MIDDLE SCHOOL X-BLOCK

Growing Minds Through Choice, Creativity, and Community at CAC

Middle school is a time of growth, discovery, and exciting new challenges, and at CAC, we make sure every step of the journey is engaging, supportive, and fun. One of the most unique ways we do that is through X-Block—a weekly opportunity for students to explore new interests, dive into creative projects, and connect with peers and teachers outside traditional classroom boundaries.

But X-Block didn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s part of a long tradition at CAC of rethinking learning to make it more purposeful, student-led, and community-connected.

Where It All Began: Maker Day

When CAC moved into its current middle school building in 2014, creativity and exploration were already at the heart of how learning happened. For three years, the school held Maker Day on early-release days, inviting students to rotate through hands-on stations—building, crafting, experimenting, and sharing their work at the end of the day.

While Maker Day was beloved by students, it was demanding for teachers to organize. But it sparked an important realization: students loved being immersed in creative, experiential learning. The challenge was how to sustain that energy in a way that worked for everyone.

Purposeful Projects with Real Impact

What followed was a shift toward project-based learning with a strong focus on community, sustainability, and social awareness. Middle school teachers designed experiences that helped students begin to see themselves as global citizens and contributors to society:

Grade 6 fundraised to support ‘African Hope’ projects.
Grade 7 focused on environmental action, including clean air awareness.
Grade 8 explored sustainability and designed personal projects aimed at making a positive local impact.

The goal? To help students understand that they can play a meaningful role in their community, even at a young age. These early projects planted the seeds of empathy, responsibility, and active citizenship in a way that felt real and personal.

Enter X-Block: Exploration with Intention

After COVID disrupted the school rhythm, something new emerged from the challenge: X-Block. Spearheaded by middle school principal Mr. Bailey Courtney, X-Block began about six years ago with the idea of rebuilding connection, creativity, and choice.

Each week, students sign up for an activity they’ve either never tried—or want to dive deeper into. No grades. No pressure. Just space to try, explore, and grow. Every X-Block is led by a teacher who brings their own passions, hobbies, or hidden talents, turning the hour into something truly collaborative and unexpected.

X-Block activities have included:

Chess tournaments
Baking and culinary challenges
3D modeling and printing
Group games and athletic sessions
Yoga, board games, and wellness
Stereoscope design and video creation

This teacher-led model means students aren’t just joining activities—they’re joining people. Teachers share what they love, students learn something new, and together they build a space where curiosity is the only prerequisite.

Why It Matters

X-Block isn’t just a break from the academic week. It’s a space for students to discover who they are becoming. It helps them:

Try something outside their comfort zone
Build new friendships across grade levels
Grow skills that might shape their future passions or careers
Experience learning in ways that feel joyful, meaningful, and personal

At its core, X-Block is about broadening horizons, helping students develop curiosity and confidence in themselves and their communities.

What’s Next

As X-Block continues to evolve, it reflects what CAC values most: student voice, agency, and a connection to something larger than the self. Whether it’s baking a cake for the first time, designing a 3D project, or hosting a school-wide chess match—every X-Block is a chance for students to grow in purpose, creativity, and care.

Because at CAC, learning isn’t just about what happens in the classroom. It’s about who you become when you step outside of it.

Athletic, Art, and Academic Competitions & Showcases

Competing at
the Highest Level

CAC’s top athletes take on elite competition in the International School Athletic Association (ISAA), representing our school with skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

The Spotlight on the Arts

Artists and performers shine at AMIS choir festivals and ISTA theater showcases, sharing their creativity on a global platform and collaborating with peers from around the world.

Academic Excellence on the World Stage

CAC’s academic teams compete in prestigious events like Model United Nations at The Hague and the World Scholars Cup, fostering critical thinking, leadership, and international connections.

A Global Platform for Growth

Through these competitions and showcases, CAC students develop skills, showcase their talents, and engage with a global community, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and international engagement.