Plaza Middle School

What makes the MYP Academy different from other middle school options?

The MYP is an international 5-year program of study that focuses on three fundamental concepts: intercultural awareness, communication, and holistic education.
The first three years (6-8) of the program are housed at Plaza Middle School and the last two years (9-10) of the program are completed at Princess Anne High School. A thematic approach to teaching is achieved through the five areas of interaction: approaches to learning, environment, health and social education, community and service, and homo faber.
These concepts and themes permeate all subject areas to include exploratory classes each year of the program for all 5 years.
The MYP curriculum is challenging and is suited for diligent, committed, well-rounded academic achievers. Students who meet the MYP criteria will be prepared for the rigors of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Princess Anne High School, other academies or any other advanced studies program.

What is the advantage to being a Middle Years Program student?

The MYP curriculum gives students the opportunity to excel academically, socially, and physically. Students who meet the MYP academic requirements continue at Princess Anne High School to complete the last two years of the academy and will automatically transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program without having to apply or take additional tests.
Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Certificate as well as the MYP Portfolio of Achievement.

How much homework will my child have?

The philosophy of the MYP is to provide quality assignments versus quantitative work. Initially assignments may take more time until students become comfortable with utilizing higher level thinking skills.
According to School Board Policy 6-54.1, students should plan on having 20 minutes per subject area each night. Since MYP students take 7 classes, students should plan on approximately 2 hours of homework per night.
MYP teaching staff coordinate assignments, tests and projects to help students manage their workload.

Will my child be in classes with non-MYP students?

For the most part MYP students are clustered together. Depending on enrollment some exploratory classes combine MYP and non-MYP students.

Are all the classes clustered together?

MYP core classes are clustered together; however, exploratory classes are scattered throughout the building.

How many classes will my child take?

MYP students take 7 stand-alone classes. Students take four core classes and three exploratory classes to include visual/performing arts and a modern foreign language.
All MYP students take physical education and health each year of the program.
An eighth class, computer and design technology, is embedded in the four core classes as well as physical education.

How long is the school day?

The MYP Academy follows the Virginia Beach City Public Schools schedule for middle schools. The day is not extended.

How will my child get to and from school?

Bus transportation is provided by the school system. An Express Shuttle Bus Service has been developed by the Department of Transportation.
Bus routes and stops within a mile and a half of the home are established by the Department of Transportation after students have been selected for the Academy.
Bus rides can be up to one hour in length depending on the distance a student lives from the school.

Will my child be able to participate in after school activities?

MYP students are able to participate in all after school activities that are available at Plaza Middle School. MYP Activity buses will transport students home for all after school activities.