Grade 6 · New for 2027–2028

Middle School

Beginning with sixth grade.

Greater independence. The same personal attention.

A thoughtful
next chapter.

The Laurel School’s Middle School expansion begins with sixth grade in the 2027–2028 school year. It extends Laurel’s thoughtful approach into a stage when students need deeper academic challenge, meaningful responsibility, and adults who know them well.

Growing older should mean growing in independence, not becoming less known. At Laurel, sustained reading, analytical writing, mathematical reasoning, and inquiry invite students to think more deeply and take greater ownership of their work. Teachers provide guidance as students learn to organize materials, manage assignments, ask for help, and follow a question beyond its first answer.

Maps, books, and learning materials in a Laurel classroom — A foundation for inquiry and a wider view of the world.

Academic Depth with Purpose

Literacy & Humanities: Literature, nonfiction, vocabulary, grammar, and analytical writing strengthen comprehension and expression. Students discuss ideas, support interpretations with evidence, and revise their work with attention to clarity and purpose.
Mathematics: Explicit instruction and guided practice support increasingly complex problem solving. Students develop fluency, explain strategies, and use mathematical reasoning to understand why a solution works.
Science & Investigation: Questions lead to observation, hands-on investigation, data, and explanation. Students learn to distinguish what they notice from what they can support with evidence.
History, Geography & Social Studies: Historical inquiry, geography, research, and source analysis help students understand people, places, and change. Discussion provides opportunities to consider perspectives and communicate a reasoned view.

Room to Create and Explore

Art and music continue in Middle School, with dedicated time each week for creative practice alongside core academic work. World language opportunities and electives broaden interests and provide new ways to think, communicate, and create. Outdoor time and movement remain part of the daily rhythm.

Independence with Guidance

Morning advisory creates space for connection, goal setting, and planning. Supported independent study gives students time to seek feedback, revise work, organize assignments, or pursue an extension. These routines help students build responsibility and persistence while keeping adult guidance close at hand.

Time for depth, creativity, and movement

A day in Middle School.

The proposed schedule balances sustained academic work, creative exploration, movement, and growing independence. It provides dedicated time for each core subject while preserving opportunities for discussion, individual support, and meaningful project work.

Explore the daily scheduleProposed

Time	Activity
8:00–8:30 AM	Arrival & Independent Reading: Settle in, organize materials, and begin the day with reading.
8:30–8:45 AM	Morning Advisory: Community check-in, daily planning, and goal setting.
8:45–9:40 AM	Literacy & Humanities: Literature, nonfiction, analytical writing, vocabulary, grammar, and evidence-based discussion.
9:40–10:35 AM	Mathematics: Explicit instruction, guided practice, mathematical reasoning, and problem solving.
10:35–10:55 AM	Snack & Outdoor Break: Time to refuel, move, and connect with peers.
10:55–11:45 AM	Science & Investigation: Scientific concepts, hands-on investigations, observation, data, and explanation.
11:45 AM–12:30 PM	Lunch & Outdoor Time: Shared meals, conversation, and movement.
12:30–1:20 PM	History, Geography & Social Studies: Historical inquiry, geography, source analysis, research, and discussion.
1:20–2:00 PM	World Language / Elective: A rotating block for language study or an elective, according to the weekly schedule.
2:00–2:45 PM	Art / Music: Dedicated study and creative practice, alternating according to the weekly schedule.
2:45–3:15 PM	Independent Study & Closing Advisory: Complete or extend work, seek teacher feedback, organize assignments, and reflect on progress.
3:15–3:30 PM	Dismissal: Pack up and transition home.

This is a proposed daily schedule. Specific course offerings and weekly rotations will be confirmed as the program takes shape.

Accreditation

Middle States
candidacy.

The Laurel School is a candidate for accreditation through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation is a multi-year process of self-study, peer review, and continuous improvement. Our academics, governance, and family engagement are built in alignment with Middle States standards as we move through candidacy toward full accreditation.

Your child's next chapter

Begin a conversation with Laurel.

Applications for the 2027–2028 school year open November 1, 2026.

Inquire about sixth grade

The Laurel learning journey