MIDDLE SCHOOL
CURRICULUM SUMMARY I THE STEWARD SCHOOL
In Steward’s
sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, students will experience a journey toward individual growth and self-advocacy through high-quality academics, exploration, engagement, and open dialogue in a caring community. We recognize that adolescence is a pivotal time when academic and personal choices take on greater significance, and we want our students to stretch beyond their expectations. Thus, our small classes and advisory groups allow teachers to truly get to know their students, to closely monitor progress, to provide extra help when needed, and to facilitate those who seek greater challenges.
SUSAN ATKINSON
Director of Middle School
Susan Atkinson, who has served as director of Middle School since 2013, earned her B.A. in biology from Duke University and her M.Ed. in science education from The University of Virginia. Before joining the Steward community, Mrs. Atkinson served as Director of Studies and Director of Middle School at The Langley School (McLean, Va.), as well as a science and math teacher at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (Alexandria, Va.), Ursuline Academy (Wilmington, Del.), and Harpeth Hall School (Nashville, Tenn.). She is passionate about helping students successfully navigate the transformative Middle School years by learning to be self-advocates, building resilience, and honing collaborative skills.
KEY ADMISSION DATE
Applications for First Round due by: January 15, 2025
MIDDLE SCHOOL VIRTUAL TOUR
ADMISSIONS BLOG
INSPIRE THE FUTURE VIDEO
SCAN
SCAN
SCAN
LITERACY AND LANGUAGE
The goal of the Middle School English classes is to lead students toward the mastery of essential skills in reading and writing. The process of writing is thoroughly explored through writing workshops, with emphasis placed on creating effective
sentences, five-paragraph essays, research, prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing, enabling students to organize and reflect upon their work. Reading includes cross-curricular novel studies, small group and independent reading, and a thematic approach to the study of literary genres. Grammar and vocabulary study encompass how language is used, spoken, and written.
MATHEMATICS
Students are placed in classes based on annual evaluations and recommendations from teachers after careful consideration. In Middle School, the mathematics options range from Mathematics 6 through Honors Geometry. Content mastery in math is critical before moving on to the
next level; algebra readiness is correlated to cognitive maturity, which allows for a better understanding of abstract concepts and spatial reasoning. Therefore, we strive to have all students challenged and not overwhelmed in their math classes, and we are able to make adjustments as needed for individual students to experience success.
UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD
Social studies classes include World Cultures I (sixth grade), American History (seventh grade), and World Cultures II (eighth grade). These courses are designed as introductions to a multicultural perspective of the world, in which emphasis is placed on values, customs, and cultures; geography; and important events. Learning a world language is an important part of understanding others, and Steward specializes in Spanish. Whether students are brand-new to Spanish or have some experience studying it, they strive to become comfortable with the language as they learn about the vibrant culture of Spain.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND ENGINEERING
The science curriculum spans a tremendous range: science and sustainability (sixth grade), life science (seventh grade), and Earth and space systems (eighth grade). Hands-on activities allow students to explore, and the Bryan Innovation Lab is a place to break barriers and expand horizons. Access to technological resources is critical in our ever-changing world, and engineering design processes are incorporated into lessons to allow for mastery of core concepts.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS
In sixth grade, students take one marking period of
each of the four arts offerings: choral music, instrumental music, visual art, and theatre. Seventh graders choose their two favorite fine arts classes to focus on throughout the year, and eighth graders choose a single full-year fine arts elective. Middle School students are invited to participate in mainstage theatre productions, both as actors and as part of the crew.
ATHLETICS
All Middle School students are actively engaged in physical education’s health-enhancing program. Beginning in sixth grade, students may join Steward’s athletic teams, and the no-cut policy in the Middle School allows anyone who wants to try a sport to be a part of the team. Most teams are set up to compete against other local independent schools, but sometimes intramural leagues are formed as well. Sportsmanship and character are the mainstays of Steward’s athletics program with the hope of creating lifelong interest in a healthy lifestyle.
ADVISORY PROGRAM
The Middle School advisory program is critical to our students’ success. Advisory groups include up to ten students from sixth, seventh, and eighth grades in an effort to build community, provide leadership opportunities, and to allow students to work through social issues in a comfortable atmosphere. Advisories meet regularly and
sometimes do off-campus activities together, in addition to competing as teams on Field Day and for spirit programs.
SERVICE AND SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Part of being a good citizen is learning to be a good steward. Middle School students have numerous opportunities to participate in service projects, including engaging visits to the Reinhart House, and clubs that specialize in service. Extracurricular activities also allow students to develop interests, and dances are held in Middle School, organized by the Student Council. Wellness units include discussions about friendship, socioemotional health, healthy decision making, and other relevant topics.
COMMUNITY WEEK
For one week in the fall, Community Week is a highly anticipated activity for all students. Sixth graders spend time on campus getting acclimated to Middle School, and they also explore Richmond through various field trips. Seventh graders participate in community service projects and field trips, including an overnight trip, and eighth graders head back to nature at a wilderness adventure program in the mountains outside of Roanoke. This week is a very special Steward tradition.
The Steward School provides a fun, safe, and innovative learning environment for students. My children have thrived academically, socially, and emotionally. The teachers and staff take pride in educating and creating an environment that ensures students are successful. We are so happy we moved from another private school to Steward.”
– STEWARD PARENT
