Middle School Course of Study

The Middle School Arts program is committed to providing students with educational experiences in both the visual and performing arts. The goal of the program is to encourage creativity and self-expression while exploring different media and techniques, thereby developing skills that will serve students in both their artistic and academic endeavors. 

Students experiment with a variety of media and techniques, ranging from acrylic painting, collage, and watercolor to sculpture and mixed media projects. Using group discussion and critiques, students strive toward developing the verbal and visual skills necessary to talk about their work and ideas. By working on group projects, students are given the opportunity to exchange ideas and share decision-making in the creation of collaborative pieces. Several projects are coordinated with information from other course studies so that students can better understand their relationship to art through an interdisciplinary lens. Students are encouraged to explore, take risks, and express their own concepts and individuality. 

Performing Arts 
Music and drama provide students with a showcase for their talent and give them opportunities to perform in front of an audience of their peers, parents, and other members of the community. The Middle School music program continues the music appreciation cultivated in the Lower School through required music courses across all three grades. Students choose between Vocal Ensemble and Instrumental Music, and all students have some experience with technical music literacy skills. The Vocal Ensemble and Instrumental classes perform annually at community concerts. Middle School students also have various theatrical performance opportunities each year, ranging from a musical, working closely with Upper School, to a play and/or cabaret performance. Students may also choose to be a part of the technical team for these shows, contributing to set building, stage management, or lighting design.
 Clubs and activities are available each year for students who wish to go further with their work in the performing arts.

The Middle School Computer Science curriculum centers around building competence in the technical skills that will present students with a world of endless opportunities. The goal of the program is to motivate students to use technology to their advantage by introducing them to a variety of useful applications. Topics of study include advanced word processing, audiovisual editing, computational thinking, Python programming, web development, 3D modeling, and graphic design. Throughout the program, proper keyboarding techniques are reinforced along with guidelines on practicing safe online behavior and digital citizenship. Innovation and critical thinking are emphasized, and the exploration and use of AI is an important step in building AI literacy. Students leave Middle School equipped with the problem-solving and technical skills required to be active learners and contributors in the digital world. Electives are offered each year for students who wish to go further in their study of computer science.

English 6 
In English 6, students embark on an exciting journey to sharpen their reading, writing, and discussion skills—key tools for developing an analytical and critical mindset. Thought-provoking literary selections both challenge and captivate students, helping them build a strong foundation in close reading and the essential elements of fiction, while independent reading allows them to choose books that spark personal interest. As students actively explore and respond to essential thematic questions, they bring fresh insights and ideas to each discussion. Writing is also a critical focus, and students regularly sharpen their skills through both expository and creative forms, with opportunities to manage longer projects that build organizational skills. Students strengthen their vocabulary as well, while developing a solid foundation in grammar, including parts of speech, sentence structure, agreement, and punctuation, through focused exercises and extensive creative writing, making the learning experience both engaging and enjoyable. 

English 7 
In English 7, students engage with a wider range of reading and writing goals, developing sharper, more analytical readers and writers. Students dive deeper into literary conventions and forms, gaining a richer understanding of genres and the key elements of fiction, while also exploring a variety of other texts through self-chosen independent reading and thoughtful responses that make the reading and writing experience personal and engaging. Writing becomes even more purposeful as students practice regularly, learning to organize their ideas and support them with strong textual evidence. Creative writing in both prose and poetry sparks students’ imaginations and strengthens their vocabulary and descriptive writing skills; grammar, usage, and mechanics are reinforced through students’ own writing and targeted lessons. Students also develop their oral communication skills through dynamic project presentations, dramatic scene performances, and expressive poetry recitations, making English 7 an interactive and inspiring exploration of literature.

English 8 
In English 8, students engage more thoroughly with the power of language as they refine their reading, writing, and discussion skills by exploring a variety of complex literature, including their exciting first introduction to the writings of William Shakespeare. Their analysis of character and meaning becomes more thoughtful, setting the stage for stronger analytical writing. Focused lessons on crafting thesis statements, introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions emphasize the clear, logical structure essential to effective analytical writing. As students learn to critically evaluate their own work, they also strengthen their vocabulary and grammar skills, which are vital for success. Through lively discussions, students practice active listening, learn to disagree respectfully, and build on one another’s ideas, collaborating to generate fresh insights together and foster a deeper understanding of the chosen texts.

