Middle School
Synergy's middle school program began in the Fall of 1999 after nearly four years of planning and new site construction. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students work with a team of teachers and specialists in a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and academically rigorous program. Created to meet the specific needs of young adolescents within a supportive K-8 community of learners, the middle school program adds electives, community service, learning and advisory classes to the core curriculum.
Synergy's middle school curriculum is grounded in learning theory and practices that are developmentally appropriate for young adolescents, aged 10-14. Academic standards are based on national standards established in core content areas by the National Councils of Teachers of Mathematics, Social Studies, and English and the National Association of Science Teachers. Working in a variety of configurations depending upon subject matter and individual needs, students engage in learning through individual projects, small group and whole class learning and instruction.
Specialists in music, spanish, and physical education provide on-going instruction to all middle school students. Visual and performing arts are taught within the context of the entire curriculum and in elective classes with outside artists. Elective classes include a wide variety of offerings. Some favorites include art, cooking, ceramics, volleyball, hip hop and community service learning projects. Team sports, individual sports and overall fitness are the focus of physical education.
The middle school is taught by a team of four core teachers and the specialists described above, all of whom work together in the creation and evaluation of the middle school program. The advisory program divides students into smaller groups who work with a teacher throughout the year on special topics of interest and importance.
Cross Age Connections
Synergy facilitates learning and responsibility by connecting students at different grade levels. Some favorite activities include: morning meeting, older and younger buddy classes, and special school-wide field trips.
