Excellence in learning is the organizing principle for the Intermediate Preparatory Academy. In combination with our challenging academic program and structured environment, our leadership curriculum and diverse student body support personal growth in the crucial middle school years. We focus on the whole person to build tomorrow’s leaders.
IPA’s unique academic program emphasizes fundamental skills while also offering opportunities for immersive learning. IPA students practice skills in reading, writing, and mathematics daily, laying a foundation for learning in all disciplines and for success in all paths in life. Immersive learning at IPA includes hands-on, lab-based, and field learning. Immersive courses integrate different subjects of study and allow students to explore real-world applications. Like NMMI, IPA cultivates leadership learning in the tradition of military education.
The IPA program aims to inspire a love of learning by promoting curiosity and facilitating engaged experiences while also developing the daily habits essential for academic achievement.
Mathematics
To support the high school math program, a traditional math program is taught throughout their middle-school education with a prioritization of involved, hands-on learning. Mini-units could include computer science and coding. Students can advance into Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and Algebra in 8th grade.
Science
Hands-on experiences and labs are prioritized as students learn earth and environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, and mini-units within each semester will examine physics, computer sciences, engineering, animal sciences, and cosmology. Science curriculum prioritizes active, involved learning and will foster curiosity by nurturing inquiry and investigation. Science courses should have access to cutting-edge technology in order to demonstrate the immediate utility of learning (problem solving and community involvement).
History
To gain a grounding in world history that will serve student learning across disciplines, social studies curriculum focuses on the following: antiquity in western and eastern civilization, medieval and enlightenment histories in Western Civilization, social contract and government, geography, and civic discourse. Speech memorization, speech writing and argumentation practices that encourage synthesis between social studies and English courses. Likewise, understanding the scientific revolution in the enlightenment and the expansion of science generally from a historic point of view allows for greater understanding of movements in scientific thought.
English
English-curriculum focuses on establishing reading skills, allows students the opportunity to read full-length novels, plays, epic poems, and enables the students to gain knowledge of historical, cultural, and aesthetic movements. Students receive a grounding in mythology during their 6th grade year as part of the curriculum in order to benefit more profoundly from their readings in the upper levels (that referentially draw upon mythology). English classes develop writing skills through involved projects, such as writing a literary magazine, service learning projects aimed at aiding the community, as well honing polished prose (essay and speeches) and creative writing.
Latin
To support language acquisition in upper-level learning, comprehension of grammar, and an expansive vocabulary, Latin is required at all grade levels. Mini-units within Latin classes focus on derivatives, declension and its connection to English grammar.
Fine Arts
Physical Education
Physical activities with focus on life-long wellness/bodily health/mental health. This encourages activities that make the IPA very unique: archery, marksmanship, survival skills, etiquette, lacrosse, pickleball, ballroom dance, fencing, etc.
Leadership
Curriculum involving military leadership training, deportment, ethics, and corps-style activities. Training focuses on positive growth of character and training in the virtues. Leadership classes are held twice per week and introduces students to military concepts appropriate to the age group and appropriate to cultivating interest in a military school environment (without taking on training/punitive measures that would not be appropriate for this age group). However, every single class on the campus incorporates leadership concepts/curriculum into programming.
During the two-week immersive block, students take one course all day every day. Immersive courses or “Immersives” integrate different areas of study around a topic, giving students a meaningful real-world learning experience. Though they privilege hands-on and field-based learning, Immersives are academic classes. Students put their skills in reading, writing, and mathematics to use and earn academic credit for their work.
All sixth-grade IPA students participate in the grade-level experience “Love Where You Live,” a deep dive into all things Roswell, from arts to agriculture to industry. Students visit sites like our local museums, local farms, the Roswell International Air Center, and the Bitter Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Typical “LWYL” assignments include calculating median, mean, and average ratings as part of the popular “Rate the Playgrounds” project and writing a “Where I Am From” poem. Students appreciate that Roswell is a good place to be from: tradition starts here!
Seventh- and eighth-grade students choose an Immersive based on personal interest. Possible course offerings include: Voices and Vistas, a deep dive into the arts and culture of Southeastern New Mexico; Flight Academy: Soaring into STEAM with Airplanes and Rockets, an investigation of the science of flight; and Outlaws, Outliers, and Spirits of Frontier New Mexico, an exploration of the history of Lincoln County. All seventh- and eighth-grade courses include out-of-town field trips. As the school grows, so will the Immersive offerings.
Though unique in Roswell, Immersives are an established form of academic programming at excellent schools around the country. Immersives are valued both for the way they foster student engagement and ownership of their own learning, and for their ability to attract excellent faculty who love to share the excitement of applied learning all year.
6th Grade
Environmental Science
Geological Science
English: Mythology and Epic Poetry
Social Studies: Western Antiquity
Social Studies: Eastern Antiquity
Latin 1
PE & Wellness
Math 1
Fine Arts/Performing Arts/Music
Leadership/Military
7th Grade
Chemistry
English: Drama (Tragedy and Comedy)
Social Studies: Medieval and Enlightenment Periods/Geography
Latin 2
PE & Wellness
Math 2/Pre-Algebra
Fine Arts/Performing Arts/Music
Leadership/Military
8th Grade
Biological Sciences
English: Rhetoric (Essayists and Historical Non-Fiction)
Social Studies: Civics/Government
Social Studies: NM history
Latin 3
PE & Wellness
Pre-Algebra/Algebra 1
Fine Arts/Performing Arts/Music
Leadership/Military
Uniforms can be purchased in-person for $10 each or online for $12 each.
