Academics

We believe that all students can learn, and our task is to provide an environment in which our students are motivated to learn.  But good education is more than simply the assimilation of information.  It is also important that each of our students can apply what has been learned and then also evaluate their own progress.  Learning of this kind is for life. It is our task to help make this happen.

Middle School is a special place, as it helps with the transition from the self-contained elementary setting where one or only a few teachers interact with each student during the course of a year, to the departmentalized high school where numerous people who specialize in their subject area teach students.  To help in this transition, the Middle School at Rosslyn Academy has developed Grade Level Teams who meet regularly to create settings in which all students have opportunities to experience success.  An awareness of what is happening in various curricular areas also helps in developing wholeness to a well-rounded educational approach.  Emphasis is also placed on taking time to track the progress of each student, ensuring that none get lost.

The academic process is one that encourages an attitude of inquiry while affirming the right to make mistakes.  At Rosslyn, there are high expectations for academic success.  This is evidenced by the availability of additional help, effective scheduling that allows for each core course to get 50% extra time for at least one year during Grade 6 and 7, constructive classroom management practices, as well as through positive relationships between teachers and students.

Courses offered at this level are the four core courses – namely Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies, as well as Christian Religious Education and Physical Education.  All Middle School students also take a half-year of Music (choir, band or a combination of both) and a six-week stretch in each of Art, Computer Technology, and Foreign Language (Grade 6 and 7) or Health (Grade 8).

A program overview with course objectives is available for each grade on our Middle School Documents page.