Middle School (7-8)
Prep Middle School strives to ensure that every student is seen, and feels a sense of belonging. Prep offers opportunities to grow and thrive at a time in life when students are beginning to discover who they are and who they want to be. We provide a challenging and engaging program with appropriate support. We encourage students to take risks, try new things, and build a foundation of skills in critical thinking, social emotional intelligence, organization, and resilience. Our goal as a Middle School is to prepare our students not only for Upper School, but to successfully navigate and find success in a rapidly evolving world.
Heather Robinson Head of Middle School
Middle School Curriculum Guide
A Safe Place to Grow and Learn
Preparing our students for an ever-changing future while nurturing a student’s natural love of learning in a supportive and safe environment are the guiding principles of our Middle School. Our teachers work closely with each other and with students, supporting their intellectual and emotional growth with a challenging and developmentally appropriate curriculum of interactive, exploratory, and value-based experiences that encourage self-expression, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
CourseS
| English |
In English 7, students work on the practical skills of being a student (getting work in on time and asking for help), as well as slowing down in order to read carefully, listening to others, sharing ideas, responding creatively, and writing clearly in order to better understand ourselves and to increase our ability to understand and communicate with others. English 8 prepares students for advanced literary study and analytical writing through an exploration of diverse storytellers, literary traditions, and historical perspectives. |
| History |
The 7th Grade New Mexico History course focuses on the overlapping themes of geography, history, culture, and political/civic life in New Mexico in the context of United States and World history. The course is designed to expose students to multiple perspectives and aspects of the layered timeline of New Mexico while developing thoughtful communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills. The 8th Grade Global Studies course focuses on the five themes of geography and skills to prepare students for future history and world studies courses. |
| Science |
| The middle school science program is a two-year introduction to the basic concepts in life, earth, and physical science in an integrated format. Science and engineering practices are used to teach material which is introduced, reinforced, and mastered throughout the program in order to prepare students for success in high school science as well as develop a life-long fascination with, inquiry toward, and appreciation for the realm of science. |
| Mathematics |
Two Years Middle School students take a math placement exam upon admittance to Santa Fe Prep. Based on those results, students are placed in the math course that meets their developmental needs. Math B Math B develops students’ transition from numerical reasoning to early algebraic thinking by exploring quantities, patterns, and relationships. Students build fluency with numbers while learning to represent and reason about mathematical ideas using symbols, models, and multiple forms of representation—foundational skills for future mathematical study. Math C Math C strengthens students’ numerical and algebraic foundations while developing the habits of mind needed for upper school mathematics. Through exploring relationships between quantities and practicing mathematical reasoning, students deepen their problem-solving skills and prepare for the formal study of functions, algebraic manipulation, and coordinate relationships. Integrated 1 Integrated Math I builds students’ understanding of functions, relationships, and geometric patterns while strengthening their ability to analyze problems, model situations, and communicate mathematical thinking. Through collaborative exploration and individual practice, students develop the reasoning and problem-solving skills necessary for success in advanced mathematics. Integrated 2 Integrated Math II deepens students’ understanding of algebraic and geometric relationships while strengthening their ability to reason, justify, and model mathematical ideas. Through the study of quadratic and exponential functions, geometric structures, and mathematical proof, students develop the analytical skills needed to explain patterns, solve complex problems, and connect multiple areas of mathematics. |
| Language |
Two Years (Latin 7th,Spanish 8th) Students study Latin in 7th grade at Santa Fe Prep to develop a solid foundation of language development. The focus is on teaching students how to learn a language and to be introduced to a lifelong love of language. Middle School Spanish offers students an enthusiastic introduction to the Spanish-speaking world while developing foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course aims to build the groundwork for success in upper levels and inspire a lasting sense of joy and curiosity for language learning. |
| Physical Education / Wellness |
| Santa Fe Prep's Physical Education program aims to empower students to understand and appreciate the value of being active, fostering the motivation to participate in school sports, and integrating general physical activity into their daily lives. |
| Electives |
Visual Arts: Ceramics, 2D media, 3D media |
Prep Middle School House System
Students enter Prep Middle School from over 15 different elementary schools in Santa Fe. The House system is designed to allow students to immediately belong when they start their journey at Prep. In the first week of school, every student is inducted into a House, and alongside their fellow house members, they are immediately united with a common purpose. The Houses not only foster camaraderie and teamwork but also create an invaluable sense of belonging and purpose for each student as they enter their Prep educational journey. Together, like the interconnected roots of the symbolic trees, students form a strong community, bound by shared values, aspirations, and experiences. Through collaboration, teamwork, and camaraderie, they each strive to leave a lasting legacy of excellence and unity within our school community.
