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The Middle School Program

The Middle School program of MPA begins with an understanding of the developmental needs—social, physical, emotional, and intellectual—that students bring to school. The program begins with the assumption that we serve a variety of types of students because they are adolescents and will vary significantly. The Middle School staff relies on research of effective middle schools to help guide and meet the needs of the students as the mission of the school is advanced.

The instruction found in the Middle School is child centered. Students are active in their learning, participating in ways that acknowledge their contribution to the learning process. Students learn in many different ways, and throughout the school year they will have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills. Students are able to go to use their strengths, but are also stretched in new areas.

The activities that students do in class and in extracurricular programs are designed to challenge students, but also give opportunities for enhancing self-respect. Students’ best efforts build from successful experiences and Middle School staff members create many chances for students to be successful and occasionally, to learn from failure/mistakes.

An exemplary middle school is safe, physically and emotionally, and MPA fits that description. Students receive emotional support through homerooms, advisories, health classes, counseling services and the close interactions that come through small class sizes. Understanding thoughts and emotions is an important consideration as staff help students deal with emotional changes. Student

responsibilities and expectations are clear to Middle School students. Students accept the responsibility given to them and work hard to be supportive of each other and the MPA community in general.

MPA teaches to the whole child. In many schools this is a shallow phrase, but the Middle School staff is proud of the ability to teach to all aspects of a child’s development. Students take a wide range of classes which include art, drama, world language, and physical education on a regular basis. The range of courses and activities promote student development of many interests and abilities. Some of the curriculum is also integrated between subjects so that student experiences are connected and reinforced in multiple ways. Finally, Middle School students are encouraged to try extracurricular activities, even if they are new to the student. Participation is emphasized throughout all Middle School activities.

The Middle School staff understands and respects early adolescents. It is important to be in tune with the changes of the age, and MPA faculty concentrate on providing appropriate guidance to students. The guidance may come in the form of a curriculum that promotes problem solving, academic challenge, and diverse learning environments, or it might include lending a helping hand during a student’s crisis.

By focusing on the goals of Mounds Park Academy and those practices that are best for early adolescents, the Middle School is able to meet the needs of a diverse population of ten to fourteen year-old children.