Middle School Curriculum
In the middle school years, students become more and more developmentally capable of abstraction and complex thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students push the edges of this developmental envelope. In math, they progress through concrete representations of mathematical concepts to complex problem solving and algebraic thinking with an emphasis on real-world applications. Their investigations in science include making hypotheses, designing and executing experiments, drawing conclusions – and sometimes taking action based on their conclusions. In social studies, they grapple with challenging simulations and investigations about cultures long ago and far away as well as the world we inhabit here and now. As readers and writers, they develop increasingly sophisticated abilities to make connections with and among texts.
Each middle school student is assigned a laptop computer for writing, research, collaborative projects, presentations and communication. Their media literacy develops as they amass experience in and make choices about appropriate use of technology.
While all middle school students continue to study art, music, drama, and physical education, the curriculum includes opportunities for students to specialize in one musical ensemble (chorus, world band, or orchestra) and, beyond the school day, to stretch in areas of particular interest such as theater, visual arts, interscholastic sports, and music.
Gardens, neighborhood schools, community centers, art studios, murals, and organizations around the Mission District serve as extensions of the middle school classroom. Students make frequent forays into the community for learning and service projects that support and extend their understanding.
Other middle school opportunities include backpacking, travel to national sites such as the Southwest and Washington, D.C., and international travel to a Spanish-speaking country.
The middle school curriculum is distinctive in its ongoing emphasis on reflection, supported in the classrooms and in advisories by the collection and presentation of portfolios of each student's learning. Students continue to participate in weekly Meeting for Worship, and also utilize the Quaker Meeting for Business as a forum for leadership and problem-solving. The Quaker testimonies of peace, integrity, community, simplicity, equality and service serve as touchstones for ongoing reflection through the middle school years.
Please follow this link to see a grid outlining the topics and skills addressed at each grade level.