middle school
Middle School (fifth through eighth grade) at Independence is where students integrate foundational learning with an advanced emphasis on critical thinking and internal motivation. Our students are supported as they grow to be self-reliant by managing more -- and varied -- elements of their educational experience, from classwork to homework to extracurricular activities. Students become prepared to achieve at the highest levels of their capabilities and are ready to excel throughout the remainder of their academic career.
As students transition to Middle School in fifth grade, they begin to mix with different groupings for different subjects. Beginning in sixth grade, students follow individualized schedules, ensuring that they all are appropriately challenged and supported in each area of the curriculum. A respect for community and cultural diversity is encouraged school-wide. Through our unique Character Development Program (CDP), students build their foundations to be citizens and leaders.
Fifth grade is an important developmental period that bridges the gap between Lower School and Middle School. As students move beyond the homeroom base, they begin to experience more transitions and gain greater self-reliance. For certain academic lessons in language arts and math, students are placed with classmates of similar abilities and pacing in order to provide an appropriate level of challenge.