The Magic of Middle Years

The adolescent brain is amazing in its capacity and plasticity, and the High Meadows Middle Years program is designed to capitalize on these areas of rapid cognitive growth and to support the unique needs of this developmental transition.

Collaborative Learning
One key element of adolescence is a strong social drive. Instead of trying to control and minimize socialization in the classroom, High Meadows teachers use this social motivation through collaborative work, dialogue-driven lessons, and exploring different perspectives and lenses on topics. Students also have intentional free time in their day to foster friendships, to exercise the navigation of social relationships, and to play. Many Middle Years students identify having positive relationships both with peers and teachers at High Meadows as a benefit.

Exploration and Self-Expression
Robust mini-course offerings at High Meadows provide Middle Years students the opportunity to choose from and try many different specialized courses including Animal Care, Yoga, Band, Debate, a variety of Fine Arts courses, Theatre, World Peace Games, Culinary Arts, and more. Mini courses are taken every day and run on a six-week rotation, so students are able to explore a wide variety of topics and experiences across their middle school years.

Fostering Independence & Self-Confidence
All Middle Years students at High Meadows start their school year off with a six-week orientation focused on building social connections, study and organizational skills, and learning the structure and expectations of the Middle Years program. Teachers encourage students to reflect on themselves as learners and community members, to set goals for themselves, and to consider what tools and strategies will help them succeed.

Mentorship & Leadership
One of the many benefits of a Pre-K through 8th grade school model is that our Middle Years students enjoy the role of being campus-wide mentors and leaders. Instead of being stuck in the middle or stranded on an island, our middle schoolers know that they serve as role models to their younger High Meadows counterparts. Middle Years students shine as facilitators at Community Gatherings, as buddies to younger students, and as empowered changemakers within our community. Being part of the whole at High Meadows allows Middle Years students to see the significance of their role in the community and to strive to make a positive impact.

Intellectual and Academic Challenge
The High Meadows Middle Years program is known not only for preparing its graduates for academic success in a wide variety of public and private high school settings, but also for preparing students to stand out in those high school communities as self-advocates, engaged citizens, collaborative peers, and ethical leaders. With a majority of graduates starting their high school careers in AP and Honors classes, HMS alums come back to tell us that they were both academically prepared to thrive in their high school courses and had the skills and strategies to navigate the transition with confidence. High Meadows graduates enter their high school years with a strong academic foundation, a passion for learning, and a keen understanding of what they need to be successful. Whether they attend a public or a private high school, they stand out as students who are invested not only in their own success, but also in making a positive impact on the schools and communities they become part of.