Welcome to the Middle School Years

Without the shadow of a high school, we have more space to prepare for it.

Most Green Vale students enter high school a year or more ahead of peers in math and language. They know how to research, write, listen, and form arguments. They are skilled in time management and test-taking. They know how to interact with adults and self-advocate.

This is the Green Vale edge.

There’s a reason we refer to our middle school as “Upper School”.

6th, 7th and 8th Grades at Green Vale are not in the ‘middle’ of anything: they form an exciting and engaging capstone experience.

The Green Vale middle school program is just the thing to channel kids’ natural enthusiasm and interests. At an age when young people can feel bored and aimless, our students discover interests, take risks, and shine in the process.

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Why Green Vale for Middle School?

Superior Academics

Middle school academics grow more vigorous. Assignments and course content may be challenging, but the school day is still upbeat and fun. Students change classes and adjust to different teaching styles, and bond with more adults and classmates throughout the day. The support of their teachers makes the change invigorating.

Advisory

Daily advisory groups with 6-7 students per faculty advisor is a ritual where students are seen and heard as soon as they arrive. A mid-morning snack offers a check-in with this close-knit group. Longer weekly periods are devoted to life skills lessons based on current events, dilemmas, and an innovative interactive program to encourage healthy use of social media and other online realms.

Leadership

Rather than waiting in the wings for high school to begin, Green Vale middle schoolers get to rule the school. As role models for younger grades, they rise to the occasion. 8th Graders enjoy leadership opportunities within clubs, teams, and student government. Students of all ages can express initiative through presentations at assembly, lobbying for a new club, or advocating for a chosen charity.

Special Events & Clubs

Life at Green Vale is designed to include fun and meaning outside of regular classes and activities. Favorites include: weekly bagel sales to benefit student-chosen charities; Friday night dances; lunchtime trivia for prizes and bragging rights; spirit weeks; assemblies with special speakers or student skits/announcements; picnic lunches on warm days; Halloween and Earth Day spent with younger “buddies”; and energetic game-show assemblies at the end of each term. Each grade enjoys an annual multi-day field trip.

In-school clubs are student-driven and faculty supervised, allowing students to express themselves and interact with peers in other grades based on common interests. There are After-School club offerings as well, such as Advanced Chorus and Robotics.

High School Placement

Green Vale students are often more prepared for high school than peers finishing middle school elsewhere. Whether they go on to boarding or day school, public or private, they are poised to excel. Their preparedness extends beyond academics to the organizational skills, time management, judgment, and social awareness. A team led by the Head of School works 1:1 with families to ensure optimal placement for each child.

Learn more about where students go after Green Vale.

Expectations

Clear expectations and high standards for personal conduct, coursework, academic integrity, and overall kindness contribute to students’ confidence and maturity. Study skills, organizational skills, and other life-long habits classified under “executive functioning” are emphasized.

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