Writing Lab
Writing Lab meets once a week as a dedicated space where students sharpen their writing skills with personalized support from teachers. During these sessions, students receive targeted feedback and guidance on their current assignments, helping them refine their ideas, organization, and expression. Beyond individual work, Writing Lab offers opportunities to engage with interdisciplinary projects that connect writing to other subjects, making learning more relevant and dynamic. Additionally, students participate in focused grammatical exercises designed to strengthen their command of language mechanics, which in turn enhances both their analytical and creative writing abilities. This collaborative and supportive environment encourages students to experiment with different styles and techniques, build confidence, and develop a stronger, more versatile writing voice.
 

Health
The Middle School Health curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of health concepts, including the intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of healthy living, as well as the metacognitive skills to support growth and development. Each class is a forum for discussion, providing students with an opportunity to identify their own attitudes and beliefs concerning critical health issues. Topics taught in Health 6 include mental and emotional health, personal health, nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, family health, and sexuality. Health 7 topics include alcohol and drugs, peer pressure and refusal skills, family health and sexuality, the reproductive system, body systems, nutrition, and social, physical, and emotional health. Health 8 topics include family health and sexuality, gender and consent, STDs, first aid, fitness, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. All three grades also take part in the Teens and Tech curriculum, developed in partnership with the University of North Carolina Winston National Center on Technology Use, Brain, and Psychological Development. This curriculum delves into the basics of neuroscience, helping students understand how social media and technology influence brain development. By providing this knowledge, we empower students to make informed decisions about their technology use.

Physical Education
The Physical Education and Athletics program provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of activities through sequential instruction and movement. Students practice and strengthen the foundational skills introduced in the program through cooperative participation in group activities. Organized warm-ups, drills, and practice sessions help students attain proficiency in specific sports skills and the development of physical fitness. Students learn rules, skills, and strategies related to physical activities. The three main areas of activities for the Middle School program are health-related physical fitness, individual sports and activities, and team sports and activities. All Physical Education and athletic activities stress a sense of healthy competition, fair play, leadership, and sportsmanship.

History 6 
The History 6 curriculum comprises the study of the ancient world, from prehistoric human development through a variety of classical civilizations. Beginning with basic skills in geography and mapping, students move on to the Old and New Stone Ages, touching upon the tools and skills used by historians and archeologists. They cover the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome in considerable depth, developing their understanding of the major trends that influenced the growth of cultures. Connections to the present are a key emphasis, providing students with an opportunity to explore new ways of engaging with the material. Through their coverage of the historical content in the course, students strengthen their knowledge of geography and study skills. In order to develop their ability to articulate sound historical arguments, students participate in class discussions focused on a range of primary and secondary sources. Through a variety of exercises including guided reading, writing assignments, projects, presentations, and short research explorations, students are encouraged to think critically and form generalizations. Time is also reserved for discussion of current events, particularly when they touch upon ideas or issues from the cultures under study.

History 7 
The 7th Grade studies the history of the United States from pre-colonial times through the Civil War. The students use both their textbooks and a wide variety of primary and secondary sources to trace the beginnings of our nation and to understand the ideas and motives that have driven our geographic expansion and our social, technological, and political growth. Particular attention is paid to the early explorers, the Revolutionary War and its aftermath, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, immigration, the Industrial Revolution, and the causes and events of the Civil War. Regular writing assignments prioritize thoughtful analysis, and students develop their research skills through papers, projects, and presentations. Map work is a significant component of the course, allowing students to foster their geographical skills. Students are encouraged to draw connections to the present, with time reserved for the study of current events, particularly as they relate to the topics under study. Emphases on civic engagement and a sense of citizenship are key elements of the class, as students encounter various issues from the American past and mature their critical thinking abilities in the process.
 

