Academics
Middle School
Middle School: Grades 5 & 6
In and out of the classroom, on and off the sports fields, our teachers artfully stretch our Middle School students further than they think they can go but do so with the compassion children need to triumph boldly over challenges.
Independence and Collaboration
In fifth and sixth grade, children become more autonomous. A strong adult presence and small classes help usher children through these critical transformative years. This is especially important as they begin the natural process of developing independence from their parents.
In Middle School, they are given more responsibility and must develop sound study and time management skills. They continue to practice and master their academic competency and push their creative and critical thinking. They hone their ability to apply their knowledge toward more sophisticated analysis and synthesis across subjects and disciplines.
They also participate in collaborative projects which teach them to work together by accepting and giving feedback to their peers – critical skills for success in life and in the workplace.
Introduction, Practice, Mastery and Application
In the Middle School, students continue to practice and master foundational skills. At this point they are also ready to apply these skills to deeper, more advanced concepts in the same subjects or to novel situations in new subject matter.
Our subject-specific curricular objectives in the Middle School include:
- Language Arts: Cultivate an appreciation of classic and contemporary literature and strengthen their writing skills.
- Mathematics: Participate in a rigorous math program that stresses the importance of computational and estimation skills, as well as the application of logical thinking and problem-solving.
- Science: Learn scientific methodologies through a variety of hands-on experiences in Earth, life and physical sciences, with a focus on geology, weather, the human body, electricity and bird identification.
- Social Studies: Study history, geography and current events while developing skills in research, note taking, outlining, mapmaking and synthesizing information.
- Foreign Language: Strengthen their abilities in Spanish
- Art/Music: Participate in the visual arts, woodshop, Maker Lab and drama.
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Middle School News
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Summer Reading
As the school year ends, it’s time to think about summer reading. Across all the school’s divisions, teachers have given a great deal of thought to creating a meaningful, and fun, summer of reading for your children. Our summer reading program emphasizes choice, giving children the opportunity to read books that interest them and explore and discover new authors and ideas. Specific requirements vary from grade to grade so please take a look at the appropriate links on the Summer Reading Resource Board.Read More -
Sixth Graders Role-Play Explorers, Navigate Trade Routes Game
Read MoreWorking in small teams, New Canaan Country School sixth grade social studies students navigated their way around campus to points labelled Spain, England, Portugal, France, England and the Netherlands as participants of a “Trade Routes” game, June 6. The culminating experience follows their year-long study of major explorers who journeyed to expand Western ideals, following trade routes that originated during the Renaissance time-period. -
Apprentice Teacher Reflects on Identity
Read More“Where are you from?”
I’ve heard the question millions of times. It's the kind of question I've grown used to hearing and it took a while for me to realize that most people don’t want to hear that I am from Connecticut.“No, where are you really from?”It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized the truth behind the question of where I was from. Being an Asian American, I often struggled with understanding my identity and that I was different from others. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that my identity as an Asian is an important facet of who I am and I hope to further share that heritage with my students. -
6th Graders Present Persuasive Speeches
Read MoreFor the last few months, 6th graders have been working hard to research, write, and rehearse argumentative and informational speeches. Each student selected a topic about which they are passionate, including topics related to their families, communities and the world.
