Middle Schoolers are brimming with energy and exuberance. Their curiosity is contagious. They have a deep sense of wonder and are excited for this journey to the future.
The Journey Begins in Middle School
Jess Dang Head of Middle School
At Crystal, we encourage Middle Schoolers to be truly themselves By giving them a space of their very own, we encourage Middle Schoolers to be themselves. We understand that in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, the best learning happens when students’ social and emotional needs are being met.
Our teachers open doors to a whole new world The Middle School team develops curriculum and experiences designed for a middle school student, allowing them to forge a deeper understanding of subject content and greater engagement with their peers and teachers. From an egg drop and Rube Goldberg Machine Contest to learning about inertia and energy transfer, our approach to learning enhances our students’ natural curiosity.
Skills and Content The team of Middle School teachers works to develop both subject-specific content knowledge while also teaching fundamental study and organization skills. The Middle School program encourages students to explore all the academic disciplines. In this way, the scientist discovers a passion for French and the historian masters the quadratic formula. After three years in the middle school, our students are fully prepared for the challenges of high school.
And rather than Or At Crystal, the middle school schedule allows students to be scholars, athletes and artists. We not only encourage students to delve into all three realms, we require them to do so through the fine arts rotation program and the athletics/PE period which is built into the school day. Our students discover that they are capable of learning and achieving more than they ever imagined. They discover they can be a star on the stage and a star athlete as well.
Teaching with technology rather than about technology With a 1:1 iPad program and mobile laptop carts, our students have access to powerful learning tools. Our faculty work with the Technology Integrator to use these devices as a platform for innovation in each discipline.
Students and school faculty/staff came together at each campus to remember George Floyd. In the Middle School, students observed a moment of silence and took time to reflect on the anniversary. In the Upper School, students were presented with thought-provoking questions as they reflected on this pivotal moment in history.
MS English teacher Tom Diggs gave an inspiring dramaturgical presentation for The Wizard of Oz’s cast and crew. Mr. Diggs showed students how understanding the historical context, authorial intent, and intellectual themes becomes a tool for unlocking creativity and deepening one’s personal connection to the show in the video above.
In January 2021, The Crystal community came together virtually for the annual MLK celebration, which included students, PAC members, and families learning about the history and legacy of King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Each year students in both divisions can invite two adults to join them for a day of classes at Crystal. It's our version of Willy Wonka with a lot less sugar and a lot more learning! Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and friends...
The Middle School takes its fun seriously! Every Wednesday, students take part in a club or PoP activity during the day. The Dessert Decorating PoP completed its first home-based project with a Cookie Monster cupcake contest. Cookie Monster would be proud...and hungry.
After studying the work of British artist, Andrew Goldsworthy, Perry Meigs' 6th grade visual art students created Nature Art Installations using materials found in their backyards to celebrate Earth Day.
Middle School students assembled early on November 18, to walk in support of "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day," an event that celebrates the courageous actions of a young African American girl who was a trailblazer for school integration and inclusion.
Middle School Students continued an annual tradition of participating in a community service-learning project, “Treats for Troops,” celebrating Veterans Day. Project leader Rohan D '25 writes, "I started this project five years ago. Our school partnered with 'America Supporting Americans'...
Our back-to-school Curriculum Nights 2020 were historic for being on Zoom, and we've officially opened the school year with enthusiasm, optimism, and a lot of preparation over the summer for a robust Distance Learning Program. Hear more about Celebrating Scholarship in these videos shown during the Middle School and Upper School Curriculum Nights.
While we shelter in place during these challenging times, school is in session with all classes and advisories following a regular daily schedule. So far, so good. We're managing glitches and adjusting to the new temporary normal well.
Learning from home can have its advantages, especially when students are given the task to build something complex from scratch. Eighth grade science teacher Rob Kashima explained the project, "A Rube Goldberg Machine is an overly complicated machine...
Nondiscriminatory Policy: Crystal Springs Uplands School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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