Middle School at Pacific Ridge: Embrace the Journey

MIDDLE SCHOOL at Pacifc Ridge

Embrace the Journey

The Middle School Experience

At Pacific Ridge, we view middle school as a tremendous opportunity for growth and joy.

Perhaps because of all the change they are undergoing, middle school students are primed for exploration and self-discovery. Given the right support from caring and experienced teachers, the middle school years can help students get comfortable with themselves, take risks, develop their voice, and build key academic, social, and emotional skills needed for high school and beyond, all while celebrating who they are and who they are becoming.

In our middle school program, students in grades 6 through 8 learn new ways of thinking and communicating, tackling real-world issues that require collaborative solutions. Harnessing the innate desire of adolescents to try new things, we offer students numerous opportunities to challenge themselves and develop new interests and passions – in the classroom and on the field, in the studio and out serving the community. Reflecting on these developmentally appropriate experiences, students expand their worldview and deepen their knowledge of who they are as learners, community members, artists, athletic team members, travelers, and friends.

At the heart of the middle school experience are the community and the connections students build with each other and their teachers. Adolescents thrive when they are in an environment that fosters comfort and confidence, allowing them to take risks, make mistakes, and connect strongly with others in both work and play.

We believe that middle school should be a vibrant, inspiring, and happy place. Our teachers share the journey with students, learning, laughing, and growing with them, supporting them along the way.

PORTRAIT OF A PACIFIC RIDGE

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT

empathy creativty RESILIENCE

integrity

AWARENESS curiosity

How our Middle Schoolers Grows

6th GRADE - EXPOSURE

Our academic program introduces sixth graders to Harkness; problem-based learning in English, history, math, and science; multiple arts disciplines; and the three world languages taught at Pacific Ridge. Beyond the classroom, they can join clubs, try new sports, and participate in weekly service work. Our sixth graders are “Wayfinders,” learning about who they are, what it means to be a Firebird, and how to navigate their academic and social worlds.

7 th GRADE - EXPLORATION

Seventh graders continue to build their abstract and critical thinking skills, delving into real-world issues. Across subjects, students gain more choice in completing projects, select a world language to pursue, and continue to experience a range of artistic media. Skills classes, started in 6th grade, help students strengthen academic performance while promoting self-awareness, social-emotional skills, and wellness. Clubs and service learning provide more opportunities to dig into new areas of interest.

8th GRADE - LEADERSHIP

Soon to become high school students, eighth graders take on increased challenge in coursework and co-curriculars. They expand, refine, and reflect on academic and life skills while continuing to build confidence and assert their independence. Leaders of the middle school, they mentor younger Firebirds throughout the year and practice being positive influencers. When they move on to high school, our eighth graders aim to leave the middle school better than they found it.

SCIENCE Science 6 Science 7 Science 8

MATH

Math 6, Intro to Algebra, Algebra/Geometry 1-3 * (Students are placed in math classes that best match their ability, regardless of grade level. Accelerated students are able to access Upper School math classes. *Courses with both regular and honors sections.)

ARTS

Students rotate through courses in the following arts disciplines: 3D Art, Dance, Digital Media Arts, Music, Studio Art and Theater

ENGLISH English 6 English 7

HISTORY

Ancient Innovations and Modern Problem Solving

Social and Community Studies

LANGUAGE

Introduction to World Language and Culture

ELECTIVES

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/ ATHLETICS

SERVICE LEARNING

English 8

American Studies

Chinese, French, Spanish (Students are placed in the language classes that best match their ability, regardless of grade level. For each language, we offer multiple levels with both regular and honors sections.)

Courses that are traditionally offered as electives in many schools, such as arts, languages and physical education, are required courses in grades 6, 7 and 8.

Athletic Teams, Physical Education

Students rotate through trimester-long sessions supporting areas such as: animal adoption, homelessness, seniors and adults with disabilities, sustainability, and wildlife preservation.

CLUBS

Middle School students choose from a number of clubs, including in past years: caligraphy, chess, robotics, student council, and skateboarding—to name a few.

YEAR-END

GLOBAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Wayfinding & Exploration

Big Bear, CA

Marine Stewardship Catalina, CA

Hands-on History and Government Washington, D.C.

“ Leave it better than you found it.”

We use the phrase “Leave it better than you found it” in the Middle School to encourage students to recognize the social, emotional, and physical effect they have on our community. Students that truly live into this concept strive to make a space, group of people, or an activity better through their actions.