 | What do MICDS Middle School Students Say?
“I like the community and atmosphere.”
“We don’t just get a worksheet and do it for homework. It’s more hands-on and interesting.”
“There are after-school clubs for everyone and for different interests.”
“The teachers are understanding and smart.”
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The Middle School, Grades 5-8, is where amazing transformations take place. Students continue to develop intellectual skills and discover new interests. Subjects get more sophisticated, and courses and activities are structured around the inquisitiveness, diversity and energy of students at this stage in their lives.
A Balanced Approach to Academic Excellence
MICDS sets its academic standards high, but we also want students to be able to enjoy learning and explore new ideas. Teachers, advisors, and deans are always available to help guide them toward their potential, invite them to take risks and celebrate each step toward independent success. The core curriculum has strength in the liberal arts, a depth of fine arts and foreign languages (Mandarin Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish) and physical education, plus a wide range of individual and group activities and sports. Technology in the Middle School at MICDS transforms how students acquire knowledge, process information, and demonstrate their understanding of the content and skills inherent in our academically rigorous curriculum. Students create multimedia presentations, express themselves via blogs, wikis, and podcasts, gather real-world data, develop and test complex models, explore libraries and museums from around the globe, and ultimately experience a truly 21st century education.
Teachers As Experts
When asked what they like best about the Middle School, students overwhelmingly praise their teachers. Our teachers create a learning environment that is demanding, interesting, fun, engaging and collaborative. These teachers are smart, innovative and caring individuals who help students find their passions and strive to instill in them a lifelong love of learning. They are experts in their fields as well as in the science of teaching and learning.
Hands-on activities, interdisciplinary themes, research projects and use of technology are prominent features of the curriculum.
Single-Gender Classes
Research has shown that girls and boys learn differently at this level, and our unique Middle School program reflects these differences. MICDS is a leader in constructing a program that meets these needs by strategically blending single-gender and coeducational experiences. Each student will attend single-gender core classes and advisory sessions. Coeducational instruction occurs in the fine arts and some foreign languages classes, as well as in activities and free time. This methodology is focused upon how students learn best, and it gives them the greatest chance to develop confidence, accept new challenges and explore emerging talents. For more information on the single gender classroom, CLICK HERE.
New Faces, New Friends
Middle School is the point at which many new students join the MICDS community. They get to meet new people, make new friends and experience new points of view. Our students come from many different places – around the city and around the world. It doesn’t take long to feel right at home. Group activities, orientation programs, field trips and School traditions help students be at ease in their new surroundings, find their place and connect with others.
Stepping into Independence
The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1, and class sizes are small (typically 14-18 students per class). Teachers also serve as advisors, working with individual students and small groups to establish an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Our faculty and staff are well trained to work with students at this age, understanding how they learn, and encouraging them to become more independent as they make their way through the Middle School.
Learning without Limits
Exciting learning happens at MICDS, and the physical and technical environment help make that possible. Students in the Middle School learn in seven science labs, a foreign language lab, an outdoor ecology lab, a theater, three art studios, two music rooms, a gymnasium, a dance studio, a library and the McDonnell Athletic Center. They have access to numerous computer labs, workstations, laptops, and technologically-equipped classrooms. Middle School students also have use of Upper School learning spaces such as the indoor pool, gymnasium, band room, theater and library.
Homework
Gotta do it! Our Middle School students spend 1-2 hours a day on homework, to extend their learning with thoughtful and interesting work. Homework also helps to build responsibility and time management skills.
Memories and Traditions
The time spent in the Middle School at MICDS is time to enjoy new experiences, meet new people and build great memories that will last a lifetime. We encourage students to get involved in such long-standing traditions as the Talent Show, Spirit Day, Alumnae Writing, Outdoor Camp Experiences, Prize Speaking, Geography and Spelling Bees, Field Trips and Community Service Days.
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