Academics & Curriculum
Overview
The academic program at the Middle School is designed to prepare our students for success in High School, and to inspire a life-long love of learning. We offer a rigorous curriculum in Humanities, Math, Science, Computer Science, and the Arts. In each discipline, we work to provide students with grade-level academic skills and content knowledge, as well as opportunities to apply that knowledge to real-world contexts. Our curricular and instructional approach is designed to allow students to actively lead their learning and become prepared for the challenges and opportunities of high school.
At the Middle School we recognize that students have a variety of learning styles and needs, and therefore have programs in place to support struggling students, as well as push students who need an extra challenge. We offer co-teaching in almost all Humanities and Math classes, so students have access to two adults, including a special educator. Middle School teachers also offer “office hours” after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to provide extra academic support to students.
Curriculum Components
Humanities
All Middle School students take Humanities, in which students develop strong and confident identities as readers, writers, and critical thinkers, in order to empower themselves in self-expression as well as advocacy toward social justice. Humanities class also supports all students to achieve grade-level proficiency in core literacy and content standards, in order to be prepared for the rigors of high school reading, writing, and critical thinking. Aligned with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks, 7th grade Humanities focuses on the development of civilizations and societies across the world while 8th grade Humanities focuses on civics and the diverse American experience.
Math
Middle School Math utilizes the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum to support students to build strong numeracy skills while also building their mathematical reasoning skills through collaboration and inquiry. Our math instruction also incorporates manipulatives, games, and real-life problems and projects to engage students in math in ways that feel exciting and relevant to students. In 8th grade, students who demonstrate academic readiness are provided with the opportunity to take Algebra 1.
Science at the Middle School aims to build students’ content knowledge, as well as their scientific thinking and practices, such as lab inquiry and design. In 7th and 8th grade, students are exposed to a variety of sciences: physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and how human activities impact the earth. Students complete a variety of labs and projects that allow them to investigate the crucial role of science in their lives alongside their community members. In Computer Science, students build deeper understandings of computer functioning and the coding skills that are increasingly valuable in college and careers.
Middle Schoolers in both 7th and 8th grade take a semester of Art and a semester of Music. In these courses, students use a variety of artistic and musical mediums to develop technical skills, broaden their art and music appreciation, and refine and utilize their self-expression.
During physical education classes, students engage in movement, exercise, and activities that provide the opportunity to explore themselves and at the same time interact with others. Students also get a chance to recognize individual differences and how to establish group relationships through play. Students in the Middle School have the option to sign up for after-school sports including cross country, volleyball, soccer, basketball, track, baseball, and softball.
One-to-One Technology
Each student is provided a Chromebook to which they are responsible for during their time in the Middle School. Students are expected to be prepared with their device in every class and teachers have incorporated one-to-one technology use into the curriculum.