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Middle School

Middle School Curriculum Overview

Our Middle School program is designed to build on the foundation established in the Lower School, guiding students toward greater independence in learning, critical thinking, and self-expression. The curriculum is both rigorous and diverse, offering a wide array of subjects that help students engage deeply with their studies while fostering personal growth.

Language Arts

The Middle School Language Arts curriculum strengthens the foundational skills of grammar, usage, and mechanics taught in the lower grades. Vocabulary acquisition is emphasized through strategic instruction that helps students incorporate new words into their writing and speech. The writing curriculum challenges students to draft well-organized, interesting essays in various genres, including narrative, persuasive, and expository writing. The reading curriculum introduces students to a wide variety of literature, including short stories, poetry, novels, plays, traditional literature, and nonfiction texts all designed to enhance comprehension strategies and analytical thinking. These areas work together to help students develop the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for success in both academic and real-world settings.

Math

Our Middle School math curriculum builds sequentially, ensuring that students gain a firm understanding of core concepts in arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and data analysis. Sixth graders focus on number theory, fractions, decimals, and basic geometry. In seventh grade, students transition to pre-algebra, mastering equations, inequalities, and proportional reasoning. Eighth graders begin Algebra I, working with linear functions, quadratic equations, and polynomials. Hands-on activities, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world applications are used to reinforce skills and deepen understanding.

Science

The science curriculum in Middle School is designed to cultivate inquiry, experimentation, and critical thinking.

  • 6th:  study the five kingdoms of living organisms and the systems of the human body.
  • 7th:  focus on earth science during the first semester and space science in the second semester, including topics like the solar system, geology, and weather patterns.
  • 8th:  delve into chemistry and physics, studying Newton’s Laws of Motion, the periodic table, thermal energy, and the Law of Conservation of Energy.

Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on experiments, projects, and collaborative investigations that require them to apply their knowledge and think critically about scientific concepts.

Social Studies

The Middle School Social Studies curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of history, geography, government, and culture. The program emphasizes critical thinking and helps students make connections between past events and current global issues. Through class discussions, projects, and research, students develop a deeper understanding of how historical events have shaped the world and how they relate to contemporary society.

Spanish

Middle School students continue their journey toward fluency in Spanish, with a focus on real-life communication. The curriculum emphasizes conversational skills, vocabulary development, and grammatical structures.

  • In sixth grade, students begin at the novice level, learning to communicate on familiar topics using practiced phrases and sentences.
  • The class is conducted primarily in Spanish, immersing students in a language-rich environment that supports the acquisition of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

By the end of Middle School, students have a strong foundation in the language, ready for more advanced study in high school.

Beyond the Classroom

Experiential learning is a key component of the Middle School program. Students are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world experiences. Middle School students participate in a variety of trips, including:

  • Solar Eclipse Viewing Trip to North Georgia
  • Camp Kanuga
  • Cumberland Island
  • Epworth by the Sea
  • Tybee Island 4H Center
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Okefenokee Swamp
  • Nantahala Outdoor Center
  • Texas

These trips offer students a chance to explore new environments, learn through hands-on activities, and develop a deeper appreciation for both nature and history. These enriching experiences help students develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility as they learn with passion, live with purpose, serve with respect, and lead with integrity.

The Middle School curriculum provides a well-rounded education, ensuring students are prepared for the academic and social challenges of high school and beyond.