Middle School at CILA

Where Language, Culture, and Leadership Come Together.

CILA has a tuition-free public charter middle school that prepares students to thrive in a connected world through rigorous academics, language learning, and meaningful cultural experiences.

6th grade starting in 2026-2027 school year
7th grade starting in 2027-2028 school year
8th grade starting in 2028-2029 school year

Why Families Choose CILA

🌎 Global Perspective
Students don’t just learn about the world—they experience it through language, culture, history, food, traditions, and authentic projects.

🗣️ Language Learning Continues
Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and German remain an important part of every student’s education.

🎓 Rigorous Academics
Colorado standards, strong literacy and math instruction, project-based learning, and high expectations.

🤝 Small School Community
Students are known by name, supported by caring teachers, and encouraged to become confident leaders.

What Makes Our Middle School Different?

Instead of simply changing classes all day, CILA students experience education that connects subjects together.

Students investigate cultures, solve authentic problems, collaborate with classmates, and apply learning in meaningful ways.

Academic Program

Core Classes

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

Language Studies

Students continue developing proficiency in

• Spanish
• Mandarin Chinese
• German

Language instruction builds communication skills while deepening cultural understanding.

A Day in the Life

A Sample Schedule

7:30-7:45 Breakfast served (optional)

7:45-7:55 Morning Arrival

7:55-8:00 Homeroom/Announcments

8:00-9:55 Language and Cultural Learning

10:00-11:55 Math & Science Block

12:00-12:30 LUNCH

12:35-1:25 Exploratory Course

1:30-3:25 ELA & Social Studies Block

3:35 DISMISSAL  and after-school Clubs / Activities

Exploratory Courses
Beyond the Traditional Classroom

🍜 Global Food Systems, Culture & Entrepreneurship

Students explore the world through food, culture, and innovation in this hands-on exploratory course that connects history, geography, language, and entrepreneurship. Through authentic culinary experiences and real-world projects, students discover how food shapes communities, traditions, and economies while developing creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Students will:

• Prepare and sample recipes from cultures around the world
• Explore geography, history, and cultural traditions through cuisine
• Learn about nutrition, agriculture, and sustainable food systems
• Grow herbs and produce using classroom gardens
• Practice kitchen safety, hospitality, and food presentation
• Develop entrepreneurial thinking through product design and business challenges
• Collaborate on projects that celebrate global cultures and connect learning across subjects

Outcome: Students gain a deeper appreciation for cultures around the world while building practical life skills, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. They leave with a broader understanding of how food connects people, communities, and the global economy.

🏃 PE, Health & Leadership

Students develop lifelong healthy habits through a dynamic program that combines physical activity, personal wellness, and social-emotional learning. Rather than focusing solely on sports, students build confidence, teamwork, resilience, and leadership while exploring movement from cultures around the world.

Students will:

• Participate in a variety of individual and team fitness activities
• Explore games and movement traditions from different cultures
• Learn nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits
• Develop communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills
• Practice goal setting, organization, and personal responsibility
• Build resilience, emotional awareness, and healthy decision-making
• Strengthen leadership skills through cooperative challenges and team-building activities

Outcome: Students leave with the knowledge, confidence, and life skills to make healthy choices, work effectively with others, and become active, responsible members of their communities.

Small School Advantage

At CILA

✔ Teachers know every student.

✔ Strong family partnerships.

✔ Leadership opportunities.

✔ Personalized support.

✔ Safe, welcoming environment.

Preparing Students for High School

Students leave CILA with experience in:

✅ Public Speaking

✅ Leadership

✅ Teamwork

✅ Critical Thinking

✅ Problem Solving

✅ Cross-Cultural Communication

✅ Project Management

✅ Academic Independence

Meet the Middle School Team

Ms. Green – Science and Math

Ms. Ingram – ELA & Social Studies

Ms. Poole – Exploratories

Ms. Zayas – Spanish

Ms. Feng – Chinese

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to speak another language already?

No! Students continue learning in their chosen language, and we support learners at different proficiency levels.

Will students be ready for high school?

Absolutely. Students receive rigorous instruction aligned with Colorado Academic Standards while developing leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Do middle school students participate in extracurricular activities?

Yes. Students have opportunities to participate in afterschool clubs and enrichment activities throughout the year.

Is transportation available?

Afterschool busing is available.  Please see Busing info page.

Is this a public school?

Yes! CILA is a tuition-free public charter school open to all students.