Middle School . . . Reimagined
This fall, our Middle School division has launched a new, innovative model, emphasizing student agency and eschewing strict grade-level divisions.
Picture this: It’s independent work time in the Math and ELA block. The room is calm and focused with quiet meditation music playing in the background. Students use a list of their weekly assignments to guide their work, and receive instruction in small groups. Two teachers move throughout the room, observing the learning and making themselves available as questions arise.
“The new Middle School model puts life skills at the forefront, while keeping academic content rigorous,” says Division Director, Jazmine Langlitz. “So far, it’s a wonderful reminder of how bright students can shine when given the opportunity to take the lead.”
Plans for the division overhaul were presented to families last spring after months of development and in response to student, parent, and teacher feedback and visioning. Rather than receiving lessons in grade level cohorts, students are now blended across grades, allowing for greater differentiation in instruction. Along with facilitating right-sized academic challenges and supports, the blended structure provides more diverse social opportunities by widening each student's group of peers.
“The results have been a joy to witness,” says Jazmine. “There is plenty of laughter, and students are forming friendships that might not have taken root otherwise. These connections strengthen our community and help students see themselves as part of something larger than their own classroom. On the whole, students are learning to plan, prioritize, and follow through, skills that will serve them long after middle school.”
In the blended learning model for social studies and science, students engage with the same content in different, grade-appropriate ways. If the activity is independent (like a reading, or short answer), then they are seated at mixed grade tables. If it's collaborative, sometimes they work within their grade band and grades are seated together, and sometimes they work on mixed-age teams that are seated together; it all depends on the activity.
“The teachers have done an absolutely amazing job of setting the kids up to work at a pace and style that is appropriate for them,” Jazmine says, “and they organize the seating and activities each day to that end.”
For example, currently, 6th graders are learning to craft short answer responses that draw on relevant evidence from texts and lab experiments, and they are building the habit of annotating their readings. 7th graders are analyzing source documents or using evidence to support a hypothesis. 8th graders are digging into close reads of complex texts and working through Regents prep questions. Each student is building toward the next step in their learning.
The program also includes a revised arts curriculum, including visual arts, drama, and the return of our student rock bands.
“As a progressive school rooted in the principles of John Dewey,” Jazmine says, “this model reflects who we are: a school that honors how young people learn best, prepares them for the demands of high school and the new world beyond, and helps them grow into capable, confident, and connected people.”
Want to learn more? Submit a simple inquiry form to be connected to our Admissions Director for a conversation about how our Middle School program could support your child's growth and development.
