Academic Program
Middle School
Philosophy
We’re a noisy, messy school in really good ways. There is such joy in guiding our Middle Schoolers as they begin to define their talents and interests, develop important study skills and take on increased responsibility as members of the school community.
We believe that deep, sustained learning is underpinned by relationships: students with their teachers who manage each individual’s progress, as well as students with their peers who work collaboratively in classrooms and advisory groups. With the support of teachers, advisors, grade deans and athletic coaches, students become more independent in their learning, more critical in their thinking, and they begin to exercise leadership skills.
Explore Our Curriculum
Learning Through Wonder
List of 3 items.
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A World of Curiosity
How did things come to be? Who thought of it first? I am wondering why.Middle School students are increasingly interested in deepening their understanding of the world, looking for facts, gathering and analyzing data, interrogating evidence and drawing their own conclusions. -
An Amazing Sense that Everything is Possible
What am I curious about? What am I excited to learn?As they learn about people, places and concepts that have not been a part of their sphere, Middle Schoolers have an opportunity to find different entry points to their learning. Their emerging scholarly skills and confidence allow them to keep testing the boundaries of their imagination and capacity. -
Imagining Themselves in the World
What makes New York City resilient to climate change?Every subject stretches students’ imaginations to move back in time in order to better understand contemporary issues, investigate and articulate points of view, calculate and interpret data, develop empathy, and expand their vocabulary and presentation skills as they establish connection between their interests and the larger world.
Developing Essential Skills and Habits of Mind
Community of Learning
I can change the world. I am going to change the world.
Leadership is a big topic in Middle School as students are eager to know more about themselves, how to work with others, and make a positive impact in their sphere of influence. Club meetings take center stage in the daily schedule to allow time and space for students’ creativity and initiatives within a collaborative structure. They find a deeper connection between their knowledge and interests, and develop teamwork and advocacy skills in groups like Sustainability Club, Literary Magazine, and Robotics.
Curriculum Highlights
412 Eco-Residencies
The Brizendine Center for Ecology at 412 offers the fertile space of growing a K–12 interdisciplinary ecology curriculum, inspiring programming that is urban and focused on sustainability.
List of 4 items.
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Grade 5 - What Makes a House a Home?
Students learn how engineers, architects, and planners design safe and beautiful structures in different environments, and they consider how a house becomes a home through cultural attachment. As part of their exploration, students test the strength of four-walled structures, learn how different Hispanophone community members’ favorite foods built a sense of home. They also write personal memoirs and connect ancestral Manahatta with the present. Another highlight of the residency is a visit from two different engineering firms: each firm teaches students how to build safe and resilient structures. -
Grade 6 - Water Security
Students learn about the recurring problem of water insecurity in urban areas, and explore how civilizations have engineered solutions. They create systems maps, analyze environmental policy, learn about hydroponics, and study New York City watersheds. As a part of the historical component they learn how the Ancient Chinese adapted to climate change and maintained safe water. Students leverage one specific interdisciplinary skill, perspective taking, to take on the role of a member of the New York City Council working to develop a strategy to maintain equitable access to safe water. Through reflection and this city council activity, students are able to link their learning to creating change and fostering collaboration. -
Grade 7 - Resilient City Systems
“What makes New York City Resilient?” As part of their exploration, students write poems about immigration and strength, taste a variety of local greens supplied by community gardens, learn about urban planning, and strengthen their statistical skills. Three different field trips are designed to deepen their understanding of New York City's history, urban planning, and sustainable development. Students leverage one specific interdisciplinary skill, perspective taking, to take on the role of a city council member helping New York City address climate change. Through reflection and this city council activity, students are able to link their learning to creating change and fostering collaboration. -
Grade 8 - Political Ecology
Students learn how local and national politics relate to our ability to build equitable and resilient communities. Students create systems maps, construct 2D and 3D representations of historic and contemporary geography, and learn how Ancient Romans adapted to climate change and shifted their diet accordingly. Students leverage one specific interdisciplinary skill, perspective taking, to take on the role of a United Nations member country, business interest, or justice activist to develop a strategy to minimize carbon emissions while balancing economic and social interests. Through reflection and this UN activity, students are able to link their learning to creating change and fostering collaboration.
Explore Spence
233
MS Students
15
Advisory Groups
15
Median Class Size
25
MS Clubs and Organizations
Middle & Upper School
Lower School
Athletic & Educational Facility
A K-12 independent school in New York City, The Spence School prepares a diverse community of girls and young women for the demands of academic excellence and responsible citizenship.
212-289-5940
© 2024 Spence School
212-289-5940
© 2024 Spence School
