Middle School

INTEGRITY
Students are honest and uphold high standards of character

KINDNESS
Students are inclusive and show care for their community

PERSONAL BEST
Students strive for growth and excellence

RESPECT
Students respect themselves, others, and school spaces

RESPONSIBILITY
Students are responsible for their words, actions, and learning

At Westside School, we understand the importance of balance in a middle schooler’s day. Our schedule thoughtfully incorporates regular breaks and recess time, recognizing that young learners need moments to recharge, socialize, and engage in unstructured play. These breaks are essential for maintaining focus, reducing stress, and fostering overall well-being.

In addition to breaks, our schedule features extended learning blocks, allowing students to dive deeply into subject matter. These longer periods provide the time and space necessary for in-depth exploration, hands-on projects, and meaningful discussions, ensuring that students can fully engage with the material and develop a deeper understanding of the content.

Example Schedule

• 8:30-8:45 am - Morning Meeting
• 8:45-10:00 am - Science
• 10:00-10:15 am - Morning Break
• 10:20-10:40 am - Advisory
• 10:45 am-12:00 pm - Humanities
• 12:00-12:30 pm - Lunch & Recess
• 12:35-1:50 pm - Math
• 1:50-2:05 pm - Afternoon Break
• 2:10-3:25 pm - Exploratory Classes
• 3:25 pm - Dismissal

At Westside School, our Middle School Advisory Program is a cornerstone of student support and development. Each student is paired with a dedicated advisor and remains in the same advisory group throughout the entire school year. Meeting daily, these small, close-knit groups foster a sense of belonging, provide academic and emotional support, and offer students a consistent space to reflect on their growth. Through engaging activities, goal-setting, and open dialogue, our advisory program helps students build strong relationships, develop important life skills, and navigate the middle school years with confidence and resilience.

At Westside School, we use standards-based grading in our middle school to provide clear, meaningful feedback on student progress. This approach focuses on measuring students' mastery of specific skills and concepts rather than relying on traditional letter grades. By aligning assessments with learning standards, we ensure that students and parents have a precise understanding of strengths and areas for growth. This system encourages a growth mindset, allowing students to take ownership of their learning, set goals, and track their progress toward achieving academic excellence. Standards-based grading helps us to create a more personalized and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.

 At Westside School, we believe that experiential education and outdoor learning are essential components of a well-rounded middle school experience. Through carefully planned middle school trips, students have the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom, engaging in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of academic subjects and foster personal growth. These trips allow students to explore real-world applications of what they’ve learned, build resilience, and develop leadership and teamwork skills in a dynamic, natural environment. By immersing students in outdoor experiences, we not only enhance their connection to the world around them but also help them build confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility—qualities that are crucial during the formative middle school years. Find out more about our outdoor program.