Middle School
Ages 11 years to 14 years
In our Middle School classrooms, our problem based learning and learner centric curriculum support key developmental leaps that our learners have as they do the challenging work of discovering who they are as individuals.
Our model allows students to have the flexibility to test intellectual boundaries and explore new interests. At Terra School, we admire and support our learners with nuanced scaffolding and a longview on development.
Program Highlights
Problem-Based Learning focused on authentic, local and global, real world challenges.
Learning about one’s self by exploring and developing strengths and assets through personal inventory and introspection.
Dynamic collaboration in teams to develop interpersonal and leadership skills.
Social Emotional Learning and curriculum (empathy interviews, compassion).
Authentic community-building through service-learning opportunities.
Apprenticeships: Initial exploration of various fields of study and potential careers of interest.
What is learning in Middle School
Our Middle School is designed with a multimodal, flexible approach to adjust to the current needs and experiences of the particular constellation of students in front of us. Middle School learners experience rapid changes physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Using problem-based learning, we provide a multidisciplinary approach that includes learning inside the class and out in nature, field trips, consulting experts, all in pursuit of furthering their understanding of themselves and our world.
There are opportunities for both individual and collective learning in our classroom. All of our Middle School learners follow a robust core curriculum that allows them to move at their own pace. The students also use problem-based learning to explore real world questions and pursue purposeful work. As learners discover passions they want to explore, they are connected to further modes of inquiry such as experts, apprenticeships and further coursework.
Features
Problem-based learning experiences serve as a foundational introduction to solving complex, real-world problems. Students embark on an interdisciplinary journey guided by authentic questions fueled by their curiosity and love for exploration. These experiences empower students to delve into practical challenges, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Four times a year, students share their work with a broader community audience, instilling a sense of accountability and responsibility. This approach not only deepens their academic understanding but also sparks a lifelong passion for inquiry and discovery, laying the groundwork for their continued exploration in High School.
Problem-Based Learning
Apprenticeships are a foundational component aimed at nurturing an early understanding of learners' passions. Middle schoolers engage in a variety of apprenticeships, meeting with industry professionals to taste-test different fields of interest. These experiences provide a broad landscape view, allowing students to explore potential long-term interests and begin forming durable mentor relationships. By engaging in these introductory apprenticeships, students lay the groundwork for understanding their passions and areas of focus, setting the stage for more in-depth exploration in High School.
Apprenticeships
Our focus is on a learner-centric approach, tailoring education to meet the unique needs and interests of each student. Middle schoolers are empowered with choice and voice over their educational experiences, allowing them to navigate their learning journey based on achieved milestones and personal preferences. This learner-centric foundation lays the groundwork for students to become actively engaged in their education, fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy. Through this approach, Middle School learners not only develop a love for learning but also cultivate the skills necessary for self-directed exploration, setting the stage for a more learner-led approach in High School.
