
Principal of 2nd-8th grade
Raquel was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, where she earned her Bachelor in Elementary Education and Teaching, as well as her Master in Educational Psychology. She brings 13 years of experience in the K-12 education field. She has served as a teacher and in different leadership positions both in Spain and the United States. When she moved to the Bay Area, she studied Early Childhood Education and specialized in second language acquisition and teaching. At her last school, Raquel served as Upper School Head, supporting families, students, and teachers in the division 5-8. During her time at Spanish Infusion School (former Marin Preparatory School), she also served as Spanish Language Director for four years where she proudly developed and led the K-8 Spanish Program. She believes that the role of educators is guiding students to think critically and support them in their journey of finding their path. Partnering with all members of the community to enable students to become compassionate adults and long-life learners, ready to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Raquel is a sports fan who loves to cook, read, work out, and discover new places with her husband and child.
The EBI Middle School Experience
We offer our middle school students an exemplary education and a dynamic, diverse community in which to thrive. We teach the whole person, and inspire our students to excel in life. At EBI, your child will receive:
An Internationally Recognized Program
- The IB MYP is based on the highest international academic standards.
- The IB is widely recognized around the world for preparing students to succeed in high school and college.
- Our students study ten subject areas that include Drama and Design, Math, Science, Spanish, English and Mandarin.
High School Advising and Placement
EBI supports their students through the entire high school application process from essay writing to interview preparation.
Valuable Life Skills
- Our students have time dedicated to building their organizational, collaboration and conflict-resolution skills in their advisory class.
- Our Design class fosters creativity and innovation through the use of technology and other tools including 3D Printers, video production, programming and robotics.
A Rich Language Experience
Our students develop advanced language skills through the study of literature and complex concepts embedded in our middle school curriculum.
Extracurricular Options
From sports to dances, middle school students at EBI have access to a range of programs that help them expand their social network and strengthen their personal interests. These extracurricular activities include:
- Student Council
- Design Club
- 4H
- Debate Team
- Track and Field
- Cross Country
- Volleyball Basketball
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Girls Who Code
- SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance)
- School Dances
- 6th and 7th Grade Class Trips
- 8th Grade International Trip