A blossoming of logical thought and growing confidence marks these years of young adolescence.
Authentic and exciting, the Middle School curriculum challenges students’ emerging ability to think critically, take responsibility for themselves, and forge their own identity.
Young adolescents demand to know, “Why am I learning this?”
Our approach answers their question with hands-on, experiential learning in science, math, humanities, French, art, music, and physical education. Through building and shaping, experimenting and grappling with each subject from every dimension, students approach adolescence able to tackle problems with imagination, empathy, and grit.
Middle School teachers work in a team with specialized instructors for academic subjects. Students gain greater freedom and accept more responsibility for their time. Optional extracurricular activities extend classroom learning, while sports teams offer opportunities for healthy competition within the community.
In grades 6-8, students are supported as they navigate the challenge of fitting in while staying true to themselves. With a dual focus on intellect and feeling, they develop a love of learning, an appreciation for the contributions of others, and a deep understanding of themselves. They are ready for the next stage of learning—about the world and themselves—that lies ahead.
In sixth grade the body and mind grow rapidly, and a sense of imbalance can emerge. Separation from teachers and parents leads to a tighter bond with peers, but more uncertainty about how to fit in. A sense of logic develops, and the twelve-year-old seeks security through bold, absolute thinking and an emphasis on what is “right.” In the Waldorf School, we meet this developing understanding with a focus on Rome, an era that valued law and order. Rather than feeding students answers, teachers use demonstrations, experiments and practical exercises in problem solving to develop skills as students learn to “see for themselves.” Woodwork, patternmaking, and practical math concepts, such as interest and percentages, keep students grounded in what is real as their thinking begins to soar.
Seventh Grade
On the brink of puberty, seventh graders are bursting into a new stage of intellectual development, eager to think and do for themselves. Social relationships move to center stage, even as students feel more unsure of themselves than ever before. Individual development, and the search for freedom and self expression, become the focus of academic study through the history of the Renaissance and Reformation. Biographies of great artists help students see the potential for beauty in struggle, and to integrate strong emotions through art. Physiology takes students deeper into their own physical development and changes. Handwork in metal, wood, and stone continues to build a practical intelligence, enlivening learning through the senses.
Eighth Grade
On the cusp of high school, eighth graders can take up with confidence and pride their new role as leaders of the grade school. Independent judgment, logical thinking, and a search for truth become the focus of the curriculum. Modern history and literature, physics, and chemistry engage students’ ability to see the world as it is and to understand how it came to be. Independent project work and a culminating play are milestones of the year, giving students the time to reflect on their progress and growth.
Cyber Civics Curriculum
Cyber Civics is a digital literacy curriculum that meets the urgent and growing demand to help middle school students become thoughtful, ethical, and smart digital citizens. Our school was recently featured in VT Kids for our Cyber Civics Curriculum. Click here to read the article.
Cyber Civics: Level 1
Digital Citizenship Digital Citizenship is the safe and appropriate use of digital
tools. Because experts agree that the most important media skills are social and behavioral skills, this entire first level of Cyber Civics is delivered through games, role-play, discussion and debate… no tech required!
Cyber Civics: Level 2 Information Literacy This level teaches students how to find,retrieve, analyze, and use online information.
Cyber Civics: Level 3
Media Literacy for Positive Participation
This third level of a series of digital citizenship and literacy lessonsteaches students how to use their critical thinking skills to analyze media messages as they learn how to be positive media participants.
