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Middle School Philosophy
Middle School is a time of growth, change, and discovery. Our goal is to foster the development of healthy, happy, responsible, and productive adolescents. Students in grades 5 and 6 have the opportunity to change classes and choose electives while students in grades 7 and 8 continue to see their academic choices grow. They have a new freedom and independence that is accompanied by support and guidance from teachers. Organizational, communication, and social skills are honed through classroom and homework assignments, projects, and social and athletic opportunities. Academic abilities and interests are challenged through rigorous course work. During these years, our children become adolescents. They have the opportunity to take risks, discover talents, and stretch themselves in the comfort of a wholesome, nurturing environment.
Educational Records Bureau Comprehensive Testing Program IV (CPT IV)
Gaston Day School evaluates curriculum and grade level performance through the yearly administration of the CPT IV. Each spring, students in grades 2-9 are administered the CPT IV, a standardized, nationally-normed instrument that measures quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, math achievement, and application skills. Percentile scores are shared with parents and provide important comparative information for curriculum planning and individual academic advising. Students are prepared for the CPT IV through their normal courses of study that emphasizes higher order thinking skills. CPT IV test results are reliable predictors of academic success and reflect a strong correlation with SAT scores.
Technology Resources
Computers are an integral part of daily life for students at Gaston Day School. Students regularly use word processing and presentation software for their coursework. They have access to two campus computer labs for online research and computer-based instruction, while teachers have access to the latest technology and walk students through on-line research techniques within their classrooms. Our student/family/faculty web portal, Edline.net, gives students and families online "on-demand" access to assignments, course handouts, grade books, and due dates.
Library Resources
The George F. Henry III Library serves the students in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Its design offers a large story area for the Lower School classes as well as generous accommodations of space and resources for individual and class research by Middle and Upper School students. The library's current collection contains 12,915 cataloged volumes. In addition to the many print periodicals, Gaston Day students and faculty have full access to 450 electronic magazines and journals through a Thomson-Gale academic database subscription.
After-School Program
After school care and enrichment programs are offered to students through grade 8.
College Placement
College Placement begins in the final year of middle school, 8th grade, when students meet individually with the college counselor to develop their preliminary four-year course plans. The 9th and 10th grades expand on those plans to include personal development goals, the focusing of extra-curricular activities to achieve those goals, and an initial look at the college process timeline. The 11th grade year focuses on the exploring of college options and personal assessment through an off-campus overnight College Planning Retreat. College Placement services culminate in the senior year with the college application process, scholarship application process, and final selection of college or university.
Advisory Program
All Middle and Upper School students at Gaston Day School have a faculty advisor. For students in grades 5-8, this individual is their homeroom teacher. Students in grades 9-12 select their advisor based on individual interests and needs. Advisors meet regularly with advisee groups to discuss pertinent issues and serve as a resource and support to students. Advisors also meet individually with students and parents to provide direction and monitor student progress.
Community Service
Volunteerism is an important component of the educational mission at Gaston Day School. Involvement in service activities enables students to learn about the needs of individuals and our community while instilling a sense of personal responsibility and commitment to others. Throughout the school year, Middle School faculty and students, by grade level, plan and sponsor a variety of community service projects and enrichment activities.
President's Service Award
Students at Gaston Day School are encouraged to extend themselves and actively serve as volunteers in the larger community. The President's Service Award, signed by the President of the United States, recognizes students who have served 100 or more hours in a one-year period. Awards are presented at the school's awards ceremony each spring.
Middle School Curriculum
| Fifth | Sixth | Seventh | Eighth | |
| English | Literature and Composition | |||
| Math | 5th Grade Math | 6th Grade Math | 7th Grade Math 7th Grade Math (Honors) Honors Algebra I |
Pre-Algebra Honors Algebra I Honors Geometry |
| Science | Earth Science | Life Science | Conceptual Chemistry | Conceptual Physics |
| Social Studies | World Geography | World Geography | American History | World History (Ancient through Renaissance) |
| World Languages | 1 semester Spanish 1 semester French |
Language Acquisition (study Greek and Latin root words and mythology) |
Latin | Spanish I or French I |
| Fine Arts/Electives | Students enroll in three electives each year: one music class (Chorus or Band) plus two one-semester electives in Art, Drama, Media/Technology, or Study Hall. Electives meet 3 times in a 7-day rotation. | Students enroll in one elective each year: Chorus, Band, Art, or Drama. Electives meet 6 times in a 7-day rotation. | ||
| Physical Education | P.E. classes follow the Presidential Physical Fitness Program and meet 3 times in a 7-day rotation. | |||