The
Middle School years are a time of tremendous growth and change for
students in Grades 6 through 8. As students transition from the Lower
to the Middle School, their educational journey as life-long learners
continues. The Academy Middle School emphasizes independent learning in
a nurturing environment. Our program establishes a student-centered
approach that helps each of our students to make the important
transition from childhood into adolescence.
The Academy’s Middle School offers a strong foundation in English,
mathematics, science, music, drama, art, physical education, social
studies, world languages and technology. This continues the Academy
tradition of being integrated and experiential, leading to both deeper
and wider understandings and allowing numerous opportunities for
individual expression. At this level, the faculty works closely with
students to teach them to organize learning and absorb information into
a meaningful whole that supports increased independence. As these
skills are refined, students move toward mastery in the academic areas
and become independent, resourceful thinkers. Small class sizes and a
low student-to-teacher ratio help to establish a dynamic community of
learners at the Academy. Within the intimacy of Middle School, our
student-centered approach provides an environment in which students can
flourish in academic areas and develop their leadership and
interpersonal skills through co-curricular opportunities.
To support our Middle School students through these years “in the
middle”, the Advisor program was established. At the beginning of the
school year, each Middle School student chooses a faculty advisor with
whom he or she meets in a small group and individually to discuss
academic, social and personal concerns.
The purpose of the
Advisor group is to strengthen the student’s role within the Academy
community by allowing advisees the opportunity to make personal
connections, develop a group affiliation, and build their academic and
interpersonal skills within the group. In addition to scheduled
meetings, speakers, videos on topics of personal and social
significance, and interactive sessions are planned throughout the year.
Middle School students are encouraged to participate in other
co-curricular opportunities. These include cultural immersion trips
that supplement the Spanish and French programs, spring trips with
their class, sports activities (soccer, basketball, softball, baseball,
volleyball) and a variety of clubs (Math, Science, French, Spanish,
Geography and Chess). Middle School students also have the opportunity
to be involved in the Leadership Council that plans and organizes
service and social activities for the school year.
Our Middle School faculty works together as a team, using a variety of
approaches to challenge students with dynamic, engaging instruction at
this critical stage of their development. This team approach draws on a
range of pedagogies, methodologies, content, skills and the meaningful
integration of technology. Through teacher collaboration, curriculum
innovation, instructional reflection, creative projects and
assessments, the Middle School faculty strives to provide an exemplary
program that prepares students to be independent thinkers and global
leaders in the 21st century.
Morgan Park Academy's academic curriculum is at the heart of all our students' learning. The curriculum is integrated, progressing by grade, and in many cases accelerated programs are available.
I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. - Lily Tomlin as "Edith Ann"
At Morgan Park Academy, our teachers do far more than teach facts or school subjects. We cultivate our mission through our students’ learning every day in the classroom. Character education is both respected and reinforced through teachers’ daily interactions with students.
Morgan Park Academy is placing more importance on its advisory program throughout the entire school. The idea that all students have someone advocating for them and guiding them through their education is crucial to their success, and plays a vital role in helping them feel part of a caring community. Having this “special faculty member” looking out for students is valuable at every grade level.
Every Middle School student chooses an advisor group to join, which is led by an Academy teacher. Each coeducational advisor group has eight to 10 students in the same grade. Advisor groups meet twice a month, with the purpose of sharing the challenges and milestones the students encounter on their educational journeys.
The Advisor Program strengthens student-teacher relationships, and keeps our community healthy. Advisors nurture, advocate for, and guide their advisees, and in return, students learn to share with a group of peers, and develop time management, organizational and team-building skills. The advisees develop a group affiliation, make personal connects with, and build academic and interpersonal skills within their group.
More than 70% of Middle School students achieve the distinction of High Honor Roll or Honor Roll.
More than 30% of Middle School students qualify for Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development’s Midwest Academic Talent Search.
All students participate in the World Languages (Katey it should be Languages with an s, so just keep an eye open for consistency on this one, I think I’ve changed it whenever I saw it as singular) program, taking either French or Spanish.
More than 70% of Middle School students average scores of two grade levels or above on their standardized test scores.
Hands-on science labs are an integral part of the science curriculum.
