Middle school students also participate in a variety of enrichment classes, which allow them to explore different interests and develop new skills. French is emphasized as our foreign language, providing students with a strong foundation in language learning. Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose certain electives, allowing them to pursue their creative interests in a way that aligns with their passions.

We are continually refining our program to better meet the developmental needs of middle school students. A traditional grading scale is introduced at this level, helping students understand academic expectations and prepare for future education. Middle schoolers also have their own gathering, called The Collective, a time to build connections, reflect, discuss relevant topics, and participate in service projects, while also taking leadership roles in the school-wide Gathering once
a month.

At GCS, we believe that parent involvement is essential to student success, especially in middle school. As expectations for students increase, so does the need for support both in and out of the classroom. We expect open communication between teachers, parents, and students, as well as active parental support outside of school to ensure students receive the guidance they need at home and in the classroom.

Additionally, consistent attendance and punctuality are critical. Being present and on time allows students to fully engage in discussions, collaborate with peers, and take advantage of every learning opportunity. Due to the amount of content covered and the pacing of instruction, when students are absent, parents play a crucial role in helping them stay on track. Families are instrumental in fostering these habits, ensuring that students remain prepared, accountable, and successful in
their education.

Assessments & Conferences:  In addition to receiving three progress reports each year, we hold bi-annual parent/student/teacher conferences and offer supplemental conferences as requested. Students set personal goals and compile portfolios of their work, while teachers provide skills-based assessments and detailed narratives describing students’ progress. 

iReady: iReady is a program that assesses students in reading and math throughout the year. The data provided from this creates a personalized learning path for each student to strengthen their skills. Students take a “diagnostic” each trimester to measure their proficiency levels and are then set on an individual learning path that they complete at their own pace. Periodic growth checks give students the opportunity to see their improvement. The data provided allows us to closely monitor the needs of our students which can then be shared with parents. The data also gives our teachers access to additional materials and allows the students to work in confidence while having fun! This program also allows our students to gain exposure to the types of questions they might see on the Annual Standardized Assessment as we are not a school that teaches with  standardized testing as
a focus.

With high expectations, a supportive community, and a commitment to both structure and flexibility, GCS middle school is shaping confident, capable, and engaged learners, ready for their next steps.

A GLIMPSE INSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH
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Samantha Thomas
B.A. Psychology, Marshall University
M.A.Teaching, Elementary and Mathematics 5-9, West Virginia University

My number one goal in the math classroom is to build students' confidence and help them develop a positive mindset toward math. I know many students approach math feeling unsure — whether due to a lack of confidence, past struggles, or learning methods that didn’t click for them. But I truly believe that with small successes, strong relationships, and engaging lessons, every student can shift their perspective. When they start to see their own progress and believe in their ability to succeed, their confidence grows—and with confidence comes achievement.

Middle school math is both foundational for future success and practical for everyday life. Each grade builds upon the last, making mastery essential. With my experience teaching a range of math levels, I focus on the most critical skills while encouraging students to express and justify their thinking. Math isn’t just about getting the right answer—it’s about understanding the process and knowing why it works.

We start each class with a warm-up to get students thinking and focused. They often take on the role of the teacher, explaining their reasoning to the class, which builds confidence and deepens understanding. From there, we move into the lesson, where discussion and problem-solving are at the forefront. Students collaborate, practice, and receive targeted support, often working in small groups based on their skill level. We wrap up with an exit ticket, helping me assess their understanding and adjust instruction as needed.

Most importantly, I want our students to leave my classroom not only knowing math but also believing they are capable, confident mathematicians. My goal is for them to approach challenges with curiosity, resilience, and the belief that they can succeed.
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A GLIMPSE INSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
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Sarah Elkins
B.A. English & Philosophy, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
MFA Writing, Poetry, Pacific University

In my ELA classroom, students read widely and write fluently, engaging with a variety of subjects and genres. By fifth grade, they are transitioning from "learning to read" to applying higher-order thinking skills to understand the world around them. Through the Socratic method, we explore our own perspectives and learn to appreciate how others arrive at theirs. Students engage with philosophical questions such as: What does it mean to live a good life? and What are our responsibilities to each other?

‍Each school year, students read at least four novels. Between novel studies, we delve into poetry, drama, short fiction, and informational texts. In fifth and sixth grades, the focus is on identifying and understanding literary elements and techniques. By seventh and eighth grades, students are prepared to study literary periods and their associated artistic subgenres.

Writing is at the heart of our classroom. Students express their thoughts both by hand in journals and through digital word processing, composing for a variety of purposes and audiences. Freewriting is a cornerstone of our practice. In fifth and sixth grades, the emphasis is on building writing endurance—prioritizing quantity over perfection. Grammar, conventions, and formatting are introduced and emphasized as an important part of the writing process, but the primary goal is to develop confidence and fluency. As students progress into seventh and eighth grades, their writing becomes more complex. They refine their ability to evaluate sources, craft nuanced arguments, and experiment with storytelling techniques such as point-of-view, flashback, and
character development.

My goal is for students to leave my classroom as critical thinkers, confident readers, and skilled writers—ready to engage with the world through thoughtful discussion and expressive writing.

A GLIMPSE INSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE
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Meet the Teacher - We are currently interviewing for this position!

We supplement state science standards with a project-based science curriculum called Generation Genius. This teaching provides our teachers with a comprehensive set of science lessons made in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association. Each lesson focuses on group discussions, weekly science vocabulary, hands-on science investigations, and room to let the teachers and students delve deeper into science inquiry, investigations, and solutions. 

A GLIMPSE INSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES
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In middle school social studies, lead teachers, Sarah Elkins and Samantha Thomas, guide students through an engaging, inquiry-based learning experience using the InquirED curriculum. This approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and deep understanding as students explore History, Civics, Geography, and Economics through hands-on investigations and meaningful discussions.

Each unit begins with a compelling question that sparks students' curiosity and sets the stage for a sustained inquiry. As they move through the unit, students formulate their own questions, guiding their learning as they investigate diverse sources, analyze multiple perspectives, and engage in immersive experiences. The curriculum’s literacy-rich structure integrates reading and writing, helping students strengthen their literacy skills while deepening their understanding of social
studies content.

Classrooms are discussion-based, encouraging students to collaborate, debate ideas, and reflect on historical and contemporary issues. They participate in interactive learning games, research real-world topics, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Each unit culminates in a project where students take informed action, creating and sharing their work with their school and broader communities.Through this dynamic, inquiry-driven approach, students don’t just learn about the past—they become active participants in shaping their understanding of the world, developing the skills they need to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage as informed citizens.