In October 2017, Lower School Principal
go on to excel in high school because
Mr. Schultz emailed families with a big
they are so well prepared.”
announcement: in 2018-19, the 7th grade
While parents were supportive of the move and curious about the logistics of the transition, student reactions were, if only initially, mixed. “When I heard about it last year, I was disappointed,” said 7th-
class would be located on the Lower School campus for the first time since 2004. “It is clear that the K-8 model gives more opportunities for middle school students to grow and mature in a familiar environment. The longer a student stays in those learning environments, the stronger that student becomes in all areas of education,” Mr. Schultz wrote. “The middle school students are actual leaders to the younger students, and that authentic leadership experience makes a great impression on them. They
grader Vincent Casal. who was eager to transition to the Upper School. “I was thinking [his older brother] Watson would take me to school.” His classmate, Brooke, on the other hand, was relieved. “To be honest, I’m scared of that campus [the Upper School]! Everyone here thinks it’s a big deal to be with seniors. I feel like I’m a baby compared to those people!”
“A True Middle School” SEVENTH GRADE RETURNS TO THE LOWER SCHOOL
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| ministrāre • SPRING 2019
