Middle School Program

The Middle School Program is attuned with the social-emotional, intellectual and physical growth of our middle school students. The unique nature of this age group requires both teaching and learning to be congruent with the students’ developmental needs.

To address the social-emotional needs of these students we have an Advisory Program where small groups of mixed 6th-8th graders, boys and girls, meet with a mentor/advisor for 20 minutes, twice a week. Advisory provides a home base in an otherwise busy week. The program gives older students opportunities to lead and to take care of younger students, encourages cross-age friendships and connects the middle school classes. Parents and students benefit from a faculty ally on staff who will be in touch regarding fun things and difficulties that may arise. In Advisory, the focus is on building supportive school and home relationships, raising school spirit and having fun.

At this age, genders have significant differences in their social-emotional and physiological development.  We honor these differences by offering Communications Classes separated by gender and grade level.  In Communications Class, students discuss personal and social issues and are facilitated by faculty who have been trained as counselors.  The faculty supports students to develop age-appropriate responses and build communication skills. MMS Middle School begins each year with a 3-night outdoor science camp adventure. This trip integrates new students and faculty, provides a wonderful outdoor learning adventure and helps students transition from summer to school.

We offer a challenging and well-balanced academic program, including English, Social Studies, Science, Math and Spanish. All students participate in Performing Arts (music, dance, and acting), Visual Arts and Physical Education. The schedule provides longer blocks of time for uninterrupted study. These longer classes invite deeper investigation and connections between classes. We offer interdisciplinary studies through school-wide chosen themes and have a Social Studies in Action Program which is the service learning component of our academic program. Service Learning enables students to perform meaningful service projects.  Combining community service with classroom teaching enriches students’ learning, personal growth and sense of civic responsibility.

The athletic co-curricular program includes volleyball, basketball, flag football and cross country for boys and girls. Students compete in private school leagues in both Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties. Students participate in Dance and Physical Education classes weekly during their school day. The daily schedule also includes time for recess, snacks and playing to support the middle schoolers’ active bodies.