Middle School is a pivotal time for students to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in elementary school and develop it further. Our focus is on collaborative learning and enhancing students' social and emotional skills while maintaining academic rigor and preparing them to manage assignments and expectations effectively. At our school, this is achieved through a dedicated team of teachers who specialize in a variety of subjects, including math, English, social studies, PE, science, and Spanish, among other classes.
Our teachers employ diverse instructional methods to cater to different learning styles, ensuring that all students can absorb and understand the material. Additionally, they emphasize the development of presentation and critical thinking skills, preparing students for future success.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
In our middle school, we prioritize developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in our students. These skills are essential in cultivating resilient, creative individuals who can effectively navigate challenges throughout their lives. Our dedicated teachers focus on engaging students in activities that encourage analytical thinking, creativity, and innovative problem-solving approaches. By nurturing these skills early on, we prepare our middle school students to confidently tackle academic challenges and adapt to various situations both in and out of the classroom.
Developing Communication Skills
Effective communication is a vital skill for future academic and career success. In middle school, students have numerous opportunities to practice and enhance this skill through presentations, essay writing, and student leadership activities.
Diverse Classes
We offer a diverse range of classes designed to enrich our students' educational experience. From handbells and band to Spanish, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), art classes, and computer science, our curriculum provides opportunities for students to explore and develop their interests in various subjects. These classes not only foster creativity and cultural appreciation but also promote interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking skills. By participating in diverse classes, our middle school students gain valuable insights and skills that prepare them for future academic and personal success.
Caring Teachers
Our middle school teachers are a caring and student-focused team dedicated to supporting students as they transition from childhood to adolescence. They view each student as an individual while teaching essential collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. By reinforcing foundational skills learned in elementary school, our teachers help students excel academically and enjoy the learning process.
Middle School Curriculum
Bible
Encounter Bible Program
The Bible Encounter Program is a Seventh-Day Adventist curriculum designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and its teachings, fostering spiritual growth and a personal relationship with God. Through biblical stories, themes, and principles, students are encouraged to apply these lessons to their lives. Using storytelling, discussions, activities, and scripture memorization, the program promotes character education and values like kindness, integrity, and respect. It helps students explore their faith, build a strong moral foundation, and become compassionate, responsible individuals.
Math
Big Ideas Math
Big Ideas Math offers a K-8 mathematics curriculum that blends conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and real-world applications. Aligned with Common Core California State Standards, it emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning through a research-based approach featuring exploratory activities, direct instruction, guided practice, and digital resources. With differentiated instruction and interventions, including visual aids and collaborative learning, Big Ideas Math strives to engage and support diverse learners effectively.
Social Studies
McGraw-Hill Social Studies
McGraw-Hill Social Studies is a robust curriculum that builds students' understanding of history, geography, economics, and civics while promoting cultural awareness and civic responsibility. Using diverse instructional methods like storytelling, primary sources, maps, and digital tools, it brings social studies concepts to life. Organized into thematic units covering local to global topics, the curriculum encourages students to connect past events with current issues, fostering informed opinions and a sense of societal responsibility.
Science
By Design Science
By Design Science is a Seventh-Day Adventist curriculum offering hands-on, inquiry-based science education that integrates Bible-based principles. Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), it emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry. Students explore life, physical, earth and space sciences, and engineering through questions, experiments, and collaborative projects, fostering a deep understanding of the natural world and STEM concepts.
Writing
Lucy Calkins Units of Study
The Lucy Calkins Units of Study, developed by the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University, is a comprehensive curriculum for writing and reading workshops. It fosters writing across genres, using mentor texts and mini-lessons, while the reading component develops strong habits, critical thinking, and comprehension skills. Encouraging independent reading and discussions, the program promotes a love for reading. Its student-centered approach allows for differentiation and personalization, creating a community of enthusiastic, skilled readers and writers.
Reading
Literature-based Reading Instruction
Literature-based reading instruction immerses students in authentic texts, fostering a love for literature and critical reading skills. Through diverse novels, poems, and informational texts, students encounter various perspectives and cultures. Teachers guide discussions and activities to promote critical thinking and creative expression, equipping students to think deeply and articulate their thoughts confidently.
Spanish as a Second Language
¡Así se dice! Middle School Spanish Program
¡Así se Dice! is an interactive curriculum that immerses students in the Spanish language and its rich cultures through dynamic activities, engaging multimedia, and real-world applications. Emphasizing communication and cultural understanding, it builds skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students explore themes that connect to their interests and daily lives, making learning Spanish meaningful and enjoyable.