Together we prepare for high school

Walden recognizes that Middle School students are in transition. For that reason, we begin Middle School with the 5th grade. We see that year as an extra opportunity to gradually transition your student from the single, self-contained lower school classroom to the more departmentalized subject-area classroom setting. At that age, they are ready for more independence, and the additional guidance they receive as Middle School students will help prepare them for the rigors of Walden High School’s college-preparatory program.

 
 
When we were looking for schools, a parent described Walden to me as “a warm hug”. That is what we have experienced in our first year here. It has been a wonderful experience!
— End of Year Parent Review, 2023

A TIME FOR TRANSITION

In addition to an emphasis on STEM coursework, Walden has vibrant fine arts class offerings for Middle Schoolers. The band and choir programs offer district, regional, and state-level opportunities for academic competition; students in our studio art program consistently win accolades in Scholastic Art competitions. While Middle School is certainly a time for transition, we do not place limits on academic endeavors but challenge our students to start honing their individual skills and instilling the value of responsibility in both their coursework and extracurricular involvement. 

 
Thank you, Walden School for providing [my child] with a strong education lead by wonderful teachers and enriched with meaningful experiences!
— Walden Parent, Facebook Review
 

Middle School Curriculum

Our Middle School curriculum is designed to support academic growth and prepare students for success. We provide a mix of challenging courses, hands-on learning, and important skill-building programs. This helps students gain a strong understanding of key subjects while improving their critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Programs like Inspire Science and Reveal Math create a solid foundation in STEM, while social studies and inquiry-based science develop a global outlook and curiosity about science. We follow Common Core standards to maintain high expectations throughout the curriculum. Additionally, we offer support systems like study halls, advisory sessions, and executive functioning help to equip students for academic and personal success, easing their transition to high school and beyond.

    • Inspire Science K-6

      • A comprehensive science curriculum designed for Grades K-6. It integrates hands-on activities and digital resources to encourage inquiry-based learning and foster a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math K-6 (ALEKS component for 3rd-6th)

      • A math curriculum for Grades K-6 that emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. The ALEKS component for Grades 3rd-6th offers personalized learning through adaptive technology to address individual student needs.

    • Writing Revolution

      • A writing program that emphasizes the development of clear and effective writing skills. It focuses on sentence construction, paragraph development, and the integration of writing across different subjects.

    • Spanish

      • Carson Dellosa (5th/6th): A Spanish curriculum for Grades 5th-6th that includes workbooks and activities to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and language skills.

    • Inspire Science K-6

      • A comprehensive science curriculum designed for Grades K-6. It integrates hands-on activities and digital resources to encourage inquiry-based learning and foster a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math K-6 (ALEKS component for 3rd-6th)

      • A math curriculum for Grades K-6 that emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. The ALEKS component for Grades 3rd-6th offers personalized learning through adaptive technology to address individual student needs.

    • Writing Revolution

      • A writing program that emphasizes the development of clear and effective writing skills. It focuses on sentence construction, paragraph development, and the integration of writing across different subjects.

    • Spanish

      • Carson Dellosa (5th/6th): A Spanish curriculum for Grades 5th-6th that includes workbooks and activities to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and language skills.

    • Inspire Science: 7-8

      • A science curriculum for Grades 7-8 that encourages inquiry-based learning and critical thinking through hands-on experiments and digital resources, building a solid foundation in scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math 7-Algebra 2

      • A math curriculum spanning from 7th Grade to Algebra 2, focusing on deepening conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and application of mathematical principles.

    • Common Core Standards

      • National education standards that outline what students should know and be able to do in math and English language arts at each grade level, ensuring consistency and rigor across the curriculum.

    • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Social Studies 7-9

      • A social studies curriculum for Grades 7-9 that covers history, geography, and civics, using a blend of print and digital resources to engage students and develop their understanding of social and historical concepts.

    • Inspire Science: 7-8

      • A science curriculum for Grades 7-8 that encourages inquiry-based learning and critical thinking through hands-on experiments and digital resources, building a solid foundation in scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math 7-Algebra 2

      • A math curriculum spanning from 7th Grade to Algebra 2, focusing on deepening conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and application of mathematical principles.

    • Common Core Standards

      • National education standards that outline what students should know and be able to do in math and English language arts at each grade level, ensuring consistency and rigor across the curriculum.

    • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Social Studies 7-9

      • A social studies curriculum for Grades 7-9 that covers history, geography, and civics, using a blend of print and digital resources to engage students and develop their understanding of social and historical concepts.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL Faculty

EXTRACURRICULAR Activities

Fine Arts Program

Student Academic support program

Enroll in middle School

 
 
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We don’t take shortcuts. Through our teaching methodology, we carefully note every child’s progress; a positive educational experience reflects in improved coursework and personal development. This definitely shows in Walden Middle Schoolers. Our students’ grades, extracurricular involvement and passion for learning speaks volumes about how well our faculty and curriculum prepare the students for High School.
— Kelly Von Busch, Director of K-6th Grade
 
 

 
 

MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY

Middle School students receive benefits from "looping," the practice of having the same teacher for the same subject for two or more consecutive years. By working together for consecutive school years, teachers and students can develop a bond of trust and stability to explore content more deeply. This in-depth understanding of curriculum for teachers and content for students maximizes instructional time and provides differentiation and/or enrichment based on the needs of each student. Looping, coupled with small classes, ensures students receive a high level of individual attention that provides many academic as well as emotional benefits. Walden 8th Grade graduates demonstrate confidence and maturity that prepare them for the challenges of high school.  

 
 

Technology first

Middle School teachers utilize wireless computers and Smart Boards that are interactive with students’ personal devices. Each Walden student is provided their own Chromebook to utilize a wealth of synchronized educational resources.

In line with a modern, technologically advancing world, class notes and lessons can be stored, information transmitted, and homework and tests can be web based.

 

MIDDLE School Hours

School hours reflect an agenda that promotes time for both classroom learning and involvement in personal academic and social activities. Friday hours are shortened to accommodate studying, after-school assistance, and attendance for clubs or athletics.

MONDAY - THURSDAY
8:00am - 3:00pm

FRIDAY
8:00am - 1:00pm