We recognize that middle school is a challenging time, particularly for our 2e students. Their brains are developing rapidly, moving from concrete to abstract thinking, and their bodies and hormones are changing in sometimes uncomfortable ways. Our program focuses on the specific needs our students have at this age, including developing healthy peer relationships, understanding and accepting different perspectives, learning how to deal with conflict and discomfort, utilizing regulation tools, and learning how to self-reflect.
Schedule
The middle school schedule is designed intentionally to support energy and interest levels at different times of the day. View a sample schedule here.
Advisory
Middle school students start the day with Advisory period – a gentle, supportive landing space to ease the transition into the school day. Students review their schedule for the day and the week, have time to play and move their bodies, and work on building skills in a safe environment. Groups are created intentionally to create a low-friction environment and to allow for developmentally appropriate lessons. Teachers work with students through this developmentally challenging period and help them to recognize that it will get better. We treat students like the young adults they want to be while balancing the needs they have as kids.
Breaks, Lunch, & Recess
Middle school students need to move their bodies throughout the day, so our schedule includes 80 minutes of non-class time (two 15-minute breaks at the beginning and end of the day, and a longer break midday). The energy expended during these breaks means it’s not being released in class and disrupting learning time.
The midday break is broken into two parts: lunch and recess. Students have a short, designated eating time to focus on nutrition away from screens and other activities. Recess offers students time to engage in free play, co-create games in the community room or the gym, or simply connect with their peers. Once a week, our movement teacher partners with an OT to offer organized games in the gym, incorporating skills into fun playtime.
Explorations
The school day concludes with Explorations because it requires less focus than other academic classes and provides motivation to stick around for the end of the day when students are struggling with school refusal. These classes are interest-based and rotate by semester. Read more about Explorations below.
Academics
The curriculum and programming are built on the interplay of appropriately challenging and engaging academics, executive function (EF) skills, and social-emotional learning (SEL).
Experiential Learning
Hands-on, project-based learning gives students immediate feedback and provides students with experiences they need to build confidence and resilience in tackling challenges.
Middle School Explorations
Middle School Explorations is a rotating, low-stakes block to engage curiosity and creativity.
