SSP’s Middle School builds on the spirit, natural energy and curiosity of students in grades five through eight. The program provides the tools and skills for students to assume an increasing responsibility for themselves and for their education, while guiding them toward independence as young adults.

The curriculum emphasizes a broad exposure to the rich variety of material that each discipline offers, while systematically providing the basic skills for more advanced study in high school. Teachers use a variety of approaches in the classroom, and there is an emphasis on collaborative work and problem solving. Middle school students study English, history, mathematics, science, Spanish or French, Latin, art, music, physical education, and human development. Technology skills, study skills, and library skills are used as tools for learning. Assemblies, advisory, and such extracurricular activities as the Middle School Jazz Band, chess club, art club, MathCounts, and the Middle School Play offer students additional opportunities to pursue their interests. There are curricular highlights to the year at each grade level, including the American Experience festival in 5th and 6th grades (History), Multicultural Day in 7th grade (World Cultures and Geography), the Robotics unit in 7th grade (Science), and the Global Warming Conference in 8th grade (Science). In addition, service learning projects and community service enable students to gain a broader understanding of local, national, and international communities.

Teachers and parents meet periodically during the year to discuss how each student is managing his or her academic and social challenges. Communication between teachers, faculty advisors, and parents provides a strong support system for students, designed to foster both personal and intellectual growth. Student progress reports are sent home quarterly. Each grade level has a dean and a group of advisors who ensure class unity and cohesion and who work with students on an individual basis.

The social curriculum emphasizes and incorporates the SSP core values of respect, integrity, the individual, creativity, excellence, and joy. At the end of each year, citizenship awards are given to a boy and a girl at each grade level; these awards are highly prized and reflect SSP’s core values. Grade-level meetings and smaller advisor group gatherings provide forums for students to gain greater understandings of these values and how to actively live them. In addition, classes and group discussions on human development and social issues are interwoven throughout the middle school program to help adolescents deal with concerns facing them in today’s society.

Service learning is an innovative teaching approach that incorporates community service projects into traditional academic courses. Students use and build upon their academic and interpersonal skills as they provide meaningful service for others. SSP believes that service learning directly supports the core of our educational mission: “we prepare our students to become responsible, thoughtful, and well-informed adults who are able to play an active role in improving the world.”