Middle School
Middle School
Our Middle School program is designed to carry out BA's mission by helping young people in grades 6-8 acquire knowledge and skills through conversation, discovery, and deep understanding. We strive to inspire, in each student, a love of learning, self knowledge, and meaningful community membership.
During the middle grades years, students experience rapid growth intellectually, emotionally, and physically. They gradually take ownership of the learning process, build relationships, and come to appreciate their own individuality as they prepare to take on the challenges of high school. Although the Middle School’s academic program is rigorous, our great expectations are fully aligned with the developmental capacities of our young students and fully supported by the close work and passion of our highly trained and experienced faculty.
Because Grades 6-8 represent a special period in the life of a child, the members of our faculty are not only discipline area specialists, but relationship specialists and adults who have dedicated their professional lives to working with our pre and young adolescent children. While teachers work to know students well enough to challenge them to their fullest intellectual potential, our balanced approach allows significant time for training the body and spirit as much as the mind.
Middle School hours are 8:00 am - 2:45 pm and their schedule includes a homeroom, six 55 minute academic periods, a 15 minute advisory period (assembly or club meeting time), 10 minute outdoor morning break and 20 minute lunch. Due to the size of each grade, there will be two class sections with a maximum of 18 students per class. *Offerings are subject to change each year.
CREATIVE WRITING (6th & 7th)
The goal of Creative Writing is to expose early writers to meaningful works and allow them to develop a love of writing. Creative writing is a course that relies on imagination more than any other writing class. The writers will pay attention to not only what a sentence says-that is, the information included in it- but also how the sentence says it (SWB). The course will look at both content and style. These beginning writers will explore plot, characterization, dialogue, setting, and point of view. They will have a chance to express themselves with both prose and poetry.
STUDY SKILLS (6th)
In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of adolescence, developing the right habits can set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life. Study Skills is designed to equip 6th grade students with the essential tools and techniques necessary to excel academically. Throughout the semester, students will engage in interactive lessons and activities aimed at developing effective study habits, organizational skills, time management strategies, and critical thinking abilities.
LIBRARY EXPLORATION (7th)
During Library Exploration, students will visit the library twice a week where they will work on original research projects and have the opportunity to use library resources while working on projects for other classes. In addition to research, students will have the opportunity to check out library materials and participate in book studies.
LATIN (8th)
Introduction to Latin is the first step in diving into the ancient world. It will introduce a new language that has evolved into more than five other languages spoken throughout the world. While this course is simply an introduction, it is less focused on grammar and vocabulary, and more focused on culture, history, and mythology. Throughout the year, we’ll be looking at the culture of the ancient world and how it is similar to modern day life. We’ll also be comparing Latin words that they learn in class to English words they may have learned previously or are currently learning.
STEM (8th)
In STEM class, students will delve into the fascinating world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Throughout the semester, students will explore STEM careers, engage in hands-on experiments, challenging engineering design projects, and critical thinking activities to foster a deep understanding of STEM concepts.
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION (8th)
The course is designed to educate students on topics that will impact their physical, emotional, mental and social wellness. The following are the health skills that students will develop and practice throughout life: accessing information, practicing healthful behaviors, stress management, analyzing influences, communication skills, conflict resolution, refusal skills, decision making, goal setting and advocacy.
The Middle School implements the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP Growth) assessments twice a year for 6th & 7th grade students as one of the many tools to assess students' achievement and growth in mathematics, reading, and language usage. The MAP assessments are a form of computerized testing that show individualized academic student growth throughout the school year. MAP provides teachers with accurate data and feedback to help individualize and modify instruction.
Beaufort Academy administers the PSAT College Board exam to all 8th grade students in the Spring. Although this is primarily a practice test, we encourage all students to attempt their best. A serious approach to the PSAT will go a long way toward preparing each student for the actual SAT when they are juniors and seniors.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS & CLUB OFFERINGS (6th-8th)
- FALL: Football, Swim, Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Girls Golf, Cheer
- WINTER: Basketball (Boys & Girls), Archery, Cheer, Clay Shooting
- SPRING: Soccer (Boys & Girls), Boys Tennis, Boys Golf, Boys Baseball, Clay Shooting
- CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS: FCA, Speech & Debate, Robotics, Interact, DECA (8th)
National Junior Honor Society (8th), Student Government & Class Representatives, BA Student Ambassador Program
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRADITIONS & OUTREACH
- Core Values emphasis and recognition
- Chinese New Year celebration
- Cross-aged mentoring
- Annual 9/11 tribute
- Fall Festival
- Veterans’ Day
- Earth Day awareness activities
- School wide pep rallies & assemblies
- Overnight educational field trips
- Community guest speakers
- Scholarship presentations
- Support community agencies through drives
& volunteer opportunities; Friends of
Caroline Hospice, CODA, CAPA, and HELP of
Beaufort, Habitat for Humanity
LEARNING SERVICES AT BEAUFORT ACADEMY
While all students complete the same rigorous curriculum, we recognize some students with distinctive learning styles may need a few additional services in order to fully engage in a meaningful learning process, effectively utilize the best components of their distinctive learning styles, and productively pursue BA’s curriculum. Such services may be accessed through our learnings services department.To learn more about learning services at BA, click here.
NOTE: Beaufort Academy does not create or accept Individual Educational Plans “IEPs” or other documents mandating special education plans.