Independence

The Middle School years are a time of tremendous growth and change. Students move from class to class independently and take electives for the first time. They work within a departmentalized academic structure wherein each teacher is a specialist in their discipline. In addition to the academic curriculum, we continue to emphasize health and well-being with physical education classes every other day. The range of other student activities expands from musicals to instruments to sports. 

Advisory

In addition to the rigorous academic program, Middle School at Staten Island Academy is characterized by extensive co-curricular initiatives that meet the unique developmental needs of pre-teen and teenage students. We are proud of our comprehensive advisory program that provides students and families with a faculty member who has oversight for a small group of students' academic, social, and emotional development. Advisers conference with parents throughout the school year, meet regularly with their advisees, and oversee advisees' academic strengths and weaknesses. Working in concert with all Middle School faculty and staff, the advisory program ensures students have support across the board.

Morning Meeting

We believe in the power of community. The Middle School schedule is designed to offer as many opportunities as possible to create a unified learning community. Every other day, our Middle School Morning Meeting provides the opportunity for community and leadership-building initiatives. To help students develop these skills, Grade 8 students lead morning meetings, calling upon their teachers and peers for announcements and introducing presentations and performances. This time allows for a constructive discussion about community concerns and successes, athletic team results, birthday greetings, and informal student recitals. Activities like ongoing faculty/student trivia contests also help build community through friendly competition.