Middle School
Middle School years are a time of tremendous change and growth as students develop intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially. Our Middle School is designed to meet all of the intellectual and developmental needs of students. Our curriculum advances student learning and cultivates a culture of inquiry, resilience and independence, always focusing on developing students holistically.
The Middle School’s STEAM program is a standout in our curriculum. In our Innovation Lab and other creative spaces, students enjoy a myriad of enriching opportunities to reach the highest levels of achievement and performance. Our unique approach to World Languages — in 6th grade we offer French, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish — gives students the opportunity to experience all five languages before committing to one. Interdisciplinary learning is also a hallmark — our faculty work together to develop projects that engage students across disciplines, developing projects that engage student across all subject areas, for example a history project that includes music, or a math project that adds an art component. Beyond the classroom, our students engage in a textured experience that includes the arts, music, theater and sports.
The strength of any school is its faculty. Our dedicated Middle School faculty members possess both subject matter expertise and a deep understanding of the unique character of Middle School students. Simply put, our Middle School teachers are the best at what they do. Students value the relationships they develop with their teachers, and the trust that emerges from these connections encourages the type of exploration, curiosity and risk taking that leads to meaningful and significant learning and growth.
Our goal is for our Middle School students to develop passions and a sense of self as they grow into young adolescents. Every child has a story and we surround that child with a faculty invested in getting to know and celebrate that story. When academic preparedness, respect and empathy are made divisional priorities like they are at CGPS, our students depart our Middle School prepared to thrive in their Prep School experience.
Sincerely,
Michelle Schackman
Middle School Director
Educational philosophy
Our Middle School is an intentional community. We orient everything we do to provide the most ideal environment for Middle School students to learn and grow. We prioritize relationships as foundational to students’ growth and development. Students thrive in an environment where they are known, where they seek safe opportunities to take risks and where they have unconditional support from the adults in their lives. We inspire curiosity and ignite passions by encouraging students to ask questions and solve problems, by engaging in a rich array of programming and by providing a high level of challenge coupled with a high level of support. Our students matriculate into our Prep School self-assured and with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive.
our core values
At CGPS, our five core values are the pillars that define curricular, extracurricular and social-emotional life for our community.
Balance
Curiosity
Excellence
Integrity
Unity