Upper Mid (VI-VIII)

English

In Upper Mid, students read broadly and deeply, becoming alert to the intricacies of texts and the power of language. They continue to develop the essential skills required to be an active and engaged reader, an articulate and committed writer, and a competent and confident speaker. Their unique voices are cultivated through targeted writing assignments designed to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Exercises in close reading and literary analysis prepare them for Upper School. Cornerstones of the Upper Mid program include interdisciplinary presentations like the Class VI Medieval Festival, the Class VII performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Class VIII Romeo & Juliet theater intensive with students from Saint David’s.

Math

Over the course of their middle school years, students develop the ability to think more abstractly. This move from pre-algebra to algebraic thinking happens step-wise, as students are grouped with like-learners so that they are appropriately challenged in this process. Students study exponent laws, polynomial operations, factoring, linear functions and systems of equations, and radical expressions. The emphasis is on developing algebraic skills that can be applied to real-world problems. A highlight of the program is an emphasis on financial literacy and using math for life-skills like budgeting and investing.

History

Students pick up where they left off in Lower Mid and examine civilizations of the Middle Ages, spanning medieval Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Class VII, the focus is on American history from early settlers to the 20th century; the course culminates in a trip to Boston at the end of the year. By Class VIII, students focus on the contemporary world and the complex relationship between the present and the past. At each level, students explore how geography, economics, culture, belief systems, and political systems are connected, exploring the challenges and achievements of those who came before us.

Science

In state-of-the-art labs, students in Upper Mid approach science through exploration and inquiry. Students begin with Earth science in Class VI with a focus on ecology and environment. They move into life science, including cell biology, heredity, evolution, and the classification of life in Class VII. Class VIII focuses on the study of physical science, building foundational knowledge in physics and chemistry. Students hone the skills of careful observation, data collection, and analysis as they extract DNA, build electro-etching panels, and construct creative data visualizations from experiments in the Hudson River.

Creative Technology

This project-based lab course builds each year on students’ technology skills with a series of projects that encourage higher-level thinking and abstraction. Whether woodworking or using CAD to design 3D printed models, students are encouraged to collaborate and experiment. The intricacy of students’ programming and circuitry reveals itself in projects like automatons that tell stories, paintings made with light, and robots that draw.

World Language

Students choose to pursue the study of French, Latin or Spanish in Upper Mid. Language courses meet frequently so that students gain proficiency and confidence. By Class VIII, French and Spanish classes are conducted entirely in the target language. Dramatizations, small group work, complex written exercises, and oral presentations are incorporated to encourage spontaneous use of the language. In Latin, grammar and translation exercises become increasingly complex. These courses are designed so that students can enter Upper School in a level 2 language course.

Art & Music

Artists and musicians in Upper Mid are given many avenues to create. Students can take up the violin or cello and perform in an ensemble. Those already proficient in an instrument may join the orchestra. Chorus is a popular selection for students who love singing and want to challenge themselves with increasingly complex harmonies.

In art class, students explore the elements of art including proportion, composition, and scale. Projects often connect to the core curriculum or include a genre exploration. In the New Heights program, professional architects, historians, and artisans lead Class VIII students in an intensive study of classical art and architecture.

Dance & Fitness

Students participate in team-building sports like volleyball, soccer, badminton, and frisbee golf, and explore storytelling through movement as they learn different styles of dance. Whether the focus is on barre work or on making a lay-up, these activities help students improve their cardiovascular health, endurance, strength, and flexibility.

Religion & Community

The experience of adolescence is one of searching, discovering, and growing. Upper Mid’s religious studies curriculum is an exploration of the self and its relationship to God and to others. Our role in helping the poor and marginalized is made real with opportunities for direct service, including tutoring, helping with food distribution in the neighborhood, and collecting goods for those in need in our community. Together with parents and sponsors, Class VIII students prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation or support their peers in this process.