MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
In the Middle School at Chesapeake Academy, students are challenged to tackle more complex issues in and out of the classroom. In the classroom, students engage with materials in a variety of ways. Using instructional strategies that are differentiated for learning preferences and academic performance, teachers design units that allow students to build knowledge and skills most effectively. Students make connections between the classroom materials and real world situations.
The Middle School experience at Chesapeake Academy is one in which teachers know students well, ushering them through early adolescence in a way that both nurtures students and holds them accountable for their actions. Students participate in a full range of offerings, from playing on athletic teams to competing in forensics to singing in area chorus. Each student's unique talents are recognized, developed, and celebrated by the school community. The Middle School is a place where students work closely together to achieve individual and group goals. Their experience is enriched by a yearly retreat, Inward Bound, as well as by other field experiences, community service programs, and leadership opportunities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
The academic core curriculum is designed to build upon the skills of Lower School and to engage students' curiosity in the world around them. As students learn content across the curriculum, they develop study skills and ways to problem solve in relevant, real world situations. They develop higher order thinking skills to synthesize information, evaluate materials, and create original responses to ideas. In Language Arts, students learn to read fiction and non-fiction critically, evaluating author's themes and literary elements. Students perform frequently, whether poetry recitation, dramatic presentations, or informative pieces. To expand students' abilities to communicate, Middle School students in grades 6-8 also take Writer's Workshop, a class period dedicated to the writing process. Students learn formats for writing, vocabulary and grammar, and presentation skills. The course supports writing across the disciplines.
In Math courses, Middle School students develop mathematical thinking skills that allow them to apply content to new situations. Students take Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and Algebra I in 8th grade, for which they may receive high school credit. Science in Middle School is laboratory-based, using the scientific method to examine scientific principles. Middle School students explore physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Connections with local institutions and field trips enrich the curriculum. With a week of Seacamp in the Florida Keys, older students discover connections between the two ecosystems with work "in the field."
Social Studies courses in the Middle School help students understand the history and cultures of the world around them. In 5th grade, students are introduced to US History, with a focus on the early years in our country. In 6th grade, students take Ancient World History, examining civilizations that influence our world cultures today. Seventh graders tour the world in Geography, integrating history, culture, and current events. Eighth graders complete their social studies with an in-depth US History and government course. As an independent school, Chesapeake Academy is able to infuse academic instruction with a social and moral curriculum aimed at developing independent, competent students who demonstrate integrity in their actions and interpersonal relationships.
In the Middle School, the study of foreign language becomes more structured and academic. Fifth graders continue to build their knowledge of conversational Spanish, while 6th graders study Latin in order to build their language fluency in English as well as in Latin-derived languages. Seventh and 8th graders complete Spanish I over the course of two years, prepared to go to Spanish II in high school.
In addition to the academic content in Middle School, the Chesapeake Academy experience is enriched by the integration of art, music, physical education, health, library, and technology instruction into daily life. Weekly art and music classes allow students to express concepts in unique ways and to perform and present their work for larger audiences. Tone chimes instruction is available for 6th graders in addition to weekly music classes. Through PE classes 3 times a week, students develop physical fitness, self-confidence, and a love of games and athletics. Middle School students take health weekly to increase their knowledge of health issues and their abilities to make positive decisions. Weekly library classes teach students to use resources effectively, while encouraging students to read for pleasure. Students use technology daily to increase their keyboarding skills, research skills, and abilities to use multimedia effectively.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVISORY
Each Middle School student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom he or she meets weekly. The Middle School advisor is an adult advocate who has the opportunity and responsibility to know and support individual students. All Middle School students meet with their faculty advisor and fellow advisees weekly to focus on issues that relate to students in their role as individuals, learners, and members of the community. Each grade has a curriculum for advisory that builds on the development of students from early Middle School years to 8th grade.
Advisory Themes:
5th grade: Transition
6th grade: Friendship
7th grade: Self-discovery and identity
8th grade: Leadership and Community
4th-5th GRADE BRIDGE TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Our unique 4th and 5th grade program is designed to help students successfully "bridge" the transition from Lower School to Middle School over a two year period of time. Fourth and 5th graders have the experience of working with more than one academic classroom teacher without the full departmentalization of Middle School. The students develop the time management skills and individual responsibility needed to perform well with the increased expectations in the Middle School. Fourth graders serve as safety patrols for the Lower School, learning leadership skills and responsibility. Fifth graders are fully integrated in the life of the Middle School.
Technology
Students at Chesapeake Academy develop their technology skills while engaged in instructional activities on a regular basis. Chesapeake Academy is home to a MacBook mobile laptop cart for student use, as well as additional laptops and desktop computers in every classroom. The mobile technology lab allows for teachers and students to take technology where it is most effectively used, whether in the academic classroom, the art room, or even outside. From using mind-mapping software to collaborative online tools for publishing, discussing, and evaluating work, students and teachers use technology to extend learning across the curriculum. In addition to learning how to use multimedia programs and online websites, students also learn to use technology safely and ethically in our connected world.
