6th-8th at GVS
The Middle School that is
In most schools, 6th-8th grades are part of ‘middle school’. Even the term itself can connote awkward, forgettable years; a mere pass-through between elementary and high school. After all, when there are high school kids towering above you with all their experience and coolness, it’s hard to fully inhabit the potential for growth, confidence, and self-discovery that is possible from age 12-14.
Upper School
At Green Vale, these years represent a proud culmination where young adolescents become respected school leaders. At an age when young people are often inclined to recede from novelty and challenge, our students pursue and discover interests, take risks, and shine in the process.
Removed from the shadow of high school, we have more space to prepare for it.
Academics Students juggle five demanding courses, or six if they opt for Latin. The level of instruction leads to advanced (10th grade or higher) math and language placement for most of our students. In addition, GVS 8th Grade science is now a Regents-level lab course, meaning that it qualifies as a high school science credit in public and parochial schools. Strong written communication depends on strong comprehension of grammar. This is reinforced throughout English, world language, and Latin classes. Unlike many middle school programs, Green Vale teaches research paper skills. Each Upper School grade writes an extensive research paper, with autonomy increasing each year. Locating, evaluating, and citing sources, note-taking and organization, thesis development, and content presentation are emphasized. In English, challenging classic works are balanced with newer authors. Discussion-based classes around a Harkness table require students to consider multiple perspectives. Visual art, wellness, technology & info., chorus, and instrument instruction for ensemble/band complement the core academic subjects. These additional subjects ensure that students are challenged both in and out of their comfort zones, allowing for classmates to shine in different ways.
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