Empowering Students: Middle School

The transition from lower school to middle school marks a pivotal moment in a student's educational journey. New responsibilities and learning opportunities lead to a significant leap towards autonomy. At The Willows, we embrace this transition as a transformative period for our students, recognizing each child's unique gift—a curious mind, ready to explore and eager to learn. 

The middle school years, which are vital to advancing academic skills and delving into more critical topics, also offer a testing ground for uncovering passions. The experiences that a student has in middle school can make a substantial long-term impact, and help determine a unique path for their future. The middle school program is carefully constructed to allow students to explore, think deeply, gain independence, and grow academically and emotionally.

Middle School faculty and staff play a crucial role in this developmental phase. While guiding students, they also challenge them to unearth meaning for themselves. Student empowerment is a vital trait of our school culture, with students encouraged to actively participate in shaping their educational journey. Middle School prepares students for the future by offering them the tools to take ownership of their learning and shape their future.

"Another way they show more autonomy is when they’re given choices about how to demonstrate their understanding and analysis of a topic through writing or art or public speaking.” - Lil Mingall, Willows Middle School Teacher

Middle school teachers Lil Mingall and Brian Tousey, who have been at the Willows for over a decade, have a wide breadth of experience in both nurturing and challenging students to develop their interests. Discussing student independence and autonomy, Lil shares that “in the Middle School, students are encouraged to become advocates for themselves and to take more ownership over their own learning. This means interacting directly with their teachers. Another way they show more autonomy is when they’re given choices about how to demonstrate their understanding and analysis of a topic through writing or art or public speaking.”

With increased autonomy comes the need for responsible decision-making. Understanding the challenges pre-teens face, The Willows faculty takes a proactive approach, guiding students to make sound judgments as they gain more independence. Brian offers that “A big part of what we do in the Middle School is to help our students make good choices, good decisions, both while they are here and after they move on from us. The best way to do that, I’ve found, is to provide our students some “ownership” of their education. That can happen in the classroom, where certain projects give them the freedom to express themselves, to Friday electives, where the students can choose their afternoon curriculum to suit their interests.” The move to Middle School as a rising 6th Grader isn't a plunge into the unknown; it's a progression supported by familiar experiences and supportive faculty.

The introduction of certain activities and programs in preceding grades are designed to support the transition to Middle School and ensure student success. This intentional exposure allows for a smoother transition, reducing the anxiety often associated with newfound independence.

There are a few distinct features of the Middle School that are incorporated into the Upper Elementary School curriculum. Examples of this include the use of digital educational technologies, yearly Intersession projects, or the addition of electives in the 5th grade curriculum along with days dedicated to our 5th grade students visiting the Middle School. There are a variety of curricular components intended to cultivate the first steps of independence before students reach middle school.

The move to Middle School is a purposeful transition, fostering autonomy and self-discovery. With dedicated educators leading and challenging students each day, they not only gain academic skills but also learn self-advocacy. We balance autonomy and responsibility, ensuring students make informed decisions. It’s crucial for us to empower students, provide the tools to actively shape their educational journey, and prepare them for the future. ​​We want our students to shine, spread their wings, and take risks in our safe, nurturing DK-8 structure.

Learn more about The Willows Middle School Program HERE.