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Language Arts
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| Throughout their entire middle school language arts experience, students learn to read actively, to analyze, to question, and to realize that there is no “wrong answer” as long as an idea is well founded and well supported.
As expository writers, students learn that clear writing is clear thinking. As creative writers, they are encouraged to look closely at the world, to take risks in expressing individual points of view, and to use detail to help the reader see what they see. As listeners, they are encouraged to respond compassionately to the work and ideas of their classmates.
The curriculum includes a variety of literary genre including novels, short stories, essays and poetry. Particular care is taken to include a diverse group of authors from a variety of different cultures.
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Mathematics
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The Middle School mathematics program has two major goals that lay the foundation for future mathematical studies:
- First to help students solidify the knowledge of arithmetic concepts and skills gained in the Lower School.
- Second to begin a mathematical study characterized by abstract reasoning and symbolic representation.
Through this process, we hope to build students’ self-confidence, organizational skills and study habits. We always strive to make our subject enjoyable and compelling by creating courses in which all students can be successful, and by providing a curriculum appropriate for those who demonstrate an interest in the more challenging aspects of mathematics.
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Science
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The Middle School science program provides a learning environment that promotes curiosity, keen observation, rigorous experimentation and thoughtful analysis involving both inductive and deductive reasoning.
Students participate in field and lab activities, with a content that cyclically changes from year to year:
- Life Sciences
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Physical Science
- Chemistry
Our goal is to instill in our students a respect for the beauty and elegance of the natural world, and to give them the confidence to apply the methods of science to solving problems that confront them as individuals and society in general.
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Social Studies
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Students use primary and secondary historical texts, become practiced at absorbing and analyzing historical information from various sources, and gain the ability to speak and write like historians.
We stress research skills at all levels, and work to promote consistent and effective research methodology that trains students to generate research powered by their own thinking and questioning skills.
Through an inclusive and focused program, our students learn to see the world and their place in it in a sophisticated way, as they gain an appreciation of the shared humanity and common challenges of the world’s peoples and cultures.
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Spanish
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The study of Spanish, which began in Preschool, becomes more formalized in Middle School, with the introduction of grammar. The program continues to emphasize communicating effectively and accurately in a second language, to foster an appreciation and understanding of cultural differences, and to promote enthusiasm for language study.
Proficiency in the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) becomes more focused. We continue to interweave various elements (such as dramatizations, visits from native speakers, cooking, videos, computer programs and games) to help students develop a facility with the living language and a sense of cultural appreciation.
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Art
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| The Middle School art program builds on the experiences gained in the lower school, and continues to encourage students to develop their individual creativity, as well as a deeper appreciation for art history, understanding of other cultures, aesthetics and art criticism. Students are exposed to a wide range of media and methods and participate in art-related field trips. Process, as well as product, is part of the overall creative experience. The program encourages individual problem-solving skills, builds visual intelligence and self-esteem. Art projects often complement classroom themes, providing deeper connections across the curriculum. |
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Technology
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Technology is integrated, where appropriate, across the curriculum. Thin-client computers are in all lower school classrooms, and students have accounts on the school server that can be accessed through any computer with an Internet connection. Teachers work to provide a rich and supportive learning environment that enables and encourages confident, practical, and imaginative uses of technology across different content areas. We seek to help students realize the potential of information technology to enhance their daily endeavors.
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Library
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| The Library provides a welcoming space that invites students to explore literature and feed their imaginations. We endeavor to enrich the educational environment of the school by providing our students, teachers and families with a resource center that supports the classroom curricula with carefully selected materials in both traditional and technological formats; promotes the learning of information skills to enable our students to become intellectually curious, life-long learners; and inspires creative and critical reading, thinking and writing. |
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Music
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The music program nurtures children’s natural love of music. We provide opportunities for students to develop basic skills in both reading and writing music, to explore many genres of music, and to experience vocal, instrumental and dance performances. We encourage the students to create their own music. By laying this foundation, we foster a high level of understanding and appreciation of musical arts.
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Physical Education
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| By focusing on cooperation, skill development, and fitness, the physical education program emphasizes participation and fun. We provide opportunities for all students to learn and practice age-appropriate skills, and to develop the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship. Students learn to enjoy physical activity and its benefits, and to develop an appreciation of a wide variety of sports, both as spectators and as participants. |
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