Middle School
Those of us who work in the Middle School feel we have the best of all worlds. On the one hand, our students are beginning to develop into confident, intellectual young women. At the same time, they do so with the vibrancy and enthusiasm of young girls. Given this dichotomy, the Middle School strives to provide a learning environment which both challenges and nurtures girls during early adolescence. Within a small, cohesive community, a knowledgeable and experienced faculty teaches our students the content and skills necessary for later academic success while encouraging them to ask questions, seek creative solutions, and take risks as a part of learning. Individuals make this leap at different rates, and our girls benefit from small class sizes and varied instructional techniques.
The Middle School curriculum is founded on traditional instruction in subjects like English grammar and Latin, world geography and the arts. Certainly one of the hallmarks of a St. Mary’s education is the emphasis on effective spoken and written communication—and to be sure, this happens across the curriculum. But we are also make nontraditional learning opportunities available to our 21 st century students. Fifth graders spend an entire quarter immersed in economics and civics as they prepare for their Exchange City experience. Sixth grade math allows the girls time to put their math skills to work and learn the basics of engineering as they build bridges made entirely of toothpicks and glue. You should see a three-ounce bridge hold over 25 pounds! And while our 8 th graders enjoy the traditional art, drama, and dance options, one quarter of their Ensemble class is devoted to filmmaking using digital video cameras and iMovie software.
The Middle School also places emphasis on the moral development of each student by providing opportunities to develop personal integrity, leadership skills, and a desire to serve the community. The Honor Code takes on increasing significance as the girls move through their Middle School years and appreciate what it means to live with integrity in an honorable community.
It is also important for middle school girls that they explore extracurricular activities. St. Mary’s girls can participate in a variety of competitive athletics in grades 6-8. If they enjoy books, girls can become Library Ambassadors. And the thespians in the crowd can look forward to joining together to produce the always much anticipated Middle School play.
Every day in the Middle School is exciting and full of new challenges, but as I like to say, “We take what we do seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.” That means we have a lot of fun and laughs along the way.
Todd Love
Middle School Head
