Goals
The Middle School Program is designed to supplement the curricular offerings of middle schools. We want our students to develop skills and self-confidence and to be better prepared for further academic study. We believe in small classes and as much individualized attention as possible. Our purpose is to nurture intellectual growth in a supportive and congenial setting.

 

Participants
Students entering grades 7, 8, and 9 are selected on the basis of academic motivation and emotional maturity. Good citizenship and the desire to learn are as important as one’s previous academic record. In some instances, a Middle School Program student may take a course in the College Prep Program; however, the student is housed with other Middle School Program students.

          Each class is taught by a master teacher and a teaching intern who are selected for their ability to understand and work effectively with middle school students.

 

Each Middle School Program student takes two major courses in the morning, plus a minor course and sports in the afternoon. Major courses meet for one hour and 15 minutes (except full-morning courses as noted in Middle School Major Courses), Monday through Saturday. For each major course, the student is responsible for at least one hour of out-of-class preparation per day.

          Minor courses and sports are scheduled four afternoons a week. Each student spends a short period of time for a few days of the summer participating in the work program, performing chores that benefits the community. Each evening except Saturday, a supervised study period is conducted in the dorms. Students prepare for their courses in their rooms or receive special help in the dorm study areas. Specific efforts are made to maintain a quiet atmosphere and to help students develop good study habits.

 

Playing fields, tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool, country roads for cycling, and a natural environment give numerous opportunities for recreational activities. In the free time after dinner until the evening study period begins, students can choose to participate in the intramural sports program, play tennis, study, join in other organized campus activities—or just relax.

          Weekend activities include dances, movies, and trips to Six Flags amusement park, whitewater rafting, Boston, and other places of interest.