Middle School Academics

Educational Program

Elementary

High School

Team planning, multi-age grouping, flexible scheduling and a core program are all important elements of the University Middle School program. We believe that a student-centered school should create learning environments that:

are small and safe; promote stable relationships between students, their peers and teachers; are intellectually stimulating; employ cooperative learning strategies; do not track students; provide health education and skills for life long learning.

In keeping with this philosophy of creating a student-centered, developmentally-appropriate school for young adolescents, middle school students grades 6, 7, and 8 are grouped together for most of their classes. This allows students to learn and grow at their own rates. Instruction and curriculum are organized around student interests and needs (core classes based on themes, mathematics, science, skills-based guided explorations, fine arts and applied arts). Honors projects give students an opportunity to extend their learning.

Advisors meet their advisees each day and involve them in activities which support student learning and growth. They create portfolios, personal learning plans, and have opportunities to gain support for academic progress and personal growth. Students will learn the seven habits of highly effective teens and a character trait each week. Also during this time students read at least 60 minutes a week.

The middle school schedule contains these courses:

Focused Learning Classes:

6th grade transition into middle school Elective high interest classes Athletic team practices

Core curriculum classes:

Math Language skills Reading Science Physical education every other day

Guided Exploration:

6th grade: art, current issues, drama, keyboarding, microscopes, sign language 7th grade: art, health, computers, 7 traits of highly effective teens, newspaper/yearbook 8th grade: career pathways and leadership. health, drama, German, French, Spanish