Academics
Middle School Curriculum
Just the Right Mix of Breadth and Depth
Throughout the Middle School experience, we believe that providing both a breadth of core classes and chances for girls to delve deeply into topics that are of interest to them builds foundational knowledge and mastery in key content areas while providing developmentally appropriate independence. In both their core and elective experiences, students are challenged to collaborate in teams, grapple with authentic problems, and listen to diverse perspectives.
Program of Study
|
Subject
|
Grade 5
|
Grade 6
|
Grade 7
|
Grade 8
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer Science & Technology
|
Creative Programming I |
Creative Programming 2
|
Computer Science
|
|
|
English
|
English 5
|
English 6 | English 7 | English 8 |
|
History
|
Ancient History | Medieval History | American History | Modern History |
| Integrated Studies Projects | Integrated Science 5 | Integrated Science 6 | Integrated Science 7 | Integrated Science 8 |
|
Mathematics
|
Mathematics 5
|
Mathematics 6 | Math 7, or Pre-Algebra, or Algebra | Intro to Algebra, or Algebra, or Geometry |
|
Performing Arts
|
Music 5 (all) and choice of band, choir, dance, or strings |
Music 6 (all) and choice of band, choir, dance, or strings | Choice of band, choir, dance, or strings | Choice of band, choir, dance, or strings |
|
Physical Education and Health
|
Physical Education and Wellness | Physical Education and Wellness | Physical Education and Wellness | Physical Education and Wellness |
|
Science
|
Integrated Science 5 |
Integrated Science 6 | Integrated Science 7 | Integrated Science 8 |
|
Visual Arts
|
Visual Arts
|
Visual Arts
|
Visual Arts
|
Visual Arts
|
|
World Languages
|
Intro to World Language Learning
|
French, Latin or Spanish
|
French, Latin, or Spanish | French, Latin, or Spanish |
Middle School Elective Examples
List of 22 items.
-
3D Design & Printing
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Writing for Publications
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Yearbook
-
Acting Out! Scene Study
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Acting Shakespeare
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Apps by Design
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Creative Writing
-
Digital Design
-
Engineering
-
First Tech Challenge
-
Found Object Sculpture
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Graphic Novels
-
Intro to Watercolor
-
Maker Shop
-
Mobile Robotics
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Music Tech & Mixed Media
-
Musicals Through Time
-
Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS)
-
Pop Music Through the Decades
-
Service Learning
-
Technical Theater
-
Visiting Artist Fellowship
Jenn Moynihan
Head of Middle School
The Middle School curriculum at Ellis prioritizes authentic exploration and real-world connection in academic classes, while also ensuring a healthy balance of physical and social-emotional education as we foster the growth of the whole child. Students have their core academic classes—English, History, Math, Science, and World Language—in the morning, rounded out with performing and visual arts, electives, physical education, clubs, and opportunities for interdisciplinary connection and extension in the afternoon. We also have daily and weekly opportunities to meet in grade levels and as a whole middle school to build community and connection. Our daily schedule begins and ends with time in advisory groups to anchor the day in supportive cohorts to reflect on the prior day and preview the one to come.
Research tells us that girls learn best when they see real-world application in the content they’re covering, when they collaborate with their peers in meaningful ways, when they experience firsthand the concepts they’re investigating, and when they have choice in what they want to learn more about and how they wish to express their understanding. These factors drive our teachers’ instruction and create a rich incubator in which intellectual curiosity can thrive. Students are asked not just to share their answer to a question, but to explain how they arrived at that answer and why they believe it to be true. By practicing metacognition (the skill of thinking about their thinking), students get to know themselves better as learners and are able to articulate the ways they have applied class content in different contexts.
By working in highly collaborative environments, students learn about and from one another, helping each student grow into a more empathetic, understanding, and well-rounded individual. As we prepare our students to enter a truly globalized world, it’s essential that students have the competency and practice to appreciate and learn from those with differing backgrounds, beliefs, and skill levels. When everyone brings their authentic self to school, and recognizes and respects the same of her peers, it creates the positive learning environment that makes Ellis such a vibrant, inclusive place.
Our classrooms are safe environments for risk-taking, where mistakes are celebrated and asking questions is an essential part of the learning process. Student interest and inquiry drives classroom activities and discussions, and our schedule supports opportunities for further interdisciplinary projects and grade-wide initiatives throughout the year. The Ellis Middle School curriculum introduces a wide array of topics and modes of learning, granting our students the independence and autonomy to choose where they want to delve deeper and learn more.
