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Home  Academics and School Life Middle School
Academic Curriculum
The Middle School program emphasizes the development of basic and advanced writing, reading, and mathematic skills. Foreign language courses continue to emphasize conversational competency and basic grammar concepts. Physical, life, and earth science courses include extensive laboratory experiences which prepare the students for advanced work in biology, chemistry, and physics in Upper School. Middle School students are guided by advisors who encourage students to succeed both academically and socially. Some of the extracurricular activities offered in Middle School include drama, fine art, band, sports, student government, and community service projects. The fundamental goals of the program are to provide the students not only with the academic skills necessary to be successful in Upper School, but also to instill a self-confidence in their ability to learn and to cultivate an enthusiasm for learning that will follow the students through out their adult lives. Please click on the following link to view a comprehensive list of the courses offered in Middle School organized by department.
 MS Curriculum Guide
English
The Middle School English program includes the study of short stories, essays, biography, drama, poetry, myths, legends, and folklore. Emphasis is placed on comprehension skills that include but are not limited to vocabulary, literary questions, making inferences, comparing and contrasting, paraphrasing, drawing conclusions, and evaluation. Students study literary devices such as similes, metaphors, personification, onomatopoeia, alliterations, figurative language in general, synonyms, and antonyms. Grammar and spelling skills are improved and extended. The writing program attempts to combine what is learned in literature, grammar, and spelling and is facilitated by the use of journals, free writing, short essays, and research papers.
Mathematics
The Middle School mathematics program seeks to solidify understanding of basic math processes and to provide opportunity for individual growth. Sixth grade students continue their preparation for Pre-Algebra through a spiral approach emphasizing continual review of required skills and concepts. Seventh and eighth grade students are placed in Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trigonometry according to performance level. Special emphasis is placed on developing a variety of problem-solving skills, ranging from using models and manipulatives to investigating software and spreadsheets. Group problem solving and both oral and written communication in mathematics are also stressed in the Middle School curriculum.
History
The sixth grade course of study is primarily an overview of world history prior to the 1500's. Classical Greece throughout the Medieval Age is studied in the historical and geographical contexts of that time period.
Seventh grade continues with European history -- 1500 to the present. Students move through the history of the Renaissance to the present day.
The eighth grade course provides an overview of key elements of U.S. History and U.S. Government from colonization to current world events. These elements include economics, geography, literature, fine arts, and cultural appreciation. Conflicts within American society provide subjects of discourse. Also studied is the rise of democracy and its relationship to individual liberty and foreign policy. Central themes include the American Revolution, the Civil War, the rise of industrialism, and the twentieth century's conflicts.
Science
Earth, life, and physical sciences are taught respectively in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Basic states of matter and energy, biological processes, astronomy, geology, and oceanography are among the topics covered in Middle School science courses. Emphasis on the scientific method as well as extensive laboratory experiences are integrated into each course. Fall class trips to Sea Camp and Catalina Island reinforce and expand upon the classroom subject matter giving students an exciting and rewarding outdoor classroom experience.
Foreign Languages - Spanish, Latin
The Middle School Spanish program seamlessly builds upon the fundamental concepts of reading, writing, grammar, listening comprehension, and oral communication that were stressed in Lower School. The Middle School program offers students the opportunity to improve upon basic reading, writing, listening, and speaking proficiency skills. By the end of eighth grade, the typical student is prepared to continue his/her studies in Upper School Spanish I or II. Students are required to take Spanish in Middle School.
Latin instruction begins in the sixth grade and provides a broad overview of the language. Greek and Roman mythology, its influences on modern languages, and the culture of ancient Rome are covered. Sixth grade Latin is taught in conjunction with Computer Science 6 using technical resources to enhance listening skills and interactive reasoning. Seventh and eighth grade students enroll in Latin I and learn basic forms of Latin grammar with special emphasis on reading Latin prose. Students participate annually in the National Mythology and Latin examinations. Students are required to take Latin in Middle School.
Computer Science
Sixth grade students are introduced to a basic suite of computer applications used in an academic setting that includes word processing, using spreadsheets, creating presentations, and research using the Internet. This course emphasizes study skills in general.
Seventh and eighth grade students build on the above concepts with more advanced usages that includes introduction to basic programming, website design, and creation of multimedia projects.
Art
Students at each grade-level are encouraged to select a fine art course of study as one of their electives. The sixth grade introductory course is primarily a studio class where students explore a range of artistic materials with an emphasis on two-dimensional work and creativity.
Seventh and eight grade electives segue to three-dimensional art, which stresses drawing and painting. Students review the elements of art, discover the principles of design and then apply them to creative projects. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop their own personal talents in a nurturing and supportive environment. This studio course also introduces students to the basics of critiquing works of art.
Music/Vocals
The fundamental goal of the Middle School music and vocal program is to cultivate a love of and appreciation for music in students. The sixth grade course is designed to teach general music skills. Built on the premise that music fundamentals are best learned by participation, this elective course provides opportunities for students to learn music theory, music appreciation, as well as other aspects of music education through singing and performing.
Components of intelligent musicianship are integrated into the program provided for seventh and eighth grade students which includes teamwork and self-discipline. Vocal performances are highlighted in varied group formats. Key elements include vocal production, musical literacy, ear training, and rehearsal for performance.
Band
Sixth grade beginning band is designed for the novice student who is just beginning instruction. No prior musical experience is required. Students are taught music fundamentals in conjunction with proper playing technique and care for their instruments.
The Concert and Symphonic Bands are composed of select Lower and Middle School students based on their musical speciality and talent. Band members receive individual instruction to help them increase their technical facility and to develop intonation skills. Bands perform at a number of formal venues both on and off campus. Finally, there are the Drum Ensemble and Pep Band which perform at various School functions and sporting events. The purpose of these performing groups is to add excitment and enhance School spirit through music.
Drama
Offered at the seventh and eighth grade levels, Middle School drama courses are designed to provide students with the "theatre experience." Students are taught pantomime, improvisation, monologues, and duo and ensemble acting techniques. Students are provided performance opportunities to hone their acting skills. Each fall Middle School students engage in a comedy piece and each spring, in conjunction with the vocals classes, a musical play is presented. The goal of the Middle School drama program is to provide each student with the self-confidence and fundamental acting skills necessary to pursue acting at the next level.
Physical Education/Health
Physical education is an integral part of the total educational program at The Meadows. The aim is to develop the physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness of students through a variety of physical and instructional activities. In addition to team activities such as basketball, cheerleading, cross country, dance, football, soccer, softball, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling, the curriculum includes recreational activities such as golf, swimming, and tennis. Students also participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Competition providing each student with the opportunity to challenge his/her level of physical fitness.
Middle School also offers a health program. The goal is to help students make good "lifestyle choices" that help them lead healthy lives. The program continues throughout all three years with basic health instruction in first aid, leadership development, nutrition, peer pressure, stress management, substance abuse, and education for developing physiology.
Interscholastic Sports
Basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling are typical of the sports teams that compete at the interscholastic level. All students who wish to participate are included in a league team. Approximately 80% of the Middle School students participate in one or more sport teams.
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