The middle school years are an important time in students’ intellectual and social development with unique needs. At CFS, 6th through 8th grade students deepen their study of academic subjects through thematic units that incorporate hands-on learning, projects, and research and writing skills.

Math class focuses on solving problems and collaborating with each other, giving students the chance to work at their own pace. Students have worked on everything from integer operations to the type of algebra and geometry that most students typically wouldn’t see until high school. By incorporating games and a variety of problem types and texts, students gain confidence in their mathematical skills and learn to experiment and “play” with numbers.

In literacy, students write articles, short stories, research papers, and more. They think of problems in the world, such as climate change and violence in the city, and do the research to explain the problem and propose solutions. Students also have wide latitude in choosing reading topics, covering many genres and styles. Classes regularly invite students to analyze poems and write their own to share. Students also enjoy playing word games to expand their vocabulary and practice their spelling.

During science time, students study topics agreed upon by the group. Students might create a guide to identify neighborhood trees, practice using a microscope to examine different types of cells, or discuss what happened in the Big Bang. Through a combination of hands-on projects, inquiry-driven discussions, and self-directed research, students get to understand how science is a part of every aspect of the world around them.

During advisory time, students discuss social-emotional learning topics, current events, and class policies. Students make their voices heard about how they view what is happening in the world around them, and they learn from each other’s viewpoints. They revisit policies and goals that they decided upon as a class when they feel that changes need to be made. Through regular discussion and group decision-making, they practice being a positive force in their greater communities.