History 8 
U.S. History 8 picks up where History 7 ends, covering topics in U.S. history from Reconstruction to the present. Through the use of primary sources, a variety of secondary source materials, and multimedia, students analyze the main concepts and historical trends of the period, developing a better understanding of how events in our nation's past influence the present. The course emphasizes analytic reasoning, and students are expected to evidence such skills in written and oral form. As students encounter new material and techniques, they are presented with numerous modes of learning, using data-informed methodologies that most effectively help them build long-term retention of the subjects they are examining. An ongoing aspect of the course is an inquiry into the richly pluralistic development of our nation and an examination of the causes and effects of various social, political, cultural, militaristic, and economic phenomena of America's past. Through these investigations, students foster a greater sense of community and civic responsibility, as well as the analytical skills to prepare them for the next step in their scholastic careers.



Math 6 
In Math 6, students embark on an exciting journey to unlock the power of numbers and problem-solving. This curriculum builds a strong foundation in essential computational skills that empower students to navigate everyday life with confidence. As they master whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, students also discover the beauty of data through statistics and graphing. The metric system becomes a familiar tool, woven seamlessly throughout their learning. Early algebraic and geometric ideas spark curiosity and creativity. Throughout the year, students connect math to the world around them, seeing how it shapes everything from science to art—and their own future possibilities.

Pre-Algebra
7th grade Pre-Algebra invites students to move beyond just “how” math works to explore the exciting “why” behind it. This course deepens their understanding of fractions, decimals, and percents while integrating powerful problem-solving strategies in every lesson. Students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills as they tackle numerical and algebraic expressions, learning to evaluate and solve equations with confidence. Emphasis on writing and applying mathematical concepts prepares them to be thinkers who don’t just solve problems but understand the logic and creativity that math offers in everyday life and beyond.

Algebra I
8th grade Algebra I is a gateway to advanced mathematical thinking, designed to challenge and inspire every student. With two sections tailored to readiness and achievement, this course focuses on nurturing problem-solving skills, critical reasoning, and analytical thinking. Students dive deep into the world of properties, integers, rational numbers, equations, inequalities, exponents, and graphing linear equations—building powerful tools for success. Whether continuing Algebra I in 9th grade or advancing to Geometry, students emerge equipped not only with knowledge but with the confidence to approach complex challenges and unlock new opportunities in their academic journey and future careers.

Science 6 
The primary focus of Science 6 is to develop an understanding of the Earth, its environment, and sustainability. Throughout the year, students explore key topics such as ecology and ecosystems, environmental quality, and biodiversity. Engaging in hands-on experiences, students gain practical field experience by contributing to NYC’s Billion Oyster Project’s mission of restoring one billion oysters to the harbor by 2035. In addition to maintaining an oyster research site, students adopt an oyster research tank in the classroom, fostering a sense of responsibility and ecological stewardship. The course emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and collaboration, blending experience engaging in scientific exploration with ecological consciousness, preparing students to be informed and active participants in environmental conservation efforts.

Science 7 
Students in Science 7 spend the year developing a foundation of biological literacy. The goal of the course is to help students learn biological science while challenging them to push themselves beyond what is easily comprehensible. The course focuses on investigative and hands-on scientific discoveries. The emphasis at the start of the course is on the scientific method, cellular components, cell processes, and cell reproduction. As the year progresses, we investigate genetics, evolution, and plants. Finally, we explore human body systems and ecology, and engage in hands-on dissection. Students use the scientific method and the metric system for precise measurements in their laboratory work, and they learn the correct use of citations. Students also continue to develop and refine the process of writing laboratory reports.

Science 8 
In Science 8, students apply analytical skills to the investigation of the basic principles of physics and chemistry. We expect students to apply the scientific method in hypothesizing, interpreting events, and predicting outcomes. The laboratory program focuses on classical physics and introductory chemistry. Some of the investigations
the students pursue are accelerated motion, momentum, energy conservation, and single replacement reactions. The students engage in a colloquium after each investigation and write formal laboratory reports. Math skills and scientific skills are developed throughout the course. 
 

The Skills Department offers a course that reinforces and strengthens concepts taught in the Middle School curriculum. 6th and 7th grade students take Strategic Mindsets: Mastering Metacognition, using the SMARTS program to explore a variety of strategies to improve executive functioning skills and work through the organizational transition to Middle School.

