How to Know if Your Child is Ready for High School
03-15-24
Seventh grade is a transformative year—both academically and personally. At Friends Academy, a leading private middle school on Long Island, students gain confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of themselves through an education guided by Quaker values.
Here, teachers nurture curiosity and resilience while preparing students for high school success. Through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and a focus on whole-child development, students can thrive during one of the most critical years in their education journey.
Are you curious what it would be like for your child to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive, values-driven middle school environment? Let’s take a closer look at the Grade 7 experience at Friends Academy.
A Rigorous 7th-Grade Curriculum with a Supportive, Whole-Child Approach
At Friends Academy, the 7th-grade curriculum combines academic excellence with emotional growth. Students build on what they already know while developing the critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills that form the foundation for future academic success.
The 7th-grade learning process at Friends Academy:
Active learning |
Learning is most effective when students make meaningful connections between new information and prior knowledge. Students are encouraged to take initiative, ask questions, and pursue topics that spark their curiosity. |
Critical thinking and |
Students critically evaluate how new concepts fit with existing knowledge. By applying their understanding to new challenges, they deepen mastery and strengthen problem-solving abilities. |
Collaboration |
By bringing their unique perspectives and prior knowledge to the table, students actively contribute to a shared learning experience, enhancing their understanding and that of their peers. Collaboration is especially enhanced by a Quaker approach, where community and equality are built into everyday moments inside the classroom. |
Engagement |
When students see the real-world application of classroom lessons, engagement and motivation increase, and anchoring new concepts in familiar contexts empowers students to explore, question, and contribute meaningfully to their education. |
Classroom Culture and Quaker Values in Action
All Friends Academy classrooms are guided by Quaker values, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel safe expressing themselves and taking academic risks. Faculty design engaging activities that accommodate diverse learning styles while encouraging curiosity and active participation.
These values—community, integrity, simplicity, peace, equality, and stewardship—are woven into everyday classroom life. Even small interactions, like peer collaboration, teacher guidance, or shared project goals, reflect these principles in meaningful ways.
By combining values-driven guidance with a rigorous, engaging curriculum, Friends Academy nurtures students academically, socially, and personally, preparing them to be thoughtful, responsible, and empathetic leaders.
Read more: What is a Quaker School? 5 Reasons to Choose a Quaker Education
Preparation for High School and Beyond
Transitioning from middle to upper school involves more than academics; students need adaptability, resilience, and self-awareness. Friends Academy prepares 7th graders for these challenges by combining rigorous academics with personal development.
Small class sizes and personalized attention help students learn time management, prioritization, and self-advocacy—essential skills for long-term success.
“Seventh grade is a time when students begin to gain independence, but as teachers, we recognize that students can make mistakes as they learn what works for them. By scaffolding this with frequent check-ins and guidance, students gain the confidence and skills they need for 8th grade, Upper School, and beyond.”—Meghan Leonhardt, Middle School science teacher at Friends Academy
Read more: How to Know if Your Child is Ready for High School
Experiential Learning, Projects, and Co-Curriculars
At Friends Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through hands-on projects, field trips, and engaging co-curricular programs, 7th graders explore, create, and grow in meaningful ways.
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning provides 7th graders with hands-on opportunities to develop real-world skills by applying what they’ve learned. These projects spark curiosity and foster critical thinking, collaboration, and confident communication—skills essential for both academic and personal growth. Whether engineering glowing genes with CRISPR, debating the Great Law of Peace in Iroquois society, or designing and embodying a character through theatrical prosthetics, students engage in experiences that challenge, excite, and inspire them.
Purposeful and Engaging Field Trips
At Friends Academy, field trips aren’t just excursions—they’re intentional partnerships with the world beyond our campus. Rooted in the belief that learning extends beyond the classroom, our collaborations with local museums, parks, and historical sites provide students with meaningful, real-world experiences that enrich and extend their learning. By engaging with community partners in this way, students begin to see themselves as contributors to a wider world, deepening their curiosity and strengthening connections that last long after the visit.
Co-Curricular Activities and Clubs
Extracurricular programs are a core part of students’ education at Friends Academy, not just an add-on. Through athletics, service opportunities, leadership programs, and the widest variety of arts programming on Long Island, 7th graders build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills that complement their academic growth.
“Our students have so many opportunities to make school the way they want it to be – giving them a true sense of belonging.”—Christine Botti, Middle School Dean of Students
Some standout clubs include:
- Community Helpers Club: Students can participate in service projects that make a meaningful impact while learning the importance of giving back.
- Middle School Inclusion Alliance: This group promotes diversity and inclusion, helping foster a welcoming and supportive school culture.
- Admissions Ambassadors: Students develop leadership and communication skills while representing Friends Academy and sharing their experiences with prospective families.
A Connected Long Island Private School Community of Students, Faculty, and Families
Grade 7 is a time of rapid growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. At Friends Academy, we support both students and families as they navigate these changes.
Our 7th-grade faculty prioritizes emotional intelligence, helping students express their feelings, manage reactions, and develop self-awareness. Open communication among teachers, students, and parents ensures challenges are addressed and successes are celebrated, creating a truly connected community.
This supportive environment helps students feel welcomed, connected, and confident, whether they are new to Friends Academy or continuing their journey from earlier grades.
“New students can transition into this school very easily. In Community Groups, we meet with other students in Kindergarten through Upper School and get to know each other through activities. It makes coming to school fun.”—Teddy, Grade 7 student
Experience Grade 7 at Friends Academy on Long Island, NY
At Friends Academy, the transition into Grade 7 is more than just a change in classrooms—it's a year of significant growth that shapes students’ future learning. Our holistic approach supports both academic and personal development, preparing students for what comes next.
We invite you to discover what makes our middle school community so special by scheduling a personal tour or connecting with our Admissions team directly.
You can also learn more about our approach to middle school by downloading our free resource—The Family's Guide to Middle School at Friends Academy.
