Middle School at Turning Point: A Dynamic, Holistic Learning Experience

Middle school is an exciting, transformative time for students, and at Turning Point, we ensure that each child’s educational journey is supported by a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed curriculum. With a focus on intellectual, emotional, and social growth, our middle school program fosters the development of confident, critical thinkers and compassionate leaders, preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.



A Curriculum Designed for Growth

The interdisciplinary nature of our middle school curriculum allows students to build connections across subjects, providing a comprehensive learning experience that encourages adaptability and entrepreneurial thinking. We integrate key communication skills, fostering self-directed learners who exercise critical reasoning. Our students are not only developing a deep understanding of core subjects, but they are also learning how to use their voices, engage with diverse perspectives, and problem-solve creatively.

The Heart of Support: Advisory Program

One of the most distinctive features of our middle school is our Advisory program, which goes beyond a simple daily check-in. This program is intentionally crafted to support both the academic and social-emotional needs of middle school students as they navigate a period of remarkable change. In small, closely-knit groups, students build meaningful relationships with their advisors, who act as trusted advocates throughout their middle school years.

Advisory sessions focus on essential life skills, such as study strategies, organization, empathy, conflict resolution, leadership, and assertiveness training. These discussions not only help students grow academically, but also nurture their emotional intelligence, fostering an environment where they feel safe and supported as they explore their sense of self and place within their community.

Exploring Humanities

Our Humanities program bridges social studies and language arts, empowering students to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively. By analyzing diverse perspectives through literature, students connect with local and global communities, while exploring historical events and current affairs. Our curriculum encourages active reading and engages students in creative and structured composition, equipping them with the tools to develop their own voices and perspectives.

Mastering Mathematics

In our mathematics program, we emphasize both proficiency with numbers and the disciplined practice needed to solve problems effectively. Through the use of technology tools, methodical note-taking, and collaborative strategies, students deepen their conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. The result is a group of students who can solve complex problems, construct sound mathematical arguments, and present their reasoning clearly.

Engaging in Science

Science at Turning Point goes beyond textbook learning. Our middle school students engage in hands-on laboratory experiences, cooperative group projects, and problem-based learning that connect the physical and natural world to their own lives. From earth science and biology to chemistry and physics, our students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills as they investigate the world around them.

Discovering World Languages

Learning a second language opens up new worlds of communication and cultural understanding. Our Middle School world language program offers both Spanish and Latin, where students build both written and oral communication skills. In Spanish, students connect with everyday conversations and cultural experiences, while Latin students gain an appreciation for the language’s influence on English and other disciplines. Across both languages, cultural and historical contexts enrich the learning process.

Leadership Development

Our Leadership classes for grades 7 and 8 provide an opportunity for students to explore civic responsibility and the impact of their actions both within the school and the larger community. Through mentorship, service-learning, and leadership projects, students develop a deeper understanding of their own leadership strengths. They leave the program equipped with the tools to contribute meaningfully to their communities, now and in the future.

Promoting Physical Fitness and Well-being

Physical education is an essential part of our middle school program, where students engage in team games, fitness challenges, and lessons on nutrition and basic physiology. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal fitness, our PE program encourages students to become active, healthy, and confident individuals.

Athletics Teams

Turning Point’s middle school athletes extend their physical education skills through our interscholastic athletics program, which includes sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and cross-country. With a “no-cut” policy, every student has the chance to participate, learn valuable team-building skills, and experience healthy competition.

Electives: Innovation Labs, Mentorship, and More

Our elective offerings expand the learning experience by allowing students to explore their interests and passions beyond the core subjects. From innovation labs to student mentorship opportunities, our electives encourage creativity, curiosity, and leadership development. Students are given the chance to collaborate with peers on exciting projects, making connections between academic learning and real-world applications.

A Balanced Education for a Bright Future

At Turning Point, we believe in a balanced approach to education—one that nurtures intellectual growth, social-emotional development, and physical well-being. Our middle school program equips students with the tools they need to think critically, solve problems, and lead with empathy and integrity. As our students prepare for high school and beyond, they leave our program as confident, compassionate individuals ready to embrace the world’s opportunities and challenges.

Discover the Difference at Turning Point

If you are looking for a middle school that truly prepares students for the future with a dynamic, holistic approach to education, we invite you to explore what Turning Point has to offer. Learn more about our Middle School program and see how we can help your child develop into an independent, creative, and engaged learner.

Visit us today at https://www.turningpointschool.org/ to get started.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Discovering the Path to Lifelong Success at Turning Point School

Image
For over 50 years, Turning Point School has been more than just a place of learning—it has been a foundation for growth, confidence, and purpose. Serving students from Preschool through Grade 8, Turning Point provides an environment where young minds develop the skills, resilience, and empathy needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. A Research-Based Approach to Education Education is more than memorization and test scores. At Turning Point, learning is shaped by scientific research on cognitive, emotional, and social development. We recognize that early childhood and adolescence are the two most pivotal stages in a child’s growth, and we design our curriculum to bridge these moments effectively. Whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in creative spaces, every experience at Turning Point is carefully crafted to nurture curiosity, perseverance, and purpose. Happiness Through Meaningful Engagement At Turning Point, students are not just happy—they are deeply engaged. When...
Read more

The Positive Equation for Achievement at Turning Point School

Image
At Turning Point School, we believe that education is more than just academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. Grounded in scientific research and the principles of positive psychology, our approach to learning is built on a “positive equation for achievement.” This equation integrates five essential elements—intellectual, social, physical, ethical, and emotional—to create a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for success in school and in life. The Intellectual Elements Our rigorous curriculum challenges students to think critically, solve problems, and innovate. While a thoughtfully designed scope and sequence guides our instruction, we also honor each child’s unique learning journey. Through personalized, strengths-based teaching, students experience the right level of challenge, fostering skills they’ll use long after they leave our classrooms. The Social Elements In today’s interconnected world, the ability to collaborate and connect with others is more...
Read more

Summer of Growth & Discovery at Turning Point Camps

Image
  At Turning Point Summer Camps, we blend the joy of summer with meaningful opportunities for social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Whether your child is entering preschool or middle school, our programs—designed by expert educators—offer the perfect balance of play, skill-building, and friendship. Start-of-Summer Camp (June 10–14) Kick off the season with a burst of creativity and connection! Grades 1–6 : Dive into music, theater, dance, and sports through play-based learning. Grades 7–9 (CIT Program) : Develop leadership skills by mentoring younger campers and documenting growth in a Leadership Journal. Extended Care : Available until 5:00 PM for busy families. Early Childhood Camp (Weekly Sessions) For preschoolers, summer is a time of rapid brain development. Our nurturing environment, led by early childhood specialists, ensures little ones keep exploring: Play-Based Learning : Sensory activities, storytelling, and outdoor adventures. Full-Day Engagement : Eight weeks of ...
Read more