Middle School

The middle school mathematics program strives to provide each student with the opportunity to reach his own level of excellence while ensuring all our students secure a mathematical literacy and solid foundation - from basic problem-solving and a variety of computational skills to abstract reasoning - necessary to undertake a college-preparatory math curriculum. In aligning our program and expectations with that of the upper school courses, middle school students who excel in math can join their upper school peers while those who need more attention and time are given individualized support. Throughout, students are encouraged to apply mathematical concepts in other academic areas and appreciate the purpose and power of the world's most precise natural science.

Mathematics Courses: Math 6; Math 7; Pre-Algebra; Algebra I; Geometry; Honors Geometry with Trigonometry; Algebra II/Trigonometry; Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry.

The underlying goal of the middle school science program is to foster the natural curiosity that young men have for the world around them. The boys are innately interested in the how, why, and what of the world around. We look to capitalize on this by creating a hands-on, real-world based science program. Through a lab-based curriculum, students learn the skills necessary to be successful in the college preparatory science program in the upper school.

Science Courses: Life Sciences 6; Earth Sciences 7; Introduction to Physics, and Chemistry.

Our goal is to foster literacy in its fullest sense so our middle school students develop reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills resulting in a confident command of college-level competencies. The students read literature ranging from the traditional canon to modern texts that have cultural relevance. In our student-centered classes, we place a high value on making all texts accessible to and meaningful for our students so that our middle schoolers are confident in their capacity to analyze, interpret, and discuss literature. The middle school writing program sets benchmarks that prepare students for the expectations of the college-preparatory curriculum in the high school with demonstrated mastery in: developing a thesis statement, constructing an outline, and defending their interpretations with textual support as well as proper annotation. The direct instruction of grammar and vocabulary is an integral component in the development of our students as writers. Language Lab for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders allow students to further advance their reading fluency, literary analysis and applied writing strategies.

English Courses: English 6; English 7; English 8; Language Lab 6-8

As the study of the past helps shape an understanding of society's present-day challenges, our curriculum focuses on developing in each out students an understanding and appreciation for history as well as a tolerance and acceptance of divergent beliefs, ideals, and opinions. The middle school history curriculum focuses on building base knowledge and skills, which will allow students to delve into the complexities of a rigorous upper-school curriculum. These skills include note-taking, research, expository writing, global awareness, cultural understanding, and critical thinking.

History Courses: Global Studies 6; Ancient Mediterranean History and Culture 7; Modern American History and Civics 8.

The world language program provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop essential grammar and language skills while gaining a broader perspective on various cultures around the world. For those students who qualify for a language exemption in the middle school, we offer an English-based language lab program in which students have the opportunity to develop stronger grammar and language skills in preparation for the world language requirements in high school.

World Language Courses: Spanish (Grade 6); Spanish and Latin (Grade 7); Spanish I, Latin I or French I (Grade 8); Language Lab (Grades 6-8)

STEAM Courses: All STEAM courses are organized into mini-mesters so that each student can participate in at least three different courses throughout the year.

Library Courses: Independent Reading 7-8.

Fine and Performing Arts Courses: Art 6-8; Music 6-8; Chorus 6-8; Middle School Jazz Band 6-8, Digital Media 7, and Creative Drama 8.