In the Strategic Mindsets course in 6th grade, students focus on transitioning into Middle School by learning about what executive functioning is and how their brains work through metacognition, creating achievable and appropriate goals, learning research skills, practicing listening skills, following directions, and thinking about how to shift perspectives and think flexibly. In 7th grade students further develop their organizational skills and work on learning about time management, note-taking techniques, and studying for tests to enhance their ability to complete the coursework in their classes. 


Students select French, Spanish, or Japanese in the 6th Grade and study one of these languages throughout their Middle School years. This comprises the School’s required three-year language sequence. 

World Language 6 
Students in 6th grade choose to study French, Spanish, or Japanese. In World Language 6, they develop a foundation for continued language study in Middle and Upper School. We emphasize student communication as students learn vocabulary in thematic units. The curriculum introduces basic elements of grammar, including verb conjugation, gender agreement, and sentence construction. Dialogues, skits, songs, and games supplement the linguistic and cultural dimensions of the course. 

World Language 7
In 7th grade, French, Spanish, and Japanese instruction continues to stress a functional and communicative approach to language learning. Students develop more complex sentence structures and acquire vocabulary evocative of everyday life. Grammatical instruction focuses on accurate expression, and video and audio technology are used, in conjunction with the textbook, to enhance this skill. These, combined with authentic materials, allow students to further their language proficiency and develop an appreciation of different people and cultures. 

World Language 8 
In 8th grade, French, Spanish, and Japanese classes continue the development of the four language skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Using text as well as audio and video technology, students learn an increasingly rich body of vocabulary, structure, and idioms, all linked to real-life situations. This course is designed to build solid written and oral communication skills to prepare for intermediate and advanced levels of language. We supplement the curriculum with activities fostering a deeper understanding of culture and civilization.
 

The Middle School advisory program is a cornerstone of student support and personal development at Birch Wathen Lenox. Each student is placed into a small advisory group that meets four times per week with a dedicated advisor. These sessions are designed to provide consistent guidance, connection, and reflection during a time of profound growth.

Advisors serve as a primary point of contact for both students and families, monitoring academic progress and fostering open communication with parents and the broader school community. But the advisory role goes far beyond oversight. It is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and to anchor each student within a nurturing, responsive learning environment.

Advisory time includes daily check-ins, community announcements, and engagement in a spiraling curriculum that evolves with the developmental needs of students. Topics include media literacy, mindfulness, emotional health, ethical decision-making, and social identity. Through guided conversations and interactive activities, students explore who they are, how they relate to others, and the values that guide their choices.

Our advisory program is grounded in the belief that learning and growth flourish when students feel known, supported, and empowered. It is a space where peer connections deepen, student-teacher bonds are strengthened, and the journey of adolescence is met with care, clarity, and purpose.

In addition, our comprehensive approach to student wellness integrates social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and leadership development into the fabric of daily life. Students are encouraged to take healthy risks, learn from mistakes, and contribute to a positive school culture. By promoting resilience, self-awareness, and empathy, we help students build the foundations for success in Upper School and beyond.

See the BWL Athletics web page.

All Middle School students are required to participate in a club or activity during one of the twice-weekly blocks built into the school day, with the option to join a second club if they wish. These rotating offerings include over 25 different options across the year, and students can rotate through choices each term. Offerings have included Ethics Team, Math Olympiad, Chess Club, Anime and Manga Club, Magazine Club, Environmental Club, and many others. There are additional opportunities for clubs and activities after school, including Robotics, Rock Band, the Middle School Play or Musical, and Intramural Sports. In addition, BWL hosts a Middle School Spelling Bee as part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Elective courses play a vital role in the Middle School experience at Birch Wathen Lenox, offering students the opportunity to pursue their individual interests while deepening their academic engagement. These courses serve as a powerful complement to the core curriculum, encouraging students to take intellectual risks, explore emerging passions, and develop a sense of agency in their learning.

Beginning in 6th grade, students are introduced to the elective program with classes that meet once weekly. In 7th and 8th grades, students choose from a broader array of electives that meet twice weekly, allowing for more sustained exploration. Each course runs throughout the academic year and is rooted in project-based learning, with students actively creating, problem-solving, and collaborating to build new knowledge.

