Building on the love of learning and ideation fostered in elementary school, middle school classes are collaborative and inquiry-based, filled with lively debate and rich discussion. In grades 7 and 8, middle school students tackle challenging courses that culminate in Regents exams, achieving a deep understanding of the content that allows them to enroll directly in more advanced courses once they enter high school. Students also engage in a variety of enriching programs that serve as critical outlets for creativity and self-expression, and foster self-awareness, confidence, and independence.
Middle SchoolStudents participating in clubs or competitive teams report early for Zero Period. They might also use this early morning period for study hall or additional academic support.
Middle school students engage in thoughtful discussions about pivotal events that transformed our world and learn to master essential writing and analytical skills to express their thoughts on diverse topics.
Our carefully crafted STEM program empowers the next generation who will shape the world. Educators specialize in teaching subjects at high levels, prompting clever thinking when faced with unique challenges.
We empower students to discover interests and capabilities beyond academics through semester-long electives, which help them gain a clearer understanding of their strengths and areas for growth as they mature.
Middle schoolers become more self-aware while navigating positive relationships and social conflict. Specialists support the development and implementation of emotional wellness initiatives school-wide, in small groups, and through one-on-one instruction.
In literature, students explore compelling works of fiction, poetry, and literary nonfiction from around the world. They read six whole-class books each year, and through discussion, debate, and written responses, students learn to analyze and interpret their deeper meanings while developing an appreciation for literary style. Books on the reading list include Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
As growing writers, students learn how to express ideas clearly and powerfully while upholding high standards of organization and grammar. Students write pieces in a variety of genres and strive for vibrant self expression through ample practice and revision.
Our students experience history as the fascinating story of humankind, one that’s extraordinarily relevant to their modern lives. We don’t approach history as a checklist of facts and figures. Rather, we lead students in investigations of the ideas and movements that altered the course of history and continue to shape our world. Students divide their time between world history and American history.
Building on the technical skills they developed in elementary school, students experience the joy of discovery through science—biology, chemistry and physics. Our science teachers are obsessed with sparking curiosity and inspiring students to become more engaged and purposeful observers of the world. This student-driven inquiry also promotes the development of independence and leadership.
The Symposium is our fresh take on an academic fair. For one month each year, all middle school students complete independent science and humanities themed projects, designing and executing experiments to answer a question that intrigues them. Students use scientific tools to answer questions about the world around them, then present their findings at a culminating event.
Students become confident quantitative thinkers and productive problem solvers in our mathematics program. Through building an understanding based on reasoning, not just calculation, students gain a deeper understanding of concepts and learn to use math as a vehicle for thinking critically about the world around them. They apply their knowledge to explore socio economic issues such as wealth distribution and income differences.
Basketball
Students apply coordination, strategy, and teamwork skills on our network basketball teams open to all students. Teams compete within the Amateur Athletics Union (AAU). These selective teams consist of the network’s best players and have the opportunity to represent Success Academy in both regional and national tournaments.
In middle school, top chess players have the opportunity to participate in our selective chess program, where they receive additional instruction and compete in regional and national tournaments. Guided by coaches who are committed to their continual growth, students learn to think critically, control their impulses, make decisions, and compete with confidence.
Dance
Dance offers a structured time for students to reach the next level in their skills through proper training in learning grooves, discipline, and stage etiquette. The experience culminates in dance performances and conferences for selected students who show interest and expertise.
Debate
Debate places agency in the hands of our students, allowing them to develop as active and engaged citizens both in school and in their own communities, and to test their skills in local, regional, and national tournaments. Driving their own learning, students develop and leverage active listening skills, insightful articulation, and in-depth research techniques as they take on topics such as education and immigration reform, voter fraud, global warming, and criminal justice.
Soccer
Our selective middle school soccer program takes in top players in fifth grade, based on their demonstrated skill and commitment in elementary school. Students participate in club style soccer training, diving deeper into the technique and strategy needed to be competitive in the sport. They receive personalized evaluations and coaching, and compete in external league play and tournaments.
Visual arts
Through independent and collaborative experimentation in various mediums—including clay, collage, construction, photography, painting, printmaking, and textiles—students gain technical skills and confidence in their ability to express themselves visually while becoming careful observers and problem-solvers. Students also gain a greater understanding of the global artist community and their effects on humanity through the study of great artists and pivotal artistic movements.
Students learn to use positive mindsets and develop actionable plans and the life skills to achieve goals that grow their independence and confidence in self.
As collaborative work becomes more complex, students learn to recognize and develop healthy relationships. They focus on creating positive thought patterns, emotions, and decisions that contribute to a productive community.
Students have access to a wealth of resources to help manage their emotions during challenging times. Classrooms provide a selection of books that can be used to facilitate classroom conversations around key mental health topics and a collection of therapeutic tools that can be used by students to help them positively regulate their feelings when they interfere with their ability to participate in the classroom.
Middle SchoolI like all my teachers. I feel that all my teachers definitely want us to be successful when we grow up. They truly care about our education and they want us to know that it's really our futures. Success Academy is not just a school, but it's a community for me.
