The Perfect Setting for That Critical Time of a Student’s Life!
The Middle School years (7th and 8th grade) form a critical transition period, from a student competent in the basics of reading, writing and mathematics to a student launched into more serious academic study. At this age we focus not only on raising the standards of those basic tools learned earlier, but also helping our students become more independent learners with increased understanding of how what they learn in school integrates with and relates to real life.
Hands On Learning
Application of the data is stressed above all. The end goal of each course is the ability to apply what was learned. Rather than engaging in study for study’s sake, Middle School students are given numerous practical assignments and projects, which serve to emphasize the use of the data in life. This is especially important at this age, since these students are starting to become more aware of the world around them and more able to connect things they are studying to things they see in their lives.
Mastery of the Basics
Students work their way through an extensive reading program while in Middle School, reading books from a list of fiction, historical fiction, biographies, autobiographies, and non-fiction. Our reading program is designed to keep students interested in reading while they increase and expand their vocabulary and depth of understanding of people and ideas. Middle School students read an average of 80–100 books a year.
Students also master all core curriculum subjects as well as gaining study, communication, critical thinking and research skills.
The Arts
The arts are considered an important part of the student’s education. Students are given an opportunity to advance themselves creatively in areas of their own interest. Fine arts, crafts, , music, & theater.
Theatrical performances are scheduled regularly during the school year, and we make it a point to display our award winning student artwork in as many places around the school as we can.
Athletics
Emphasis in athletics is on discipline, hard work, team spirit, sportsmanship and fun. Students also participate daily in some form of physical exercise and games.
Life Skills
Ethics & Integrity
Understanding the meaning of ethics, morals and their relationship to one’s life is an important element of the Middle School program.
Study Skills
Students do a thorough study skills class at this level and become more proficient at being effective students and overcoming study barriers. (Link to Study Technology page)
Practical
There are practical requirements for Middle School students throughout their studies, providing them with important real-life experience in conducting experiments, making useful products, participating in activities that further enhance their understanding of the subjects taught or in learning a new skill. Practicals consist of both projects and skill development.
Projects have included such things as running a simple business, participating in a community service project, crossing plants to get a hybrid, writing a short play or helping to create the yearbook. Field trips help them to make that connection even more real.
Postal Address
Phone & Email
Phone: ( 201 ) 871 -8808
Fax: (201) 871-8809
info@abilityschoolnj.org
Business Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Closed on Weekends