MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 5-8)
Capital Day School's Middle School offers a challenging academic atmosphere that stimulates intellectual curiosity and encourages excellence. In a variety of learning settings, an exceptional faculty is committed to helping students reach their potential by encouraging them to develop critical thinking skills and form habits that prepare them to meet the demands of a college preparatory high school curriculum.
Small classes offered daily include: English grammar and composition, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. Fifth graders have enrichment classes in art, computer, drama, French, music and physical education. The sixth, seventh and eighth graders continue with French music and physical education. For one quarter of the school year, they rotate among art, computer, drama, and a combination health/research class.
Students participate in a variety of enrichment activities, after-school academic competition, and sports. Also, they attend theatre productions, musical performances, and art exhibits. Field study trips (see below) are a vital part of the Middle School curriculum. Individual explanations for this part of the program may be found at the end of our parent handbook.
An active student council develops leadership skills and organizes activities to provide opportunities for social development and community service.
Students are supported by faculty members, who are available to provide extra help and encouragement, and who serve as advocates for the fifth through eighth grade students. While many elements contribute to the success of the Middle School experience, the positive relationship that teachers cultivate with the students is of central importance.
The Middle School curriculum is designed and developed by each department using national standards, best practices and the experience and depth of knowledge of individual teachers to keep the curriculum rigorous. Our low student-teacher ration enables us to understand the nuances of individual learning styles and to accommodate for them in ways that will lead to the greatest possible success. Ongoing efforts are made to integrate curriculum through close communication among the teachers.
Reports are sent weekly, at mid-term, and at the end of each quarter.
Field Study Trips
Field study trips are a vital part of the Middle School curriculum. dLearning outside the classroom is an important aspect of the Capital Day experience. Middle School students spend three to five days in the spring each year traveling to different parts of the United States.
5th Grade Trip to Space Camp
Fifth grade students experience the past, present, and future of space exploration during a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, in Huntsville, Alabama.
During their visit they stroll the length of a 363 Saturn V rocket, similar to those that took our astronauts to the moon, walk underneath the nation's only full-size shuttle display and see the SR-71 Blackbird, the world's fastest plane.
In addition to viewing hundreds of artifacts at the world's largest space science exhibition, the group participates in many activities which simulate the role that astronauts play.
6th Grade Trip to Chicago
The students in the sixth grade take a spring trip to Chicago. They visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio, Museum of Contemporary Art, the Science and Industry Museum, and go on a sculpture tour.
They eat at a few great restaurants and see a musical production. The exhausted group packs all of this into three days. It is the experience of a lifetime.
7th Grade Trip to Washington, DC
The seventh grade class visits Washington, D.C. The class studies government and economics and this trip is considered an extension of the curriculum.
During the trip to our nation's capital, the group visits the following sites: United States Capitol, Bureau of Engraving, Arlington National Cemetery, Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Smithsonian, and several memorials.
The highlight of the
trip for many of the students is the visit to
the Washington National Cathedral.
8th Grade Trip to Key Largo
Capital Day School's
eighth grade class takes its annual field study trip to Key Largo, Florida.
Students attend MarineLab, a nationally recognized program owned and operated
by Marine Resources Development Foundation. Students learn first-hand
about the ecosystems of the sea grasses, mangroves, and coral reefs as
they participate in various discussions, labs, and snorkeling experiences.
A trip to the Everglades National Park completes their study as students
recognize the interdependence of each of these communities.