- Grades: 5 through 8
- Maximum class size: 24 students with two teachers, as well as parent aides.
- School hours: 8:30AM. – 3:15PM with extended hours
Why do parents and students choose middle school at New Morning School?
Continuing Program
Many students enter the middle school as a continuation of their New Morning education.These students and their parents recognize the benefits of an individualized learning experience.
Matching Philosophy and Values
Project-oriented learning is balanced with traditional academic preparation. Respect for the individual, use of cooperative learning, and the opportunity for parental input are valued by participating families.
Respect for Learning Style
All modalities of learning are explored as teachers modify methods to meet the needs of the individual. A small class size supports personalized instruction.
Academic Challenge
Regardless of academic ability, each middle school student is challenged. One student may be working on algebra while another is reviewing division. Each, however, will work to his/her potential during the school year.
Working With Adolescents
Young adolescents require support, respect and assistance. The program is designed to meet the needs of young people.
Nurturing Self-Esteem
A positive self-image is necessary when confronting peer pressure. Students feel good about themselves when they are academically and socially successful.
Respect for Childhood
The school agrees with the philosophy of Dr. David Elkind of Tufts University who documents that society expects too much of today’s children too soon. At New Morning, students are not rushed through these formative years.
Appropriate Expectations
The New Morning staff understands that expectations for adolescent behavior must be balanced by the recognition that students of this age vary in their levels of maturity.
Development
The curriculum includes topics relating to the physical and mental health and development of young people, using a variety of materials and community speakers.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
The New Morning academic curriculum meets and exceeds all the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education.Image
Language Arts
Reading instruction is integrated into the curriculum. Basic reading skills are addressed on an individual basis. Writing activities may include creative stories, journal entries and written reports. Before final copies are produced, students are taught to focus on composition, spelling, punctuation and word usage. Students are also exposed to grammar fundamentals via group instruction. Grammar skills are applied in student writing assignments.
Mathematics
Students progress at their own levels in mathematics, mastering basic whole number operations, fractions, decimals, integers and percentages. Geometry and measurement skills are pursued through hands-on activities. Students often complete an Algebra I class in eighth grade allowing them to start high school in an Algebra II class.
The ability to apply math skills is paramount. Students prepare, shop and figure unit costs for periodic cooking activities. They also maintain a student checking account and use computer spreadsheets to solve problems.
Social Studies
A four-year cycle of social studies topics assures a balanced study of geography, history and current events, meeting or exceeding information presented to local middle school students.
Computer Skills
Students use the computer for skill reinforcement, keyboarding, word processing and information gathering. Many students prepare rough drafts of writing assignments using the computer. Some student projects require use of spreadsheets, databases, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Publisher.
Special Classes
Students meet regularly to explore science, Spanish, art, music, computers and physical education.
PREPARING FOR HIGH SCHOOL
After graduation, our students attend a variety of high schools. Graduates have successfully transitioned to large public high schools like Plymouth High School, Canton High School, Salem High School, Novi High School, Northville High School, Churchill and Livonia Stevenson. Graduates also thrive at private high schools like Detroit Catholic Central, Mercy High School, Ladywood, Plymouth Christian Academy, Greenhills, Eton Academy, Rudolf Steiner, Detroit Country Day School and Cranbrook.
New Morning School graduates return year after year to share with parents the qualities of their New Morning School education that best enabled them to succeed in high school. Among the features of their New Morning School education, they consistently cite the following:
Setting Goals
New Morning School students feel well prepared for the increased responsibility that high school requires of students. From a young age, New Morning school students are accustomed to setting learning goals, mapping out a time table for the completion of their work, and being held accountable for larger projects like their museum research projects. They can break down large projects into smaller pieces and set learning goals for themselves.
Organizational Skills
Time management and organizational skills are a must for academic success in high school. These skills are reinforced daily at New Morning School. From the completion of daily and weekly plans to taking responsibility for their own learning, New Morning School students are self-aware students with a knowledge of how long tasks take them, how much time to reserve for their completion, and what items need their attention. These skills will be useful throughout their lives.
Academic Readiness
The rigorous program of study in middle school, combined with a slight variation in format that mimics the demands of high school more closely, allows students to transition seamlessly to the demands of high school work. Many high school teachers and guidance counselors report that New Morning School students often test out of the first year of high school mathematics and Spanish. Students are often far ahead of their peers in their time management and organization skills, allowing them to tackle tough homework and classroom assignments with confidence.
Willingness to ask for help
Because New Morning School students work with a variety of teachers, aides, parents, and volunteers, they are accustomed to looking to grown-ups as learning allies. They are not afraid to ask for help when needed. New Morning School students are very likely to feel comfortable asking high school teachers for assistance when needed. This level of maturity is a prized asset.
