MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM & PHILOSOPHY

The curriculum in the Middle School has a dual role: the presentation of information and the guiding of the students' critical thinking skills from memorization to thoughtful, independent analysis of the material being presented.

The curricular content continues to support the liberal arts background that Pingry believes to be an integral part of each student's educational foundation. In early adolescence, students begin to develop analytical thinking skills. Using the material in each course, Middle School teachers challenge their students to support opinions with facts and to question the world in which they live. The purpose is to continue the shaping of responsible young people who will contribute to their society.

 

CURRICULUM

Recognizing that sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade age children occupy a unique place in The Pingry School, the school strives to create a defined Middle School experience that directly addresses their specific needs as they make the transition from the lower grades to the upper school.

The curriculum in the Middle School has a dual role: the presentation of information and the guiding of the students' critical thinking skills from memorization to thoughtful, independent analysis of the material being presented. In early adolescence, students begin to develop analytical thinking skills. Using the material in each course, Middle School teachers challenge their students to support opinions with facts and to question the world around them. The purpose is to provide students with a basis for success in the upper grades.  Conference Period (study hall), where students have an opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss ongoing and upcoming work, is also part of the core curriculum.

The curricular content supports the liberal arts background that Pingry believes to be an integral part of each student's educational foundation. The goal is to continue the shaping of responsible young people who will contribute to their society. 

Requirements

Grade 6: English, history, science, math, world language (Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Latin, or Spanish), physical education, drama, art, general music, philosophy, study skills, library skills, health, decisions, financial literacy, and a choice of band, chorus, or strings. 

Form I: English, history, science, math, world language (Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Latin, or Spanish), art, drama, and technology. Students must also choose among band, strings, chorus, or handbell choir for their performance music requirement.

Form II: English, history, science, math, world language (Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Latin, or Spanish), health, and a choice of drama, art, film-making, environmental art, musical theater, or scheduled handbell choir.  Students must also choose among band, strings, chorus, or handbell choir for their performance music requirement.

Community service: Every student is required to complete ten hours of service every academic year.

Athletics: All Middle School students participate in the Pingry athletic programs:

Fall	Winter	Spring
Football (Boys) Soccer (Boys, Girls) Cross Country (Co-Ed) Field Hockey (Girls) Tennis (Girls) Water Polo (Co-Ed)	Basketball (Boys, Girls) Ice Hockey (Co-Ed) Swimming (Co-Ed) Wrestling (Boys) Fencing (Co-Ed)	Baseball (Boys) Track (Boys, Girls) Lacrosse (Boys, Girls) Tennis (Boys) Softball (Girls)