Middle School (Classes 6-8)

Each grade level explores a year-long literary theme through the investigation of grade-appropriate novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. Teachers emphasize reading fluency and critical reading to help students engage with texts. Diversity is prioritized in our study of literature as we seek to offer students a balance of both “windows and mirrors” so that they continually encounter diverse perspectives and practice critical thinking and self-reflection. In writing, there is a deliberate emphasis on both persuasive and expository essays. Through all of these activities, the studies of grammar and vocabulary are ongoing. 

The Middle School’s language department offers students a choice of Latin, Spanish, or French. Students in Class 6 take a rotation introducing each language, before selecting one language to study in Classes 7 and 8. In each language, faculty work with students to foster competency in the 5Cs of 21st century learning: communication, collaboration, character, creativity, and critical thinking. While developing the acquisition of the target language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students also gain cultural awareness of the target language’s world that goes beyond heroes and celebrations.

Students progress from arithmetic to Pre-Algebra to Algebra I. They learn to approach problem-solving with confidence, drawing conclusions from information found in their textbook, class notes, and each other. Collaborative group work is interwoven into each unit to complement regular direct instruction from the teacher. Students find connections between mathematics and the world around them through interdisciplinary projects and form an appreciation for mathematics as the language of science and technology. 

Students in the Middle School can choose between Chorus, Theater, and Instrumental, allowing them to delve more deeply into their area of interest. The format of music class is as much geared toward rehearsal time as it is to traditional classroom time, again reflecting the emphasis on learning through doing. The spring musical is an opportunity for students in the Middle School to take part in a full-scale theater production.

In science, we take an active approach to learning, giving students opportunities to experience firsthand how scientific inquiry is conducted. For example, they collect data from the Charles River and complete collaborative engineering and interdisciplinary projects. We strive to develop scientifically literate citizens by focusing on essential skills such as creating and interpreting graphs, thinking critically about data, and effectively communicating scientific concepts and lab results. Students progress from chemistry and earth science, to life science, to physics. 

Students study history and social studies to learn about the achievements and challenges of the past while making authentic connections to the present. These explorations are designed to help students develop critical thinking skills so they can better understand the forces that have shaped—and continue to shape—our world. Students work more independently to strengthen their notetaking and study skills as well as the critical reading and writing skills that form the foundation for future academic success.  

Students continue to develop foundational skills as they refine their abilities as visual communicators in a studio environment. Students in Class 6 take 2D and 3D courses that switch each quarter. Classes 7 and 8 choose between sculpture, woodworking and 2D art classes, which last one semester apiece. Experiences with drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and site-specific installation help students better understand possible avenues for their emerging talents.

Woodworking is part of the middle school art rotation. Students work on progressively more challenging projects, which are designed to develop the students' skills with a variety of tools.