The New School — Middle School Curriculum Map

Humanities

Literature, history, geography & social studies

Grade 6

Identity & Community

Personal narrative, foundational geography, American origins, primary source analysis

Writing Progression CER paragraph writing: constructing a claim, supporting it with evidence, and explaining the reasoning, the foundation of critical written thought

Grade 7

Global Connections

World history, cultural perspectives, expository writing, research skills

Writing Progression Introduction to research writing: locating and citing sources, integrating evidence across texts, multi-paragraph argumentation

Grade 8

Democracy in Action

U.S. history, civics, literature of place, complex argumentation

Writing Progression Extended research writing: nuanced argumentation, synthesis across sources, independent essay structure, preparation for upper school and beyond

Mathematics

Spiraling curriculum · Thinking Classroom

Grade 6

Pre-Algebra

Number sense, ratios, proportional reasoning, introduction to variables

Grade 7

Pre-Algebra / Algebra I

Equations, inequalities, linear functions, collaborative problem-solving

Grade 8

Algebra I

Systems of equations, quadratic foundations, real-world applications

Algebra I complete by G8

Science

Inquiry-based · Lab-centered

Grade 6

Life Science

Cells, ecosystems, organisms, data collection, lab report skills

Grade 7

Earth Science

Geology, weather systems, environmental stewardship, experimental design

Grade 8

Physical Science

Forces, motion, energy, matter; claim-evidence-reasoning frameworks

World Language

Spanish · French

Grade 6

Exploration Semester

Introductory Spanish and French; students choose a language pathway at end of G6

Grade 7

Pathway: Year 1

Spanish or French; oral proficiency, listening, reading, and writing development

Grade 8

Pathway: Year 2

Spanish or French; equivalent to High School Level 1 upon completion

Ready for HS Level 2

STEAM & Electives

Rotations → Chosen pathway

Grade 6

Four 9-Week Rotations

Rock Band · Drama · Visual Arts · Robotics

Each rotation culminates in a public showcase for families and community

Students choose pathway at end of G6

Grade 7

Chosen Elective Pathway

Deepening expertise in selected discipline; project-based, audience-facing work

Grade 8

Chosen Elective Pathway

Advanced creative or technical work; capstone-level showcases and performances

Executive Functioning

Launch & Tech · The Lifeline planner

Grade 6

Launch & Tech

G6 students are introduced to the Lifeline, TNS's own in-house designed planning protocol that travels with students from class to class. Each day begins with a simple but grounding question: "How might I be successful today?" and closes in GTD (Get Things Done), a dedicated period for reviewing the day, gaining extra practice as needed, and reflecting on next steps. Launch alternates with a Tech course that teaches students to engage with technology as a means to a communicative end rather than an end in itself. Topics include writing professional emails, using Google Calendar, and scheduling time independently with teachers, the practical fluencies of a self-directed learner.

Grade 7

Applied Skills

Long-term project planning, team formation through charters and roles, and self-advocacy deepen in G7 as students take on more complex, hands-on work. Through courses such as woodworking, design thinking for impact, and prototyping, students develop the mindsets and practices of iterative thinkers: building in order to think, revising in order to grow, and learning to see each draft as a step forward rather than a finished product.

Grade 8

Student-Led Conferences

Students design and lead spring conferences presenting their learning journey to families.

Culminating each spring

PE & Athletics

PE · Health · Wellness · Athletics

Grade 6

PE/Athletics meets every other day giving students ample opportunity to be active. Units such as team building, team sports, and health and wellness help empower students with skills and knowledge to begin leading self-directed healthy lives.

Grade 7

PE/Athletics meets every other day building on foundational skills developed in G6. Units such as team sports, fitness, and health and wellness continue to empower students with the habits and knowledge needed to lead active, self-directed lives.

Grade 8

PE/Athletics meets every other day as students take increasing ownership of their health and fitness. Units such as team sports, leadership in athletics, and health and wellness prepare students to carry these habits confidently into upper school and beyond.

Advisory

The Building Blocks · 10:1 ratio

Grade 6

Belonging & Identity

Daily advisory meetings, community norms, social-emotional skill development

Grade 7

Agency & Reflection

Goal-setting, peer mentorship, Building Blocks framework deepened

Grade 8

Leadership & Legacy

Student-led clubs, character in action, preparing for upper school transition

Signature Programs

Experiential · Interdisciplinary

G7–G8

World Peace Game

A month-long interdisciplinary simulation in which students navigate military conflict, environmental crisis, and socio-political fragmentation. No direct instruction, no formal assessment: only a complex problem and student-generated solutions. Roles include CFO, diplomat, and environmental advisor.

G6–G8

YEP Term (Year-End Project)

A two-week, faculty-designed immersive experience at the close of the academic year. Students choose from a menu of thematic, cross-disciplinary short courses taught by TNS faculty across morning and afternoon sessions. Past themes include Birds, connecting science, literature, math, art, and ecology through a shared lens.

G6–G8 · Annual

The Middle School Expedition

An annual multi-day travel experience connecting classroom learning to real-world places, histories, and landscapes. Destinations rotate each year. Past expeditions include Washington, D.C.; upcoming travel includes the Grand Circle region of the American Southwest.

G6–G8 · Quarterly

QuEST (Quarterly Exhibition of Student Thinking)

Four times a year, the entire middle school dedicates one week to project-based learning in mixed G6-G8 groups. Eight faculty-designed courses make up the annual slate. Each session produces a visible artifact and a structured reflection that feeds directly into the Student Share Conference portfolio. Groups persist across all four sessions, with grade-anchored roles: Project Lead (G8), Process Keeper (G7), and Questioner (G6). The year culminates in a community-wide Q4 Capstone Experience.

G6–G8

Assembly

Each week, the Middle School gathers intentionally as a community. Assembly is designed around TNS's core values, creating a reliable rhythm of connection and belonging. Together, students and faculty recite the Cougar Challenge, share in community, and close every week the same way: with a charge to "Go get your learning!" A simple but powerful reminder that students own their own journey.

G6–G8

W.I.N.S. (Weekly Information: New School)

A weekly communication structure that keeps students, families, and the broader TNS community informed and connected. W.I.N.S. surfaces highlights from the week's learning, celebrates community moments, and reinforces the rhythm of school life through a consistent, values-grounded lens.

G6–G8 · Each Semester

Seminar Speaker Series

Throughout the semester, guest speakers visit campus to share their paths into lifelong learning. Guests include university professors, business founders, and community leaders, as well as voices from within the TNS community and upper school seniors.

G6–G8 · Mixed-Grade

Student-Led Initiatives

Four rotating, mixed-grade club options, led by students and sponsored by faculty, give every middle schooler the opportunity to discover interests, build community across grade levels, and practice leadership in action. Student-Led Conferences, held each spring, invite students to take full ownership of their learning journey, presenting their growth and goals directly to families and advisors.