Middle School Philosophy

In Middle School English Language Arts, students engage in literary studies to make them better readers, writers, communicators, and citizens. Focusing on grammar, spelling, different writing styles across genres, and an etymological approach to vocabulary, students engage in cultivating literacy skills with measurable results. By the end of Middle School, students are ready for the rigors of high school and beyond, all the while instilling a lifelong love of learning. 

Novel studies may include: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.

A primary goal of the middle school social studies curriculum is to simultaneously develop historical thinking abilities as well as to identify and fill gaps in contextual knowledge which will allow students to more effectively engage in all areas of study at The Smith School. While a central focus is on American Studies, middle school history at Smith also acknowledges a broader context and includes a holistic analysis of the transatlantic developments that occurred between European colonialism and indigenous civilizations in the Americas. 

In American Studies I (7th grade), students discover major historical themes from prehistoric times to the Civil War, studying essential primary source documents such as the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Students also explore the influence of technology throughout history and the roles of the U.S. in world affairs. American Studies II (8th grade) builds upon this foundation as students dive into themes from the Civil War to contemporary America, while emphasizing cultural diversity, geography, and the American democratic system.

In our inquiry-based, hands-on science program, middle-grade students learn to think like scientists. Students gain a strong foundation in the scientific method, data analysis, modeling, research, and scientific literacy - the ability to construct, reflect, and use scientific knowledge.

In grade 7, students investigate what it means to be a scientist with two goals: first, to acquire the skills necessary to explore the wonders of life science and biology, and second, to understand how science can be both applied for good and misused within a social context. Students focus on practicing these unilateral skills through the content of ecosystems, evolution, scientific method, and energy while also developing skills of data analysis, pattern detection, reading, writing, and modeling.

In grade 8, students are challenged to uncover and pursue key questions about the world around them. This course examines the Earth as a system within itself and as a part of the solar system, the Milky Way Galaxy, and the Universe in which the Earth exists. We also study the history of the Earth - over 4.6 billion years of development! - to determine the changes that have resulted in the planet that we humans inhabit in the present.

Our middle school math curriculum is flexible and responsive in order to address knowledge gaps and to seize opportunities for connecting our curriculum to real-world applications. Studentsbuild upon their ability to recognize patterns, develop a strong number sense, and hone an intuitive understanding of multiplication and fractions.

Grade 7 begins with a deep dive into number theory and the concepts of ratios and proportions, enabling students to begin graphing and solving direct proportion problems. Students are also exposed to various forms of numbers, including integers, fractions, and decimals. This leads to more study of algebraic investigations into other linear relationships. Students learn to solve one- and two-step equations in preparation for more rigorous coursework in 8th grade. The year finishes with a study of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and representations.

In grade 8, students focus on preparing for high school mathematics, beginning with investigating the distance between two points on a number line leading to an understanding of absolute value, and then studying symmetry and transformations. Students learn about operations with exponents and roots, which leads naturally into an introductory study of quadratic equations and their applications. Through studying the Pythagorean theorem and its applications, students come to understand the distance between two points on a graph. Throughout the year, students are asked to present their ideas to the class and develop their mathematical communication skills. 

Our philosophy is that to be successful in mathematics, it is essential for students to:

• Be willing to struggle to create their own understanding

• Remember that although the answer is generally either right or wrong, there is always more than one way to arrive at it; students can find the way that makes sense for them 

• Practice by doing homework, not simply to complete it, but to identify misunderstandings and areas of confusion - and then ask for clarification from friends, parents, siblings, or teachers

• Learn to ask specific questions

• Keep their work organized, including writing down the details of problems and process

• Seek help when needed

Through the teaching of Spanish and French, The Smith School’s Language Department hopes to improve students’ communications skills in general as well as in their abilities in their target language of choice. The study of a Foreign Language exposes our students to different cultures,  new ideas and, more importantly, diverse points of view. This exposure helps develop empathy and understanding in students which remains as essential in our society today as it always was. Moreover, being able to effectively communicate in more than one language provides students with more tools to navigate future career options and life opportunities. 

As a way to enrich their experience, foreign language students participate in several cultural activities that celebrate the diversity of both the French and Spanish speaking world. These activities include school trips, film screenings, dance classes, themed potlucks and spelling  competitions. Foreign language learning helps students to develop important life skills of communication, exploration, and self-expression in a variety of contexts.

Eighth graders get a chance to try out French and Spanish for one semester each. Students explore introductory grammar and vocabulary while practicing skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in each language. Along with traditional methods of assessment, students have the chance to practice the skills they acquire  through project-based learning, which gives them a chance to incorporate their creativity and self expression into their language learning.

At The Smith School, we offer a wide variety of exciting elective courses that encourage creativity, exploration, and innovation across multiple disciplines. Whether students are interested in fine arts, technology, or writing, we have electives that will spark students’ imaginations and help them to grow their skills.

The Smith School Music Department provides a creative outlet for students to explore music through performance, production, and theory. Whether they’re learning guitar, drums, or voice, music classes encourage collaboration and self-expression, culminating in showcases and professionally recorded projects in our state-of-the-art facility.

For students with an interest in Art, we offer both studio art and Advanced Placement classes, focusing on a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. From drawing and painting to sculpture and mixed media, students develop their artistic skills while exploring the world of art history. Our advanced students even have the opportunity to submit a portfolio for College Board’s AP Art and Design exams.

Our Computer Science elective invites students into the world of digital creation, combining artistic vision with technical know-how. From video editing to web design with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students engage in project-based learning to create interactive digital portfolios, all while utilizing tools like Khan Academy and Replit to enhance their tech skills.

In Robotics, students explore electronics and coding by working with Raspberry Pi and Python to create their own autonomous robots. This hands-on course focuses on technical skills like wiring, programming, and troubleshooting, culminating in a final project that demonstrates the knowledge gained throughout the course.

For those intrigued by Film, the "Foundations of Film Analysis" course allows students to dive deep into the art, culture, and technology of cinema. Spanning from early silent films to contemporary masterpieces, this course invites students  to sharpen their analytical skills, gaining a greater appreciation of film's aesthetic and ideological impact while exploring a variety of film movements and styles.

In Exploring Graphic Novels, students experience the unique and fascinating history of comic books and graphic novels, studying the interplay between text and images while engaging with classics of the form such as Maus, March, and Understanding Comics. Then, through critical reading and creative writing projects, students develop storytelling and visual communication skills of their own. 

In Elective Writing, students with a passion for self-expression can hone their writing through a hands-on approach. Focusing on building writing habits and exploring different genres, this course offers the tools students need to craft everything from fiction to college essays, all while strengthening their ability to write in multiple contexts.

At The Smith School, our electives empower students to explore their interests and talents in a dynamic, supportive environment, helping them develop both technical skills and creative self-expression.