The Middle School

Sixth - Eighth Grades 

The middle school years are an important transition period in a child's life. Academically, the students must adapt to the increased demands present at the middle school level and become more independent in their academic preparation. In addition, these are critical years for personal and psychological growth. Middle school students often encounter a variety of social and psychological challenges and influences that can have a strong impact on their development and ultimate success in school and in life.

To assist with the increased academic demands, we teach students the necessary study and organizational skills essential to being a successful student. All of the teachers take part in emphasizing good study skills and habits and directly teach strategies for learning and studying within their curriculum. A Support Services program is available for students who need extra help in developing and maintaining these skills. A strong communication is developed between the teachers and parents to make sure that a child does not "slip though the cracks". In addition to all of the homework being posted on the school's website, each teacher has individual websites that outline what is being done in class and post future projects and test outlines. All teachers have e-mail addresses posted on the websites to further facilitate communication. We believe that each child's success will be the product of teamwork between the student, the faculty, the administration, and the family.

The social experience at the middle school level plays a critical role in a child's success. There are many distractions and negative influences bombarding children at this age that can have a detrimental impact on a child's experience. Students need to come to school without the anxiety of being bullied, humiliated by peers and/or teachers, and concerned for their physical safety. At Bay Ridge Prep, we have effectively created a safe, positive environment, where students can feel comfortable being themselves, and focus on the important things like academics, making friends, and being creative. The role of the faculty is critical in accomplishing these goals. Each faculty member has been trained in positive interaction and role modeling. Positive faculty-student relationships encourage maturity within the students and a desire to be respected by their teachers. Students are also taught the basics of social psychology through leadership seminars that help to build self-discipline, self-confidence, and the ability to take initiative. The environment fosters a sense of community and helps each child to understand his or her role within the community.

The goals of the Middle School are to challenge students academically while developing the leadership qualities and social judgment necessary to maneuver through the adolescent years and become a caring, productive adult. The curriculum is set up to meet both the general and individual needs of the students. All students take the required courses and as the students advance in these areas, elective courses become available. Course work is engaging and aimed at reaching a range of different types of intelligence. This is accomplished through a balanced curriculum of direct instruction, group work, projects, and dramatic instruction. This ensures that all students engage their strengths in learning. It also reinforces the material through a variety of mediums and makes learning more engaging and more fun.