Middle School: Grades 7–8

We believe that students learn best through doing. Our Middle School follows a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach, where students engage in hands-on projects that challenge their curiosity and creativity. Each project starts with a big question tied to real-world issues, and students work to create meaningful, personalized solutions. Whether they’re building models, designing art, or producing multimedia projects like podcasts, students take ownership of their learning.

Along the way, they collaborate with classmates and receive feedback from teachers, outside experts, and community partners. This method helps them develop real-world skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication—skills they will use throughout their lives.

In line with Montessori’s focus on developing the whole child, our program is designed to help students build confidence and strong character. Through real-world challenges, they learn the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. This is where Montessori’s concept of Valorization comes in—students gain a sense of self-worth and accomplishment as they rise to meet challenges, knowing that their efforts matter.

We encourage students to take on meaningful roles within the school and the community, giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.

Our academic program covers all core subjects: Math, Science, Humanities, and Spanish. But it’s not just about traditional academics. Oak Meadow Middle School weaves Art, Music/Drama, Nature, and Physical Education into the daily curriculum, providing a well-rounded education. These subjects come alive in both short-term and long-term projects, where students can explore their interests, express their creativity, and build essential critical thinking skills.

By integrating these subjects into dynamic, project-based activities, students don’t just learn—they experience learning in a way that’s engaging, meaningful, and memorable.

At Oak Meadow, education extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom. Our students frequently venture out into the world for real-world learning experiences that complement their academic studies. Some of the highlights include:

• Overnight trips to Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, in partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club, where students immerse themselves in nature and learn outdoor skills.
• Visits to local TV stations, where students meet meteorology experts and get a behind-the-scenes look at weather forecasting.
• Farm trips, In partnership with local farms,  students gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
• Hiking excursions and other out-of-state overnight trips that build teamwork, communication, and resilience.

These experiences help students make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the real world, reinforcing the importance of curiosity, exploration, and personal growth.

At Oak Meadow, social-emotional development is as important as academic success. Our curriculum integrates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), giving students the tools to enhance their self-awareness, empathy, and relationship-building skills. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, students learn how to manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and navigate social challenges.

SEL helps students build strong connections with peers and adults, develop healthy coping strategies, and foster a positive, inclusive school environment. This focus on emotional intelligence equips our students with the interpersonal skills they need to thrive not only in school but in life.

The Middle School Art program marks a transition from exploration to intentional artistic practice. Students work in a studio environment that emphasizes independence, sustained focus, and reflective decision-making, while remaining grounded in Montessori values and the Studio Habits of Mind. At this stage, students are encouraged not only to experiment, but to articulate ideas, refine techniques, and take ownership of their creative process.

Building on prior knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design, students apply these concepts with increasing precision and purpose. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, they investigate how visual choices communicate meaning and shape perception. Artist studies serve as case studies for analyzing visual systems, color interaction, and rhythm, prompting students to think critically about how art operates.

Interdisciplinary projects deepen this work by connecting art to literature, philosophy, and history, inviting students to engage with complex themes such as identity and transformation. Through independent projects, collaborative critiques, and reflective discussion, students develop problem-solving skills, visual literacy, and confidence as emerging artists who can think, plan, revise, and express ideas with clarity and intention.

The Middle School Music & Drama curriculum includes rotating units in improv acting, Shakespeare, modern theatre, Greek drama, Commedia dell’arte, digital music composition, contemporary experimental music, Native American music and dance, and Balinese shadow puppetry, and Gamelan orchestral music. Many students also study musical instruments or voice at Oak Meadow after school, and participate in optional ensembles such as Concert Choir, Beginner and Advanced Bands, the Afterschool Musical Theatre production, and Oakapellas, our student-led a cappella vocal ensemble.

The Middle School Nature-Based Learning program invites students to explore the natural world through hands-on, experiential study. Through gardening, fieldwork, and environmental economics, students deepen their understanding of ecological systems while building curiosity, responsibility, and a sense of connection to their environment.

Students begin the year working in the school’s community garden, researching plants, and redesigning spaces. Forestry studies at local conservation land allow students to identify tree species, measure growth, estimate age, and strengthen observation skills through field journaling. Creative experiences such as ephemeral nature art encourage reflection on change, impermanence, and respect for natural materials.

As the year continues, students study sustainability and examine their own role in the environment. They work to develop solutions to how our garden can be more sustainable and take charge of a large-scale project. By stepping into leadership roles, students develop collaboration, communication, and confidence while contributing meaningfully to the school community and their shared outdoor spaces.

The Middle School Physical Education program supports students in building confidence, strength, and healthy movement habits through engaging, inclusive activities. Classes emphasize teamwork, communication, cooperation, and sportsmanship while helping students continue to develop gross and fine motor skills.

Each class begins with a brief check-in and warm-up, followed by games and activities that encourage physical skill development, strategic thinking, and collaboration. Students participate in a wide range of experiences, including team sports such as soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, as well as individual and small-group activities. These opportunities help students deepen their understanding of rules, safety, and fair play.

In addition to sports, students explore health and wellness practices that promote lifelong fitness, including mindful movement, nature walks, and off-campus adventures. Classes end with time to slow down and reset, supporting self-awareness and a smooth transition to the rest of the school day. Through movement and play, students build resilience, strengthen friendships, and develop skills that support lifelong health and well-being.

The Middle School Spanish program creates a supportive and engaging environment where students build confidence communicating in a new language while exploring diverse cultures. Through meaningful conversation, storytelling, music, movement, and creative projects, students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish.

Lessons are designed around personally relevant and culturally rich themes such as daily life, travel, food, health, sports, and community. Students practice high-frequency vocabulary and grammar structures through interactive activities including role-play, storytelling, interviews, collaborative games, and imaginative writing. Language learning is active and encourages students to take risks and express ideas with growing independence.

Cultural exploration is woven throughout the curriculum as students learn about traditions, celebrations, and people from Spanish-speaking countries. Connections between language, art, and history deepen understanding and curiosity. Throughout the program, students develop fluency, cultural awareness, and confidence as communicators, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with the wider world.