Middle School (Grades 5-8) -- Please note that the Middle School may not be accepting applications for the 2009-2010 school year. Please call for information.
Middle School begins the slow, gradual process of moving toward full independence
Beginning in the 5th grade, students begin the slow, gradual process of
moving toward full independence. All curricula for these grades give
children an opportunity to begin the long process of becoming an
independent student. Each subject area has its own syllabus, and all
the major supplementary books and materials needed for the school year.
These materials are written to be read and understood by the student,
with teacher intervention and guidance on an as-needed basis.
The 5th grade focuses on geography and American history through the
Civil War, and the literature, arts and crafts of that period. The
principles of environmental science are presented experientially, using
an exciting “hands on” approach that gets students involved in projects
that help the environment. The English curriculum focuses upon the
classics of literature, basic grammar skills and spelling. Oak Meadow’s
math curriculum for the 5th grade balances the need for an incremental
approach to learning as well as the need for lots of practice of the
particular skill being taught in each lesson.
The 6th grade course of study focuses upon ancient world civilizations,
life science, the Oak Meadow math course for this grade level, and
several classics of children’s literature woven around continued work
with basic grammar, spelling and vocabulary.
The 7th grade curriculum picks up the study of world history at the
enlightenment and brings the student to the present. Again, children’s
classics and opportunities to develop writing skills are taught. Earth
science and Oak Meadow math round out the course of study.
The 8th grade course is designed to culminatively prepare the student
for the rigors of high school. Civics is presented using an
experiential approach; the physical science course is “hands on,” and
touches upon the kinds of complexities the student will encounter in
high school; the pre-algebra course is indeed preparation for high
school algebra.
Classroom Study
Students in grades 5-8 pursue their academic work in a classroom
setting similar to the old-fashioned “one-room schoolhouse.” All
fifteen students (maximum), scattered in grades from grade 5-8, work in
one room under the tutelage of a teacher who provides structure,
direction, teaching, and hands-on help in the learning process. Class
is held Monday through Thursday from 9am to 2pm. The Middle
School has its own networked computer lab for student use. Students may
work individually, with a partner, or in small groups, at times as
directed by the teacher, and at other times at their own
discretion.
The Class Teacher
In addition to the teaching and very personal involvement of the
teacher on a daily basis, each Middle School student meets with a
supervising teacher (known as the Class Teacher) who thoroughly reviews
and records completed lessons every two weeks in a personal, sit-down
meeting with the student (these meetings are pre-scheduled for an
entire semester, and of course parents are invited and encouraged to
attend them). This meeting involves teaching, direction, and ongoing
evaluation of academic and personal progress. This evaluation is
formalized in three Quarterly Evaluations (every twelve weeks) which
become a part of the student’s cumulative file. 5th and 6th grade
students are normally evaluated in narrative style without grades; 7th
and 8th gradee students receive grades along with a narrative
evaluation.
Middle School Fees
Middle School monthly fees are in addition to the Enrollment fee (see
Admissions), and are payable according to a contract signed by families
at the beginning of the school year (annually, quarterly, or monthly).
The annual tuition (not including enrollment fee and books) for a
student is $3550.00. This fee may be paid on an annual, quarterly
($1184.00) or monthly ($355.00) basis.