Middle School: 7th and 8th Grades
What is the Middle School program like?
The Inly Middle School program is based on the Montessori view of the student as a self-directed, active learner, and the teacher as an engaged facilitator. To this end, the middle school day combines regularly scheduled teacher-facilitated whole class and small group lessons with uninterrupted self-directed work time.
Montessori based, developmentally responsive
In a developmentally responsive way, our Middle School forms students into thinkers by being:
Skills based—our curriculum is designed around the academic and personal skills that the middle school student must internalize to be successful.
Integrated—teachers in the areas of math, science, and the humanities work together to create a complimentary curriculum that reinforces targeted skills and concepts and enables students to make global connections.
Individualized—guided by their teachers, students work to their personal best with courses, assignments, and instruction tailored to challenge each student to reach their highest academic potential.
Relevant and authentic—whenever possible, connections are made between study and real-world applications. The curriculum is rich with experiential learning and immersion opportunities to allow students to learn more broadly and deeply.
Holistic—our academic curriculum includes a life skills component, which teaches students to learn about themselves as individuals and as members of a broader community. Interpersonal relationships, empathy, problem-solving skills, time management, self-discipline, self-reflection, and goal setting are all skills that are taught and reinforced throughout the program.
Inly Middle School FAQs
Who attends the Inly Middle School program and when?
- Our Middle School program encompasses one multi-age class of 7th and 8th graders, or children 12-14 years old.
- Our school hours are 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Extended care is available before and after school. Rates are determined by the number of hours required.
How does individualized instruction work in the Middle School?
- After the teacher advises parents and students of the grade level requirements, a family conference is held before school starts and students help develop their own educational plans.
- The role of the teachers and parents is to guide the students in setting realistic goals, and then to support them in meeting their commitments.
- The math level, reading and writing needs, mini courses, and independent study courses may vary for each student.
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Individual student-teacher advisory meetings are held regularly to evaluate progress in every area of study, as well as social/community issues.
How do parents see student progress?
Student-led conferences are held three times per year with parents and teachers to collectively set goals and comprehensively assess progress in each students’ academic, social, and personal development.
Detailed progress reports which assess a student’s academic, social and personal growth using a scaled 1-4 assessment rubric are completed by student’s teachers twice per year.
At the end of each six-week academic cycle throughout the year, students complete a self-evaluation and set new personal and academic goals to guide their performance during the following cycle.
Students create a portfolio of their best work in all areas of study and present it to their parents at conference time. Portfolios are also valuable assets for students who apply to independent schools, and are helpful in determining classroom placement in both independent and public schools.
Research based projects, analytical writing, oral presentations, and a variety of tests and quizzes are used consistently to help students measure their mastery of essential skills and content.
Each year our middle school students take nationally recognized standarized tests. We view tests as one assessment tool, to be considered in conjunction with a student’s portfolio of work.
What are the results of the Inly Middle School program?
Inly Middle School students...
- tend to be leaders, helpers, and creative thinkers, as well as problem solvers
- are self-directed and take responsibility for themselves
- are active, reflective learners
- have developed a pattern for life-long learning
- possess high levels of maturity and sensitivity
- are individual responsible for setting personal goals and keeping commitments
- are vital and caring participants in the school, school, town, and global community
- are able to make the most of any situation, academic or social
- approach the world with curiosity, self discipline, initiative, persistence, a positive attitude toward learning, and the ability to work well with others
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move on to a variety of settings, both public and private, with success expressed both academically and in the personal values they carry forward in their lives
Experiential Learning
The Middle School curriculum is integrated, interactive and, whenever possible, experiential. Experiences like running a business, open ocean rowing, and internships provide the context for students to apply their academic and social learning in authentic and memorable ways.
Much like in the adult world, our Middle School students are pushed to be independent by managing their own schedules, proactively seeking help, filtering distractions, organizing their day, choosing appropriate work partners, and reflecting on their progress.