Middle School
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Why do Parents and Students Choose the Middle School Program 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. 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.
All modalities of learning are explored as teachers modify methods to meet the needs of the individual. A small class size supports personalized instruction and each middle school student is appropriately challenged. Our middle school program is designed to foster the positive self image necessary when facing peer pressure and with the understanding that expectations for adolescent behavior must be balanced by the recognition that students of this age vary in their levels of maturity.
Grades
6th Grade - 8th Grade
Class Size
24 students with two teachers, as well as parent aides.
Classes
Monday to Friday
School hours
8:30am - 3:15pm
Extended hours from 7am to 6pm
Key Features of the Middle School Program
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’ math placement is determined by thorough assessment and they progress through a path towards high school readiness based on where they are at the beginning of the year. Additional support and challenges are provided as needed. Students often complete an Algebra I class in eighth grade.
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.
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.
Special Classes
Students meet regularly to explore science, Spanish, art, music, computers and physical education.
Electives
Elective course schedule including but not limited to STEM, Arts, PE, Life Skills. Our elective options vary based on student interest and expertise in our community.
Preparing For High School
Students require a program designed to meet their needs in academic, social, and emotional areas. Individual attention span, maturity and social skills are appropriately meshed with academic skill development. To meet the personalized needs of each child, teachers work individually with students and in small groups.
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:
Multi-age Program
Students are able to fit in where they fit socially and academically. The teacher is able to group children for learning activities based on ability, not grade level.
Multi-age Program
Students are able to fit in where they fit socially and academically. The teacher is able to group children for learning activities based on ability, not grade level.
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.
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 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.
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.
Common Success Features from NMS Graduates
One group of twelve children attend K – 1 each day. A teacher and two teacher aides assist the group.
Each day is different at New Morning School, but it’s important to have a predictable routine to the day, so that children feel safe. Our K – 1 classroom is thematically-based, meaning that new activities are set up for the children every day. The projects tie into a theme, such as the seasons, insect/ animal life cycles, our community. The topics are endless!
Based on the latest brain science research, the child’s program is structured as the child learns to use a plan-work-evaluate format. This means that after circle time each morning, the students plan their day, with help from the teacher. “I want to do an ABC game with my teacher. Maybe I’ll write a journal today. There is a math assignment for me to do today.”
This format, unique to New Morning School, is called a child-centered approach where children become engaged in their own learning, setting the foundation for a child who is curious and who loves school.
Students must be five-years-old by September 1st of the school year.
The K-1 Curriculum is planned to meet the needs of children who are at or above grade level. The teacher will keep your child challenged as your child moves at a pace that’s right for him/her.
Yes, because of the many food allergies and differences in food choices between families, each student brings a lunch and snacks each day. We will provide ideas for healthy lunches based on the latest brain research to keep your child in top form each day.
It’s best to have your child bring a backpack to school each day. This can include a change of clothes and other needed items. Please label clothing. Thank you.
The academic year runs from the day after Labor Day through the second week in June. The school is closed two weeks during the Christmas holidays and one week for Spring Break.
Open communication between teachers and parents is encouraged. Every day your child’s individual plan comes home with notes from the teacher. This is a wonderful discussion-starter for your child to share about his/her day. Please contact your child’s teacher at any time to discuss progress. Parent conferences are scheduled three times per year. A conference may be conducted in person (preferred) or to meet your busy schedule using Zoom or email.
You are giving your child the gift of a firm foundation which is an extension of your family values, intertwined with emerging skills in interpersonal relationships and personal responsibility – a gift of a lifetime.
Frequenty Asked Questions
