Middle School

Director: Tom O'Connor

In the Tandem Friends School Middle School, we seek to help children become confident, independent learners. The Middle School, while sharing the ideals and philosophies of Tandem Friends as a whole, provides a more structured and closely supervised setting for the academic, social, and emotional growth of our younger students.

The distinctive developmental characteristics of middle school students have been taken into account in creating the curriculum. Students learn to exercise judgment and initiative as well as to assimilate information. To that end, we encourage students to discover and develop their own interests at the same time that they gain the skills and insights derived from study in the traditional disciplines.

We believe in understanding concepts, not just using formulas, and stress the deep understanding that is achieved by working with commitment and creativity. We strive to help children become lifelong learners and emphasize personal responsibility and appreciation of knowledge.

Work within the curriculum deepens our students’ understanding of Quaker school traditions and values. Open meetings are held frequently to encourage students to resolve issues or speak openly about their school experience.

Tandem Friends provides a strong academic program across the Middle School curriculum. Middle School teachers provide a program that broadens experiences, remedies deficiencies, and finally, challenges students to achieve their greatest potential.

5th Grade Classes

Humanities (includes geography, history, and English)
Math
Science through Inquiry
Introduction to Music
Art (1 semester)
Drama (1 semester)
Physical Education

6th Grade Classes

Humanities (includes geography, history, and English)
Math
Earth Science
Latin Ia
Art (1 semester)
Drama (1 semester)
Physical Education

7th Grade Classes

English
American History
Prealgebra
Life Science from a Naturalist Viewpoint
Latin Ib
Art (1 semester)
Drama (1 semester)
Physical Education

8th Grade Classes

English
Ancient and Medieval History
Algebra
Physical Science Explored through Environmental Topics
Latin II or French I or Spanish I
Art (1 semester)
Drama (1 semester)
Physical Education