Drawing on nearly a quarter-century of teaching multiple disciplines and multiple grade-levels of science, we have developed a spiraling program aimed at introducing math as the language of science at an early age.  In grades 6 and 7, students focus on tangible aspects of biology, including geology, earth science, ecology, botany, and anatomy, and of chemistry, including stoichiometry, nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry, and environmental chemistry.  These subjects are taught through hands-on lessons, field trips, collections, reactions, and dissection, with the goal of imparting to students an awe of the natural world.  In grade 8, students learn mechanics, kinematics, and energetics, through building large-scale catapults and simple machines, using shop tools, wood, and weights to model equations in physics.

Discovery of math concepts emerges from a problem-based, task-oriented approach. Various strategies and styles, including hands-on learning, projects, integration of technology and independent practice make our program unique. The math program emphasizes active student participation and consistent practice of skills. Students are encouraged to communicate and collaborate as they explain their understanding, reasoning, and solutions to other students. The curriculum includes arithmetic practice; linear equations and graphs; and a full year of algebra in eighth grade.

Middle school humanities covers historical events from the development of civilizations to the Middle Ages and the beginning of the United States. Students will be engaged in rigorous and relevant historical events that utilizes primary sources to develop their capacity to think critically, read closely, communicate clearly, and take action to improve their community, country, and world. Students learn through document analysis from primary and secondary sources, STEM projects, and by analyzing the cultures of the past and present.

The Middle School English program at Discovery Prep provides students opportunities to read and write fiction and non-fiction in a variety of genres. Students are guided through the the writing process,  going from brainstorming, to drafting, to revision, to polishing a final piece, all the while considering audience and purpose. Student voice and choice is critical to the program: they write about their own topics of interest and begin developing their own style.  We emphasize practical grammar and punctuation fundamentals.  We use a student centered vocabulary acquisition program.

At Discovery Prep, we believe that learning a second language is an important part of a well-rounded education. Our world language program prepares our students to succeed in a multilingual world, and we are proud to offer our students the opportunity to learn Spanish and ASL.

Middle school is a time of rapid development and self-discovery: physical, mental, social, and emotional. Our fitness and wellness program is designed to advance students in all of these areas through various games, activities, and discussions. Students have the opportunity to experience a variety of physical movements, varying from individual to team, and from traditional ball sports to non-traditional fitness electives–mountain biking, rock climbing, weightlifting, board sports and more.

Discovery’s Middle School Fine Arts Department strives to inspire students to take creative risks to help build self-confidence through the exploration of Visual, Performing, and Culinary Arts. Each discipline offers students opportunities to work collaboratively and feel comfortable trying new ideas and accepting new challenges. Our arts educators provide supportive learning environments and curriculum content geared towards helping build and practice skills while learning to take pride in doing something at their very best.