USM’s Middle School English Language Arts curriculum focuses on effective and thoughtful examination, exploration, and expression of ideas. Through inquiry, analysis, and continual reading and writing, students practice the skills necessary to develop as critical thinkers and successful communicators and collaborators. In selecting their own reading and research materials, they develop active reading and comprehension skills across a wide array of genres. With guidance, students develop their own writing processes, and with regular, recursive practice, they learn to write and publish for a variety of purposes and different audiences. Language arts instruction is reinforced across all content areas with the pedagogical philosophy that all teachers are reading and writing teachers.

Over the four years of Middle School, the mathematics curriculum at USM moves from basic arithmetic to the skills and applications necessary for geometry and algebra. Mathematical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving are integral parts of the program. In 5th grade, the curriculum extends previously taught math concepts while adding new ones. The 6th grade curriculum is designed to provide the basis for a smooth transition from arithmetic to algebra and geometry. That continues in 7th grade, where concepts and skills are modeled in a variety of representations through the use of manipulatives and technology. In 8th grade, two tiers of math are offered: Algebra and Honors Algebra. Higher levels of math are also available through Upper School courses for qualified Middle School students.

Dedicated science labs allow USM’s Middle School students to employ the scientific method through inquiry-based learning, helping to ensure that every student is scientifically literate. Through reading, discussion, research, experimentation, and exploration, students learn the vocabulary, methods, topics, and resources that form the basics of scientific study. This approach, coupled with a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) emphasis, guides and engages students, preparing them for the next level. The Middle School science curriculum culminates with all 8th graders participating in a science fair project.

USM’s Middle School social studies curriculum focuses on preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens on local, national, and global levels. Students study a wide range of topics covering world and American history, world cultural geography, and civics. Critical and creative thinking skills are emphasized throughout all social studies classes, and interdisciplinary connections are made at each grade level. Our curriculum includes unique features such as gamification skills in 6th grade, a full semester of economics in 7th grade, and the robust National History Day project for all 8th grade students.

USM’s interactive world language classes continue Middle School students’ progression toward oral proficiency in a language, based on Oral Proficiency Instruction (OPI), a standardized, global assessment of functional speaking ability. Middle School students are placed in classes together based on oral proficiency levels rather than grade levels. The goal is for all students and teachers to use the target language at least 90% of the time in French and Spanish classes, which also include reading, writing, vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and pronunciation. Classes, which are highly interactive, also include the study of culture and French- and Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Middle School students also have the option to enroll in Upper School Chinese and Latin classes beginning in 7th grade.

The Middle School art curriculum at USM covers instruction in art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and art production. Goals include understanding concepts and the content of art, valuing creative behavior, self-exploration, and craftsmanship. Students create art through a variety of techniques and are expected to maintain a working art binder that includes assignments, notes, preliminary sketches, critiques, and reflections. Expectations are refined appropriately as students proceed to each next grade level.

As part of USM’s Middle School music curriculum, all students choose band, orchestra, or chorus to develop their singing or playing skills while also learning about music history, literacy, and composition as they prepare for concerts and optional competitions. Band and orchestra students take additional individual lessons at school or with an off-campus teacher of their choosing, with performance classes and most lessons meeting during the school day. World drumming, guitar, and computer music composition are also offered as electives in 8th grade.

As part of the USM Middle School’s spiraling theatre curriculum, all students study topics such as playwriting, improvisation, ensemble work, individual performance, and dramatic storytelling. Students have the opportunity to build confidence and public speaking skills in a safe, supportive environment. A course in debate and controversial conversations is also offered as an elective in 8th grade. There are also opportunities for students in all grades to be involved in cocurricular plays and musicals.

The physical education and health program in USM’s Middle School is committed to engaging students in a variety of activities. Units vary from individual and team sports to outdoor pursuits and recreational activities. The program emphasizes skill development, fitness, social responsibility, and self-confidence-building activities, and encourages students to be physically active for a lifetime. Students participate in physical education four days in each eight-day class cycle, with health and fitness instruction units included, and classes are typically 70 minutes in length. Classes are coeducational in the 5th grade and 6th grade, and gender-specific in 7th grade and 8th grade.

The Middle School library is designed to help students and teachers individualize learning and to promote independent study. A library skills program helps to familiarize students with the library. It strives to promote knowledge and appreciation of literature by building and expanding an interest in books and reading, and to teach skills needed for effective use of the library for information, research, study, and leisure reading activities. The skill of how to select and evaluate information is stressed on a continual basis. Research and study skills are reinforced and reviewed.