Middle School

Our middle school program is known for its holistic approach to educating the whole child, focusing not only on academic development with our challenging and comprehensive curriculum but also on character building and supporting personal growth. Our advisory program engages faculty and students beyond the regular classroom ensuring that every student is known and supported in their life-long learning journey.

In addition to core subjects in mathematics, science, language arts, and history, middle school students also receive specialized instruction in art, music, Spanish, STEM, and physical education (additional physical education opportunities include yoga or archery).

New! Beginning in Fall 2024, The Summit will be launching its new Outdoor Education program. This program will offer students unique opportunities to connect with nature, cultivate environmental awareness, and develop essential life skills. Activities will include outdoor adventures, team-building exercises, environmental studies, and hands-on learning experiences aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The middle school curriculum is meticulously crafted to be both challenging and integrated, providing students with a comprehensive educational experience. Across core subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies, the curriculum is designed to create meaningful connections between disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of concepts. This integrated focus encourages students to apply knowledge across different domains, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The challenging nature of the curriculum aims to stretch students intellectually, preparing them for the academic demands of higher levels of education while instilling a love for learning. The progressive nature of our program supports student exploration of interests beyond the core subjects. These opportunities are a co-creation between faculty and students. Our middle school program integrates field trips and community partnerships to enrich our curriculum, fostering real-world applications and immersive learning experiences for students.

Learn more about The Summit’s Middle School curriculum.

Progressive education is an educational philosophy that emphasizes student-centered learning, critical thinking, and holistic development. It focuses on adapting teaching methods to each students’ needs, fostering creativity, and promoting social responsibility. Progressive education values experiential learning, collaboration, and active engagement, aiming to prepare students for a dynamic and evolving world.

Click here to learn more about progressive education at The Summit. 

We maintain small class sizes (capped at eighteen students) to ensure individualized attention and a supportive learning environment with meaningful student-teacher interactions. Middle school students have dedicated faculty for each of the core disciplines (science, mathematics, social studies, and language arts) and receive additional specialized instruction from our Spanish, art, music, STEM, outdoor education, physical education, archery, and yoga faculty.

In Middle School, our students engage in advanced coursework designed to challenge and stimulate intellectual growth, exploring subjects like mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies at a level that encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the material, fostering academic mastery and a passion for learning.

Student learning is measured throughout the school year using observation, work samples, project work, presentations, quizzes, and written assessments. This information is used to inform learning needs and progress toward mastery of content.

Operating on a semester basis, the middle school conducts parent-teacher conferences at least four times each year. These meetings, held before school, near the end of the first semester, a student-led conference in the second semester, and an optional end-of-year conference provide a formal setting to discuss student progress. Progress reports including letter grades and narrative assessments are shared with families at the end of each semester. Some elective courses may be assessed as a pass or fail.

The Summit is committed to providing students with a supportive learning environment. While some accommodations are readily implemented due to small class sizes and a progressive approach to learning, The Summit reserves the right to determine when accommodations are not possible and may make recommendations for outside support services or alternate learning environments. The Summit does not provide in-house evaluations or employ paraprofessionals for 1-1 academic or behavioral support.

We believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also the development of well-rounded individuals. Our middle school classrooms serve as safe, welcoming communities. Daily advisory in middle school is crucial as it provides students with a consistent and supportive space where they can foster meaningful connections with peers and faculty, receive guidance on academic and personal development, and develop crucial life skills in a nurturing environment. Leadership opportunities and service learning projects further instill values of community and shared responsibility.

Our school fosters a positive learning environment that prioritizes building respectful relationships and promoting self-discipline. Teachers utilize proactive strategies, encouraging students to take ownership of their behavior. We emphasize logical consequences and model empathy, fostering a sense of responsibility. Our goal is to create a supportive community where students feel valued, heard, and empowered to make positive choices. Through collaborative efforts between staff, students, and parents, we aim to cultivate a culture of mutual respect, resilience, and continuous growth.

Ensuring the safety of our students is a top priority, and we have stringent safety protocols in place, including trained staff, secure facilities, and regular age-appropriate safety drills.

In Middle School, technology is meaningfully woven into daily lessons, enhancing learning through one-to-one device access. Students engage in inquiry and project-based learning, utilizing laptops to conduct research, create documents, and collaborate on various tasks. The integration of G Suite for Education, including Google Classroom, enables cross-platform document sharing, group project management, collaborative document editing, peer review, and effective telecommunication. This approach not only equips students with essential tech skills but also fosters a dynamic and interactive learning environment. For more information on specific technology tools or platforms used in the classrooms, please visit www.thesummitprep.org/technology.

We offer varied optional extracurricular activities to complement the core curriculum and provide additional enrichment opportunities. The Summit is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and offers a variety of sports and activities driven by student interest. Extracurricular activities for middle school students have included basketball, soccer, cross country, track and field, e-sports, LEGO Robotics, Science Olympiad, speech and debate, guitar, Dungeons & Dragons, and more. 

Prospective families are encouraged to register for our Sr. Camp Raven (6th-12th grade) summer program. Led by enthusiastic instructors, our engaging camp sessions center around themes in art, music, movement, STEM, and more, providing a vibrant and enriching experience for our learners and their friends. Click here for more information on Sr. Camp Raven.

Yes, we encourage parental involvement through regular updates on our classroom blogs, school events, classroom celebrations, and opportunities to participate in our parent organization.

Our Middle School program is dedicated to preparing students for a seamless transition to high school. Academically, we offer a rigorous curriculum, cultivating essential skills for the increased demands of high school coursework. Emphasis on study skills, time management, and personal responsibility equips students for greater independence. Socially and emotionally, middle school provides a platform for developing crucial interpersonal skills. Athletics and extracurricular activities help students discover their passions, guiding their choices in high school.

Our annual “Jump Up” event allows eighth graders to spend a day in the high school to ease the move to a new academic setting, and individualized guidance counseling provides support in academic planning and emotional well-being. The continuity of support networks, including relationships with teachers and peers, ensures a sense of familiarity in the high school environment.

Details regarding the admission process, criteria, and any required documentation can be found on our website here or by contacting our admissions office.