Fifth to Eighth Grade

The Middle School Division  recognizes the multiple challenges and pressures facing emerging adolescents. In a safe and nurturing atmosphere, students acquire the tools needed to succeed socially, emotionally, and academically as they continue on to secondary school. A challenging academic program centers on the continued development of math and language skills, while social studies and science classes further develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Sustainable Learners Cycle Classes

As educators, we recognize that students need core skills in preparation for future success in higher education and careers, as well as leadership roles. Research identifies six essential areas that focus on character, interpersonal skills, and tasks for sustainable learning.  At Chatham Day School, we strive to develop leaders of tomorrow who act ethically, communicate clearly, research pertinent information, efficiently study, and live healthy lives. To that end, the CDS Middle School designed and developed a core cycle of six classes including: Study Skills, iResearch, Health, The Leadership Institute, Citizenship, and Communication. Middle School students take two of the 40-minute classes per trimester, cycling through the six Sustainable Learner Skills Classes in one academic year. Eighth grade students select four classes, in addition to their Next Step Prep, which includes SSAT test prep, high school application essay writing, and interviewing skills. 

We are excited to offer these innovative learning opportunities to our middle school students, thus further enriching Chatham Day School’s 21^st Century curricular goals.

English

The Middle School English program is designed to develop and expand reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language skills.  Students participate in a variety of class activities and are assessed formally and informally throughout the academic year.  Our English curriculum is aligned with the Common Core Standards. 

Students are encouraged to consider their own perspectives and take into account classmates’ points of view and backgrounds to formulate, shape, and enhance new thoughts and ideas.  Providing a creative, open-minded learning environment enables all students to succeed. 

Lessons are designed to accommodate and engage a variety of learning styles and adhere to the Take Five principles. Examples of in-class activities include, but are not limited to: role-paying, radio broadcasts/audio clips, SMARTboard games, literature circles, and think-pair-share discussions.

Math

To give Chatham Day School students the best possible educational experience in mathematics, a multi-faceted approach to learning is employed.  The curriculum is standards-based, and these standards are closely aligned with the recently published Common Core Standards that have been customized for our school community.

Each day students use a variety of resources for lesson engagement. They have access to laptops to complete activities and games to reinforce learning.  Teachers and students regularly use the SMART Board to deepen understanding of mathematical concepts.  Projects are incorporated into the curriculum as opportunities to explore mathematics and to make connections to real-world applications. Manipulatives and math centers are used to differentiate for of all students and their individual learning styles.  The middle school math curriculum is designed to actively support your child’s learning adventure.

Science

Middle School science provides an opportunity for students to learn essential information while thinking critically.  Our essential questions stem from the recently published Science Education Standards, which have been tailored to best educate our students.  Our science curriculum is designed to empower students to be an active part in the learning process.  Many times the students are challenged to learn through an inquiry-based approach.  Providing an environment where inquiry-based thinking is taking place is a classroom where students work to solve problems. 

Lessons are designed so that students access previous knowledge, create questions, investigate their questions, and design ways to test out their ideas.  Students communicate their knowledge through journal writing, oral presentations, classroom discussions, and projects.

History

CDS Middle School history courses are a comprehensive immersion into the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of humans around the world.

Fifth grade focuses on American history from the first Presidency and building up to the Civil War, including the efforts of the United States to remain…united.

In sixth grade, our study begins in the Paleolithic Age and journeys through time as civilizations develop customs, battles, practices, and ingenuities that stem from each culture and  society.

Our seventh & eighth grade studies begin with the advent of The Great War — World War I. As the academic year progresses, students learn about the atrocities of war, the persuasion of propaganda, transition of life in America from the 1920’s into the Depression, causes and effects of World War II (and how WWI played a part),  and moving systematically into modern times — always with a focus of how our past frames our present.

Spanish

The purpose of the World Language Program is to encourage students to discover the many rewards that come with acquiring a foreign language.  We prepare students to communicate in the target language and inspire them to continue foreign language study at an advanced level upon graduation. Early childhood and elementary level students receive two days of Spanish language instruction per week, while Middle School students receive five days of instruction.