Middle School

The Program – Middle School

Fifth through Eighth Grade

Building Beyond the Basics

Tradition, values, and academic achievement are central to the mission of the middle school. The middle school offers the same emphasis on humanities and written and oral expression as begun in the lower school, while recognizing the unique and diverse needs of its students. A comprehensive English curriculum focuses on literature, composition, grammar, and spelling and encourages critical thinking and writing skills. To respond to the changes that are sweeping through education and across the world, the curriculum places particular emphasis on math, science, and technology. Foreign language instruction includes a choice of Spanish or French in grades 5-8 and Latin is taught in the 8^th grade. A strong fine arts program develops an appreciation for art history, studio art, drama, and music and encourages students to explore and expand talents in those areas. Athletics and physical education have a central role in the lives of our students, building character, teamwork, and good sportsmanship as we prepare them to succeed in the most competitive secondary schools in the area. A small group advisory program is an integral part of every student’s day.  A variety of clubs provide opportunities for student participation and enjoyment. Our students receive health instruction in drug and alcohol awareness, decision-making skills, adolescent sexuality, character development, and other issues related to their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Instructional Approach

Important academic, social, and developmental skills are addressed by tailoring the program to the specific needs of the 5^th and 6^th grades, and the 7^th and 8^th grades. Class sizes average between 12 and 15 students. The atmosphere of the middle school, while in keeping with time-honored traditions, is different and distinct from the lower grades and is intended to develop a sense of growing independence and emergence of self so critical to this age group. The wireless laptop program allows students to access and process information from anywhere in the school. The middle school strives to promote international awareness as it electronically connects our student with students in schools in other countries and with our own home schooling students around the world. The faculty inspires students to cultivate new interests and sharpen essential skills, while gaining moral strength, resilience, and an appreciation for differences within and beyond their community. Calvert prepares its graduates to embrace the challenges awaiting them with confidence, a love of learning, and a growing sense of themselves and their place in the world.