Students are exposed to extensive writing and a variety of genres in their study of literature, which includes reading contemporary and classic novels throughout the school year and summer.
Reflects enrichment:
Students choose from a variety of co-curricular activities, such as chess, chorus, band, science club, math club, geography club, French club, Spanish club, and the recycling team
Students can be elected to the leadership council, which plans and promotes school activities and service projects.
Competitive sports such as basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and soccer are offered.
Students can become involved in the Middle School drama production each year.
Competitions such as the History Fair, Math Counts, Geography Bee and Spelling Bee provide opportunities for students to compete regionally or nationally.
A variety of field trips to the theater, museums, and exhibits supplement the academic curriculum.
reflects global perspectives and understanding:
The school community celebrates Diwali, Ramadan, Eid and more.
International Day in January is an experiential learning experience involving research, planning and sharing of cultural knowledge for all students.
The Middle School program emphasizes global perspectives through its integrated curriculum in social studies, world languages, English, and the arts.
Through the World Languages program students thrive in language and cultural experiences and excursions to international destinations such as Quebec, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Costa Rica.
Reflects individualization:
Accelerated math and world languages classes allow students to work at their ability level, with some students in Upper School classes.
Through the Advisory program, Middle School faculty members work closely with their advisees and parents to cultivate effective strategies for achievement.
The Middle School program includes the availability of a full-time wellness counselor and school nurse.
The curriculum includes a variety of assessments, including traditional types as well as innovative, project-based designs to allow for varied learning styles and strengths.
Reflects state-of-the-art education:
Curriculum content is updated on a regular basis to ensure student achievement.
SMARTBoards™ in many classrooms allow for technology integration in the curriculum.Two technology centers allow for scheduled computer classes in Middle School, and access for students during some study hall periods.
Teacher webpages are accessible from the school’s website and provide additional information about course content, class expectations and assignment deadlines. ?
To balance academics, there are many co-curricular activities for students to engage:
Clubs and organizations include: Student Council, National Junior Honor
Society,
Leadership Council, Chorus, Band, French Club, Spanish Club, Yearbook,
Math Club, Science Club, Sign Language Club, and Chess Club, and many more.
The performing arts program stages a full-length production each year.
The Academy is a member of the Independent School League and
plays a regular season with member schools consisting of both home and
away games.
Middle School athletic teams include soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and baseball.
For specific information regarding clubs and co-curricular opportunities visit the student life section.
Learning flourishes in environments where students are encouraged to go beyond the normal classroom routine to explore their intellectual curiosity and express their individual interests and talents. The Academy’s Middle School supports this throughout the school year through a number of activities and events.
During 6th Grade, the students spend 4 days in Wisconsin with Academy faculty participating in the Nature’s Classroom program. The program stresses interdisciplinary activities in an outdoor setting. Students are instructed by trained counselors in the area of orienteering, survival, and teamwork, among other topics. The program provides opportunity for students to gain leadership skills and challenge themselves individually, but also gives them the chance to bond as a group.
Seventh Grade students enjoy an exciting three-day trip to Springfield, Illinois, New Salem, and Hannibal, Missouri. Highlights of the trip include visiting President Lincoln’s historic home, the store at which President Lincoln worked as a clerk, and ending the trip in Hannibal, at sites made famous by Mark Twain. It’s a trip through our nation’s history, and many students have found that it is one of their most memorable during their Middle School days.
The 8th Grade students spend three days visiting a number of famous sites in the Washington D.C. area, including The Capitol Building, The White House, Smithsonian Institute Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress, and Ford’s Theatre. This is experiential learning at its best, as students have first-hand experience in the cultural and historic places they have learned and heard so much about.
Academy Middle School students studying Spanish have participated in a tour of Mexico City that includes: a city-wide tour, a morning at the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, excursions to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, the Floating Garden of Xochimilco, and the Frida Kahlo Museum. In 2009-2010, students are participating in a trip to Costa Rica.
Middle School French students have the opportunity to travel to Quebec City, Canada, every other year to experience the Quebec Winter Carnival. The trip includes a tour of the French-speaking capital of North America, one of the oldest European settlements in North America, and students also enjoy tobogganing, dog-sledding, and attending the Carnival’s opening ceremonies.
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