Middle School Program
Grades 7 - 8
The middle school years are perhaps the most difficult, challenging, and fascinating of one's life. Physical, intellectual, and emotional changes are rapid and intense at this age. Children often feel that they are no longer children, yet they do not feel ready for the responsibilities of adulthood either. So, while they're eager for the greater freedom of teenage life, they're apprehensive about the social conflicts and increased academic pressures that lie ahead.
Many educational studies have singled out these years as a critical turning point for the development of self-confidence, emotional stability, and positive attitudes toward school and life. These studies point out that American schools have not handled this turning point well, and that many of the problems of American high school students begin with problems not addressed in middle school. Many adults remember these years as some of the most confusing of their life. To deal with these competing factors, studies recommend small, flexible schools, more individual attention and guidance from teachers, with more opportunities for self-reflection and self-expression.
The Willow School incorporates these principles. Our program is especially suited for dealing with the needs, concerns, and interests of early adolescents. It is not uncommon for a teacher to find a wide range of skills and maturity within one classroom with some students thinking and writing at a high school level, side by side with others who have yet to mature intellectually. Our middle school program combines 7th and 8th grade students into one class of no more than 15 students. Each day they are taught a high interest curriculum.
In addition, our program combines close contact and support by a dedicated faculty that truly enjoys and appreciates students in this age group. Our staff works to promote independence, individual responsibility, and provide a wide range of choices. We demand much from our students, but do so in relaxed surroundings in which students can feel at home. Our program does an excellent job of teaching the fundamentals of math and language arts, but it also has a creative curriculum designed to incorporate conflict/resolution skills and develop self-awareness and self-expression.
