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6th-8th at GVS: The Middle School that is Upper School
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 andUpper School coolness, it’s hard to fully inhabit the potential for growth, confidence, and self-discovery that is possible from age 12-14. 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.
Clubs & Sports
Upper School clubs are student-driven and faculty supervised, allowing students to express themselves and interact with peers in other grades based on common interests. Leadership skills grow naturally in the club context. In many cases, club selection is a chance for students to channel a strong interest in current events and the outside world. Community service and social justice are as popular as novelties like cooking or ukelele. Interscholastic sports each season for all students becomes yet another form of collaboration, challenge, and healthy discovery of strengths and weaknesses.
Social Emotional Development
Emphasis on social emotional learning in middle school contributes to our graduates’ maturity and comfort with adults. A long tradition of a handshake at day’s end endures, although modified by COVID. A public speaking course in 8th Grade teaches poise, confidence, and self-awareness. Kindness and respect for one another guide social interactions both in and out of the classroom. Any lapses in this realm are taken seriously. Executive functioning skills, including time management, communication, organization, goal-setting, self-advocacy and self-reliance, are ongoing topics in homeroom and advisory groups.
Being New in Upper School
Attending Green Vale since pre-school is not the only way that families and children access this transformational middle school experience. New students enter GVS at all grade levels, and almost invariably, appreciate its advantages right away.
“Green Vale is an incredible place, especially during the middle school years. Our daughter started in 6th Grade as the only new student and her classmates were welcoming and supportive. She is having an amazing experience in which she is challenged, heard, inspired, and driven to do her best and develop her passions.”
“The teachers are very nice and they’re also funny. And everything is clean. The education is better.” Leo, joined in 6th from Port Washington (Sousa Elementary)
Becky & David Schamis, 7th Grade parents from Sands Point (Port Washington district) “I really like it here. It’s a great campus and all the teachers are amazing. The curriculum is a lot harder than my old school, and they prepare you for stuff, like the SSAT. Everyone is really welcoming, so it was kind of easy coming in.”
“We are delighted with the GVS community. The faculty is amazing in getting to know our children and making sure the transition went smoothly. The students are positive and engaged and the cool kids are the academics as well as athletes.” Alastriona, joined in 6th from NYC (Sacred Heart)
Hélène Comfort, parent of new 6th, 7th, 8th Graders from NYC (Buckley, Lycée Français) Eileen & Jonathan Otto, 7th Grade parents who entered in 6th from Old Brookville (Long Island School for the Gifted)
