Middle School

The English Department’s primary goals include developing in our students a love of reading and writing and the ability to think critically, read thoughtfully, listen intelligently, and communicate effectively. In Middle School, purposeful and meaningful connections are made with the ultimate goal of real-world transference.

Friends Academy aims to broaden our students’ understanding of the historical processes that have produced our world, encourage them to think critically while interpreting past events and finding potential solutions to contemporary problems and prepare them for enlightened, empathetic, and active citizenship in a diverse society. In Middle School, purposeful connections are made between English and social studies, with literature choices and writing assignments often spanning both courses.

At Friends Academy, the study of mathematics is much more than arithmetic. By instituting a Problem-Solving Approach to Mathematics, sometimes referred to as the CPA Approach (concrete, pictorial, abstract), children learn to construct their own meaning and develop personalized strategies to solve problems. For any problem, even in math, there are multiple pathways that lead to solutions. For some, math is about learning and memorizing the steps to create a particular outcome. This approach can lead to premature acceleration. At Friends Academy, math is viewed as an investigative, descriptive, evaluative, and creative language. Students work individually and collaboratively to learn that multiple strategies often lead to a solution. The role of the teacher is to assist students in reaching a conclusion; it is not to offer a singular strategy but rather to guide and stretch students as they develop their strategies. As a result, our students at Friends Academy deeply understand mathematics beyond the surface level and feel prepared and empowered to take on rich challenges and problems in math and other disciplines.

Our integrated middle school science curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep understanding of the natural world. Students will develop a deep scientific skill set and a solid understanding of basic scientific principles by engaging in real-world problem-solving. In Middle School, studies explore the intersections of earth science and environmental studies, biology, physical sciences, and chemistry. These studies aim to develop an understanding of a diversity of living organisms, to instill mindfulness of and explore the complexities of preservation and conservation of the world’s resources, and to develop an awareness of ethical issues regarding the use of science and technology. Students practice hypothesis development, experimental observation, data collection, and empirical analysis. Open-ended questioning, reflective writing, research notebooks, and lab reports are among the many skills practiced across the curriculum.

The Middle School is committed to providing a dynamic program that utilizes technology to enhance the curriculum and foster the skills necessary for success in the contemporary world. The Middle School building is well-equipped with Smart Technology, projection capabilities, and a Makerspace robotics studio with multiple 3D printers and a VEX competition court. All Middle School students are issued Chromebooks for school use and have dedicated training on programs such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Schoology.

Departmental goals include helping students build proficiency in the oral and written use of a second language and gaining a fundamental knowledge of the literature, culture, and traditions associated with the nations where it is spoken.