Middle School (Grades 5-8)
Academic Overview
The Middle School Program seeks to foster good citizenship and civic pride through a rigorous academic, inter-personal, athletic, and fine arts curriculum.
The Middle School Program integrates Writing, Literature, Mathematics, Science, History, Foreign Language, and special area classes into a diverse and well-rounded curriculum. The Mizzentop program emphasizes a hands-on, multi-sensory approach in a fast-paced, global course of study. A small class setting develops and enhances independent thinking and encourages students to take learning risks and challenges.
Students are grouped by achievement levels in Math and Writing in Middle School. Middle School classes all meet as a whole group for literature. This gives them greater opportunity for discussion. Groups are split for Writing to facilitate one-on-one conferencing. Courses in Public Speaking, Debate, Drama, Research Skills, and Independent Study are part of each student's week. They continue their foreign language study in Spanish or French.
Students are supported in a formal Advisory Program, where they are offered support and encouraged to examine topics such as peer pressure, daily life skills, and voice their opinion on current issues.
Community Service projects take place during the school year as students volunteer in the school and surrounding communities.
An integral part of the Middle School experience are the annual class trips. Examples of past trips include exploring the oceans and experiencing whale watching at Nature's Classroom off of Cape Cod; attending a low ropes course to build trust and teamwork; and touring Washington, D.C. and Boston, MA.
