Middle school students are at a unique developmental stage in their lives, and they need a unique educational environment. Many students of middle school age respond best to careful observation and warm interaction with teachers who love being with seventh and eighth graders. It is not a time to mimic high school schedules, with hourly rotations through different classes, but it is a time to surround students with an engaging curriculum that will encourage growth on all levels.

We believe middle school students flourish when they have:
• close contact with caring teachers;
• rigorous academic requirements;
• accountability for learning and using effective organizing skills; and
• a safe environment where mutual respect and cooperation are high priorities.

Waverly’s middle school teachers conduct classes in different disciplines. The history teacher, for example, may lead the debate team or offer an elective in Chinese. The science teacher may teach Japanese language and culture. The English teacher may offer creative writing or an introduction to secular meditation, and the math teacher may coach budding golfers (the offerings change from year to year, depending on teacher and student interest). As a result, students see their teachers more than once in the course of a day and in different frameworks. This strengthens the crucial supportive relationships that can ease the emotional rollercoaster of early adolescence.

The close contact and low teacher-student ratio allows teachers to take an active role in supporting the well-being of students. The normal conflicts of middle school do not go unnoticed or ignored.

The Curriculum
History and English are integrated at The Waverly Middle School, blending yearlong study of either world history or American history into each class. Novel selections in English will reflect contextual themes in history, and have included classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm, Warriors Don’t Cry, The House on Mango Street, and selections from Shakespeare.

Students attend most classes in multi-age groups so that both grades work together. Eighth graders offer leadership and experience, while seventh graders bring enthusiasm and fresh insight. Teachers make extensive use of small group projects so students can engage intellectually, creatively, and socially with their peers. This reinforces key concepts and appeals to students’ varied learning styles.

Each Friday, teachers plan a whole-school activity that brings everyone together. Examples include mock trials, debates, simulations, and occasional comedic improvisation. Here students work with different classmates and discuss important issues in a large forum. Friday afternoon sessions are also ideal for student-led activities. In weekly class meetings, students propose ideas to their classmates, and, if they are accepted, plan and implement them.

Assessment
Students and parents receive frequent information about academic and social progress. Every six weeks, teachers prepare a brief report about student performance in each class. At the end of each semester, teachers write a detailed narrative assessment that reflects on individual student progress. Because of the small student-to-teacher ratio, teachers are able to confer with one another frequently to discuss academic, social, and behavioral issues as they arise.

Community Service
At The Waverly School, we believe that service reinforces the respect and care for others that is a hallmark of our school’s philosophy. It reminds students that they can make a lasting, positive impact on their world. All students in grades 7-12 are required to perform 15 hours of service during the school year.

Students, parents, and faculty regularly volunteer within the school and with agencies throughout Southern California. Students organize and attend events to support environmental, political, and community health organizations. Within the school, older students frequently tutor their younger peers and assist in classrooms. Several students have founded service organizations themselves.

Athletics and the Arts
Waverly Middle School offers students a chance to compete in seasonal league sports including volleyball, basketball, flag football, track and field, and swimming. We also field an equestrian team and have just started a golf club. Three days a week students participate in arts elective courses, including creative writing, drama, instrumental music, and fine art.

Waverly Middle School is an excellent choice for the seventh or eighth grade student who is self-motivated and enthusiastic about engaging with caring teachers in a challenging program.