Middle School

The SFS middle school program continues its emphasis on student-centered learning. Students have increasing responsibility and independence while developing the necessary confidence, self-awareness, and executive functioning skills. Lessons and projects encourage critical thinking and problem solving, allowing students to actively identify challenges and devise solutions. 

Through the 6th grade class on study skills, we support students as they work on their organizational skills, including time management, planning, and breaking down large tasks into manageable smaller ones. Support for self-regulation and sustained attention allow them to focus on goals and persist through challenges, ultimately leading to a greater sense of personal efficacy and accomplishment.

Lessons in responsibility and self-reliance are integrated in middle school camping trips where students take on duties commensurate with their age and abilities. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions through advisories, Town Meeting, and electives, all of which are student-driven. With the School’s cross-grade collaborations, middle school students become mentors and leaders for younger students in preschool and lower school in many different ways, from assisting in care of preschool students to teaching or leading middle school peers in student-led electives.

Over 80% of middle school students participate in at least one of our four interscholastic sports teams (cross country, volleyball, basketball, and futsal). Though many of our individual athletes and teams have competed and won championships in the San Francisco Athletic League, the emphasis is on rising to the challenge, working hard, and demonstrating respect and integrity for SFS teammates and competitors. All uniforms, league fees, and travel costs are covered by the School.

Middle school students have many layers of support structures in place. In addition to the head of middle school and the grade level deans, each student is assigned an advisor and advisory for the academic year. Advisories meet regularly for structured discussions centered on relevant topics or open time guided by the students. 

There are also a healthcare practioner, middle school learning specialist, and middle school counselor to support their academic work, mental health, and physical wellbeing. Beginning in the spring of 7th grade, students and families meet with the high school guidance counselor who will support them through the high school admissions process during their final year at SFS.

Social justice themes are woven throughout the middle school program, from the arts and humanities to math and science. Middle school students examine the role of an individual within a multicultural society through student-led identity groups, celebrations of heritage and culture, and historical and modern contexts. Issues such as food justice are considered on a global scale; students consider the perspective of indigenous people; and the American civil rights movements are studied. In 8th grade, the curriculum culminates in their profound and impactful journey through Alabama, where they embark on a weeklong civil rights tour. Issues of equity and belonging are explored in identity-based peer groups, exploring culture, stereotypes, affinities, and alliances.

As in the Lower School, our tech curriculum encourages students to be ethical creators with a focus on meaningful design. Technology is integrated thoughtfully as a powerful enabler of learning across all disciplines, and skills are taught to help students ethically navigate our increasingly digital world. Students have dedicated coursework in the responsible use of digital media and online behavior in Digital Citizenship and Social Emotional Learning, which intersects with their STEAM work. For instance, in 6th grade, students participate in Technology Tuesday where they learn to code animations and interactive programs with sprites, variables, and conditionals. As they understand the structure of computer programs, their digital fluency and creativity are fostered. In this multidisciplinary exposure to technology, students also consider topics such as artificial intelligence and how algorithmic thinking is connected to social media, business, and society.

Beginning in 6th grade, each student is assigned an iPad and keyboard to use during the academic year at school and at home. Personal devices (i.e., smart phones and watches) are not permitted on campus. They are securely held at the front office, collected by staff upon the students’ arrival at school and returned at dismissal.

In middle school, SFS continues to foster the students’ sense of civic identity, humanitarianism, and social responsibility, preparing them to engage in their world with purpose. Opportunities to develop these skills include student council, student-led electives for middle school peers, and the weekly Town Meeting. Middle school students practice caring for their fellow students in organizing beloved traditional events for the younger students -- 7th grade organizes and conducts a fun-filled Olympics Day at Palega Park, and one of highlights of the fall semester is the 8th grade haunted playground at the Halloween carnival. 

Students fill leadership roles in extended day and summer programs, with after-school or summer service learning and/or childcare opportunities. They lead conferences with their advisor and parenting adults each semester. After SFS, many of our alumni go on to humanitarian pursuits through their passions or professional work.