Middle School Overview & Schedule

Our middle school program is designed to support students through the important transition from childhood to adolescence—an essential time of growth, exploration, and identity formation. In Grades 6–8, students are given increased opportunities for independence, leadership, and real-world engagement while still benefiting from a supportive, relationship-centered learning community.

This stage of the learning arc emphasizes deep inquiry, critical thinking, responsibility, and self-awareness. Students begin to take more ownership over their learning, collaborate on meaningful projects, and apply their knowledge in both academic and practical contexts.

Literacy & Humanities

Middle schoolers engage with a diverse range of texts, genres, and perspectives to develop advanced reading comprehension, literary analysis, and writing skills. Through book discussions, research projects, and personal writing, students learn to express themselves clearly and think critically about the world. Social studies and humanities are integrated into thematic units that explore history, culture, justice, and identity, often with connections to place-based and community-focused learning.

Mathematics

Our math program is rigorous, relevant, and responsive to individual needs. Students build fluency in algebraic reasoning, geometry, data analysis, and real-world problem solving. Whether working on personal math goals or collaborative projects, students are encouraged to make sense of math in meaningful, contextual ways.

Science

Science learning in the middle years is inquiry-based, hands-on, and deeply integrated with nature and place. Students conduct experiments, explore ecological systems, and apply scientific thinking to real-world issues. Fieldwork, observation, and investigation are key tools as students explore earth science, biology, environmental science, and physics.

Community Service & Civic Engagement

Middle schoolers take an active role in their local community through ongoing service-learning projects. These opportunities empower students to engage with real issues, build empathy, and develop a sense of agency. Whether organizing a local clean-up, volunteering with community partners, or launching a student-led initiative, learners begin to see themselves as contributors to the world around them.

Off-Campus Adventures

Each year, students participate in off-campus experiences, culminating in an annual multi-day backpacking trip. These adventures challenge students physically and mentally while building confidence, leadership, and a strong connection to the natural world. These experiences are foundational in fostering independence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Art, Design, and Creative Expression

Middle school students continue to explore creativity through visual arts, music, performance, and design-based projects. Creative work is often interdisciplinary and student-led, encouraging experimentation, storytelling, and personal expression.

Social-Emotional Development

As adolescents navigate a time of big changes, we prioritize a safe, nurturing environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported. Social-emotional learning is integrated throughout the day, helping students develop emotional intelligence, self-regulation, healthy communication, and a strong sense of identity.

Integrated, Project-Based Learning

Our curriculum is interdisciplinary and emergent, often anchored in big questions and real-world challenges. Students engage in long-term projects that require collaboration, research, design, and presentation—connecting academic skills with passion, purpose, and creativity.

Multiage Learning & Non-Traditional Assessment

Grades 6–8 operate in a multiage setting that supports differentiated instruction and rich peer collaboration. Students are not confined to grade-level silos but instead are supported at their individual level of readiness and challenge. Learning is assessed through portfolios, self-reflection, teacher feedback, and authentic demonstrations of understanding—not traditional grades. This approach fosters intrinsic motivation, growth mindset, and meaningful engagement.