Middle School

List of 5 items.

• Social World

  Designed to expand upon prior learning, Social world introduces advanced study of geography and world cultures. This two-year course of study helps children master important concepts in physical and human geography. Comprehensive and organized by region the course includes a deep understanding of the Earth’s physical and human diversity. Topics include population and settlement patterns, evaluation of human activities that modify the physical environment, fundamental human needs and comparison of development, standards of living, systems of government, and economic factors across the globe. Social World bring a rich understanding of global cultures and historical influences that shape the world and modern issues.

• Physical Education

  Group games and activities allow middle schoolers to set and work towards individual physical goals as well as develop positive relationships through encouraging and supporting peers to set and meet their goals. A highlight experience is the downhill skiing and snowboarding winter term when the class works on an abbreviated/4-day academic schedule affording them a full-day for physical education.

• Visual Arts

  A robust visual arts course is offered in middle school that inspires them to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. At the beginning of each new topic to explore, the art teacher brings a microlesson in art history, art appreciation, critical thinking and criticism to the group. Children expand on their elementary foundation in understanding and skills in the visual arts in an exploratory manner consistent with the 

  Montessori philosophy and curriculum. Creative expression in visual arts through drawing, sculpting, painting, ceramics, and digital media are presented in the art show.

• World Languages

  Middle school is a time to enhance proficiency in the World Language (Mandarin or Spanish). Individual and small group work will focus on the study of grammar, interpersonal communication, and culture. Activities will expand listening comprehension, oral fluency, written expression and ability to communicate about real-world experiences on a variety of topics.

• Performing Arts

  The performing arts curriculum includes Concert Band, Chorus, and Theatre Arts. Beginning in grade 4, children may choose between Concert Band and Chorus. Both music classes are year-long electives. Chorus is a study of the voice as an instrument to create music. Included in the Chorus elective is learning proper singing, singing alone and in a group, reading music, and performance techniques. Beginner Band is for students between 4^th and 8^th grade who are little to no experience with a band instrument. They are introduced to the instruments of the band and will learn through both individual and ensemble lessons. Advanced Band is for students 4^th through 8^th grade with 1-3 years experience on their instrument or with the Director’s approval. Both groups concentrate on teaching the many aspects of instrumental music and performance. Concerts on and off campus during the year are scheduled seasonally. Theatre Arts is designed to learn theatre games and have the chance to explore a variety of repertoire and roles of acting, design and production, musical theatre. Performances on and off campus provide the opportunity to apply techniques learned in the course in productions both small and large. Two opportunities for performing arts competitions are presented to middle schoolers in alternating years: Massachusetts Middle School Drama Festival and Destination Imagination.