Q. What does the faculty expect from Middle School students?
A. Our teachers enjoy the Middle School years and love the “genuineness” of students at this age. Flexibility is key; so is understanding what it means to be an adolescent carrying a significant academic load while navigating the social life of Middle School. Through it all, teachers expect students to exhibit respect for one another and for the school environment. They ask students to come to class prepared and to be responsible for their actions and their possessions. On a more abstract level, they encourage each student to begin to develop and exercise his or her voice both in and out of the classroom.
Q. What is the Advisory Program?
A. With approximately 180 students, Middle School has the intimacy of small classes, but also the benefits of a broad academic program. Teachers come to know all of their students, but even more so their own advisees. Advisory groups are made up of ten students who meet together four times a week. These groups, organized by grade, might discuss a Middle-School issue or yesterday's "big game," or simply relax and celebrate a classmate's birthday over a snack. Activities vary according to the needs of the group. Students develop a comfort level with their fellow advisees and bring up topics and ideas that otherwise might go unspoken. Many parents report that important discussions at home began in the Advisory group at school.
Q. What kind of social experience can my child expect?
A. In many ways, a Middle Schooler’s social life is the school. Busy from the moment they arrive until 4 p.m., students share classes, meals, arts, sports and club time together. They sit on Student Council together, make announcements and perform for each other at coffee houses. Often community service projects and field trips mean they travel together and start to build shared experiences both in and out of school. Teachers and advisors maintain the delicate balance of letting students find their own way socially, while being available for guidance when necessary.
Q. How do you challenge Middle School students?
A. We believe that students grow best when appropriately challenged. It is our goal to construct an environment in which students feel comfortable learning new skills and studying new topics, and challenging themselves in both areas. When they are ready, we move students to more advanced classes, especially in math; and we give them choices in languages and the arts. By doing this, we keep each student consistently challenged across the curriculum.