Middle School

The Middle School Language Arts curriculum includes literature, writing, and the conventions of grammar. These areas of study are interwoven and explored through a combination of direct instruction, text-based analysis, classroom discussions, vocabulary study, reading, and writing. Writing is an ongoing practice; students refine their skills while exploring a wide variety of writing styles with emphasis on grammar and writing conventions. Literary studies encompass the reading and discussion of both classical and contemporary literature, as well as the study of literary elements and styles.   

Students are placed in math classes based on their skills and preparation. Additionally, students may opt to participate in more advanced lessons to extend their skills. Although the emphasis is on mathematical thought and the fundamentals of mathematics, students have opportunities to apply their mathematical knowledge in electives, science, and microeconomics. The following standard mathematics courses are offered along with other courses offered on an as-needed basis:

• Applied Algebra: Students learn how to translate arithmetic-based mathematics into equation-based mathematics. Students also begin to use more than one set of skills within individual problems, such as solving equations that use fractions. Topics include expressions, equations, integers, decimals, basic number theory, rational numbers, inequalities, linear fractions, ratios, proportions, percents, and geometry.
• Algebra I: This course is considered to be the foundation of nearly all mathematics in high school and beyond. Students expand their basic knowledge of arithmetic and algebraic equations to solve a variety of equation-based problems. An emphasis is placed on learning how to justify the reason for a particular solution. Topics include integers, rational numbers, equations, inequalities, exponents, factoring, graphs, linear equations, systems of equations, absolute value, rational expressions and equations, radical expressions and equations, relations and functions, and quadratic equations.
• Geometry: The role of this course is twofold – first, to expand students’ knowledge of special relations, and second, to serve as a foundation course for Logic. Deductive reasoning and critical thinking play key roles in Geometry, particularly as students learn how to prove solutions and theorems in a step-by-step format. Topics include proofs, parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles and applications, similarity, right triangles, circles, polygons, quadrilaterals, surface area and volume, coordinate geometry, and an introduction to trigonometry.

The Science curriculum focuses on experiential learning, discovering connections in the natural world, working in small groups, and independent research. Using a lab-based approach, students explore concepts in a hands-on manner, followed by lessons, assignments, readings, and assessments. Projects and labs that directly relate to class material allow students to expand upon their knowledge and practice their scientific writing and public speaking skills by presenting their findings. Science is a two-year course of study encompassing Life Science and Physical Science. 

• Life Science involves the origin, function, and structure of living beings, as well as their interrelated roles in the environment.
• Physical Science is divided into two fields: Chemistry and Physics. Physics deals primarily with Newtonian (classical) physics, which studies the interaction of matter at the visible level. Chemistry involves the interaction of matter at the molecular level.

This two-year course includes Geography and History. The Geography curriculum encompasses the study of location, place, movement, regions, and the interactions between people and their environment. The History curriculum focuses on the progress of people and their environment through the investigation of world history. Students undertake individual and group work, including creative projects and presentations that enhance their learning experiences. The Middle School curriculum is divided into two carefully designed modules. Module 1 explores prehistory through the age of discovery. Module 2 focuses on the global intersection of cultures and governments alongside the rise of geographic interdependence.

Latin & Classics is a two-year course of study including the study of the Latin language and Logic & Philosophy. Each of these areas of study has an immense impact on the academic and mental development of young adolescents.

Numerous studies have shown that studying Latin enhances the acquisition of critical language and vocabulary skills, especially in the years leading up to high school. Springmont’s Latin program provides an overview of Latin syntax and vocabulary, while also enhancing students' understanding of romance language sentence construction and creative writing skills. Translation exercises, taught in tandem with historical analysis, maintain interest and accentuate Montessori's cross-curricular approach.

Logic & Philosophy provide a historically proven method for problem-solving and critical thinking. Logic takes adolescents outside themselves, creating a framework that is balanced and rational.  Philosophy requires a deeply inquiring approach to understanding behaviors and actions.  In tandem, these subjects better prepare adolescents to think more clearly and precisely about various matters, whether it be peer pressure or correctly interpreting a test question.

The study of the Spanish language and culture continues during the Middle School years under the direction of a native speaking teacher. Students develop and explore Spanish language skills and oral proficiency around a variety of topics and themes, learning Spanish vocabulary, phrases, and grammar. As students advance, they read books in Spanish and write and verbalize answers to comprehension questions in Spanish. As students become familiar with the spoken language, they sometimes arrange to visit Spanish-speaking community establishments to further their understanding of the culture and language.

Middle School students explore the outdoors and develop a connection to the earth through hands-on experiences. In Outdoor Science Education classes, students receive instruction and then practice skills that include maintaining animal habitats, animal husbandry, basic woodworking, growing edible mushrooms, and planting and maintaining vegetable and pollinator gardens. Students also partner with the vet and help younger students maintain their classroom gardens. These classes promote teamwork, environmental awareness, and stewardship of the environment.

The Adolescent Life curriculum includes the study of issues pertinent to the social, emotional, and physical needs of early adolescents. 

The tone is set at the beginning of each academic year as the Middle School community spends time at the Landschool.  This three- or four-day overnight trip to North Georgia is a time of team building and orientation, during which students reflect deeply on the community guidelines that they help create and maintain. Students practice these skills daily through community meetings, class committees, small group projects, and peer teaching activities. 

Throughout the school year, students learn about and discuss various topics, including healthy relationships, friendships, communication, character development, digital citizenship, adolescent development, stress management, self-esteem, substance abuse education, and sexuality.