Middle School Life

In grades 5 through 8, we work hard to ensure that each student is intellectually challenged within a safe, supportive environment. As students expand their self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-motivation, they learn to work independently, in small groups, and as a class. While our Middle School program remains child-centered and experiential, the scope of the curriculum is broadened from Primary School. Students use computers daily in the classroom. We also expand on the theme of social responsibility, underscoring the need for integrity, empathy, and honor.

To prepare our students for the Upper School's college-preparatory curriculum, Prairie emphasizes the development of individual skills in critical areas. In English courses, students work to improve their reading comprehension and write for various audiences. Math students are taught to use calculators and computers to solve real-life problems. And young scientists create and test hypotheses through inquiry-based labs and through participation in the Rocket Science Club, which competes each year at the regional and state Science Olympiads. The science curriculum is a spiraling curriculum, where students spend a trimester in each of three major scientific areas. In earth science, students learn about ecology, ecosystems, nutrient cycles, weather, and climate. In the area of physical science, they explore Newton's laws of chemistry. And in biological science, they explore the world of genetics, heredity, cells, and body systems. Social studies expose students to a broad scope of topics and explore the events that shape our world. French, Spanish, and Mandarin language courses help students learn about new cultures and gain an awareness and appreciation of diversity.