Electives are designed with the same academic rigor and intentionality as our core courses, and they challenge students to think critically and creatively. Recent offerings have included classes in Computer Science, such as Game Design and Digital Discoveries, Science, including Urban Agriculture, Civics and Ethics, Latin, and Entrepreneurship. These courses invite students to connect their classroom learning to the broader world and to begin imagining how their unique skills and interests might shape the future.

By engaging in electives, Middle School students not only expand their academic horizons but also build confidence in their choices, voice, and vision. The elective program reflects our belief that education should honor the whole child—nurturing curiosity, initiative, and the joy of discovery.

At Birch Wathen Lenox, Middle School students don’t just study their world; they experience it. New York City becomes a powerful extension of our learning environment, turning field trips into immersive, real-time educational opportunities. We believe that meaningful learning reaches beyond the classroom, and our city provides an extraordinary setting for that vision to unfold. This cultural immersion is a key set of tools our teaching faculty members have at their disposal to enhance our curriculum with the world around us.

Students explore subjects through hands-on engagement with museums, landmarks, cultural centers, natural habitats, and neighborhood institutions. Each trip is thoughtfully aligned with the curriculum, helping students deepen their understanding and apply knowledge in active, relevant ways. Whether analyzing artifacts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, observing ecosystems along the East River, or studying immigration and identity at the Museum of the City of New York, students are invited to see learning as both intellectual and experiential.

Past and planned excursions include the New York Public Library, Broadway theaters, El Museo del Barrio, the Jewish Heritage Museum, the Museum of Natural History, Central Park, John Jay Park, Newtown Creek Wastewater Recovery Facility, and the greenhouse at Riverbank State Park, among many others. These visits offer direct connections to science, history, literature, the arts, and civic life, helping students discover the intersections between their studies and the world around them.

Each grade also participates in a dedicated team-building trip early in the school year, designed to strengthen peer connections and encourage collaboration. Our 8th graders join the 5th grade for an overnight retreat focused on leadership development, mentorship, and community building. These experiences help students grow not only as learners but also as individuals with a sense of purpose and belonging.

In every neighborhood, museum, and park, the city itself becomes a classroom. It invites students to ask questions, think critically, and engage deeply with their learning and with the world they are preparing to shape.

The Independent Study Program, available as an elective in 7th and 8th grade, provides opportunities for highly motivated students to explore a particular subject or topic of interest while developing the skills to produce high-level academic projects. The program is designed for students who are excelling in a specific subject area and want to expand their knowledge through independent study and mentorship, learning to produce high-quality academic writing while presenting their ideas and research in a symposium setting. Students are paired with a mentor teacher in their focused subject area, as well as an Independent Study advisor for their weekly classes. These faculty members provide direction, support, and the necessary skills for students to explore their passions and produce a final project of which they can be proud. Each Independent Study takes place for the year, with a culminating Independent Study Symposium where students present what they have learned and created.

Civic and ethical learning culminates in 8th grade through our Leadership Course that meets weekly throughout the year. Building upon the premise that leadership and ethical decision-making are not innate but rather learned and cultivated, our 8th graders are challenged to become the everyday leaders of our Middle School. Beginning with an exploration of the habits and qualities that make an effective leader, students search out those qualities in themselves, asking not just what they value but why. The leadership journey then moves outward by aligning such discovery more profoundly with our school community. Students ultimately collaborate on a capstone project they identify as an essential commitment and responsibility, which is completed and presented to our Middle School faculty, administration, and student body.

Students in the Middle School are expected to reach out, in meaningful ways, to their communities and not only serve them but also, in their service, learn the value of civic responsibility and the power of the individual to take part in strengthening these communities. The Middle School raises awareness of needs in our communities and offers many opportunities for students to work with and learn from different local and global organizations. Student preparation, action, and reflection lead to an enriched learning experience. Students are expected to participate in two school-sponsored service projects per semester. The school expects that students will become global citizens who take an active role in shaping their world through consistent and willing participation in these and other projects that they identify, develop, and/or engage with.