Middle School Program

6th grade students begin the year by exploring various types of literature, such as short stories, graphic novels, poetry, journals, and technical journals. Students develop comprehension and critical thinking skills in Socratic seminars, where they also practice public speaking, giving and receiving critical feedback, clarifying questions, and supporting their arguments. In literature, students work to understand plot, setting, character development, theme, imagery, point of view, and foreshadowing. Daily writing and editing assignments improve spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Students also learn how to write various forms of essays, such as expository, narrative, argumentative, research, reflective, and critical.

7th grade students explore various forms of literature such as short stories, novels, and films to develop their analytical and comprehension skills, focusing on literary concepts such as context, imagery, motif, juxtaposition, fatal flaws, unreliable narrators, doppelgangers, and symbolism. They engage in Socratic discussions by honing questions, research texts, and participating in structured classroom debates. Daily writing prompts encourage a regular reflective writing process, while reading responses require textual evidence and original observations, reinforcing basic body paragraph skills. Throughout the year, students complete assignments on grammar, composition, and vocabulary.

8th grade students improve their writing and reading skills to better understand the complexity and assumptions of language. Throughout the year, they use literary concepts such as paradox, irony, symbol, motif, and juxtaposition to uncover deeper meanings and compare imagery in stories. Students enhance their vocabulary through group discussions and visual projects, and practice responding to contextual videos and articles. Engaging in Socratic discussions, students also focus on grammar, identifying parts of speech, and sentence subjects. They also refine essay writing by practicing outlining, developing theses, citing sources, and analyzing quotations to build balanced, argumentative essays.

6th Grade students begin the year with a study of earth science and Bay Area geology and topography leading up to a three-day camping trip to Point Reyes National Seashore. Students then delve into the scientific method and apply an inquiry-led approach to studies of matter, energy, heat, water movement, climate, and cell fertilization. Puberty education is also covered.

Major projects:

• Cardboard arcade
• Clem Miller
• Bay Area Maker Faire
• Hatch chickens

7th grade students begin the year with an introduction into the design process and engineering leading up to the Bay Area Maker Faire. Students then delve into an understanding of investigation and data collection, information, charts, and peer review. In the 2nd semester, students move into life sciences with attention to animal cells, plant cells, genetics, heredity, reproductive systems, and sexual education.

Major projects:

• Bay Area Maker Faire

8th grade students begin the year with an introduction into robotics, building on previous topics and introducing circuitry and more advanced coding leading up to the Bay Area Maker Faire. The year-long curriculum is a focus on physics, energy, and motion (Newton’s Laws of Motion), scientific journals, biases, the periodic table, and chemical bonding,

Major projects:

• Egg drop
• Computer Science Week
• Bay Area Maker Faire

6th grade Spanish begins our immersion program. Students begin by building vocabulary with descriptions (yo soy, tu eres, nosotros somos) related to daily school activities. Daily routines involve verbal drills and real conversations. Students also delve into the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries with attention to Mexican history, holidays, and folklore.

7th grade Spanish begins with a review of basic conversational phrases. Students continue to build on prior knowledge using drills, classroom conversations, and independent study. Working in small groups, students move through a differentiated curriculum while being assessed using Duolingo and Babbel learning tools. Students also continue their studies of Spanish-speaking countries with a focus on geography, capitals, main cities, flags, government, and cuisines.

8th grade Spanish hones in on language and conversational skills. Students delve into conjugation, vocabulary, pronunciation, and reading and writing in Spanish. Students build speaking skills using games, poetry, dialogue, and chants. Students also continue their studies of Spanish-speaking countries with a focus on populations, traditional dress, history, customs, and literature.

Middle school Physical Education emphasizes refining techniques and tactical practices in individual and team settings. P.E. covers skills such as overhand throwing, catching, striking, running to kick a ball, focusing on body mechanics, spatial awareness, and hand-eye/foot-eye coordination. Social skills include teamwork (listening, questioning, persuading, respecting, supporting, participating) and sportsmanship (honesty, fairness, respect, graciousness).

Students engage in athletic team-building activities to develop physical and social-emotional skills, enhancing balance, timing, and flexibility through stretches, calisthenics, bilateral movements, and midline-crossing activities. 

The program encourages leadership, stepping out of comfort zones, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It prepares students for high school and beyond, using assessment tools like rubrics, checklists, video recordings, self-assessment, teacher observation, and feedback.

In middle school art, students develop critical thinking and a deep appreciation for contemporary art through project-based participation, assessed through their engagement, risk-taking, dedication, and enthusiasm rather than perfection. Students work in several mediums including sculpting, ceramics, and carved wood to create work inspired by local and international artists. Topics of discussion that influence artwork created throughout the year include themes that address social justice, immigration, politics, identity, and the impact of art in civic engagement.