‘Middle school is where kids are first exposed to the big issues ? bullying, drugs and alcohol, developing their sexual identity,? according to Kingsbury School Head Gilbert Webb. ‘In a large public school, it can be easy for kids to get lost in the shuffle while dealing with these issues.?
The middle school years ? 6th, 7th and 8th grades ? can be an especially difficult and confusing time in a young person’s life. So many changes, so many choices.
That’s why Kingsbury School, an independent JK-8 school at the intersection of Hosner and Oakwood roads in Addison Township, offers middle school students a small, supportive, close-kit environment to deal with what Webb called ‘some of the most challenging years for young people.?
Kingsbury prides itself on offering middle school students a small environment featuring very close interaction with adults. The school’s ‘Advisor/Advisee Program? currently pairs its teachers with no more than 5 middle school students each year. The teachers ‘shepherd? these students, helping them with academic and social problems, while serving as the ‘main source of communication between home and school.?
Unlike a public school counselor which may serve hundreds of kids, Kingsbury’s teachers/advisors get to know their 5 students on a personal, one-on-one basis so every Kingsbury middle schooler has an adult advocate and confidante.
Each advisor/advisee group meets on a regular basis to ‘share ideas? and serve as a support system.
Within each of these 5-student advisee groups, there’s a mixture of 6th, 7th and 8th graders, according to Webb. ‘This allows for a nice exchange between the older and younger students,? he said. ‘The older kids serve as role models.?
Academically, Kingsbury students possess very strong writing skills because of the extra attention focused on Language Arts. Kingsbury students engage in Language Arts for eight periods a week as opposed to the more traditional five.
Students learn to be better writers through reading in programs like Kingsbury’s ‘Junior Great Books Program? which exposes students to a diverse selection of literature ranging from classics like Huck Finn and A Christmas Carol to African folk tales and fairy tales.
Students then meet in groups to discuss the books and formulate questions about what they’ve read.
Kingsbury’s science programs not only instill the basics in students, they are ‘experimental in design,? giving kids the ‘opportunity to create and discover? on their own, according to Webb.
The crowning jewel of Kingsbury’s science curriculum is the ‘Environmental Studies Program,? which turns the school’s sprawling 125 acres of rural campus into a giant hands-on laboratory. Taught by a full-time naturalist, Kingsbury’s ESP gives students the opportunity to explore plant life and wildlife in fields, forest, marsh lands and a pond rather than just reading about it in textbooks.
Middle schoolers at Kingsbury are also given the opportunity to participate in elective classes that go beyond the realm of traditional academic pursuits.
Each semester students can choose from a list of about 25 possible elective options including classes on cooking, designing websites, learning to play guitar, drama, theater arts, strategic games, help with Spanish, choir, Advanced Desktop Publishing, independent study, pond research and jewelry-making.
Middle school students can also elect to be a teacher’s assistant in Kingsbury’s lower K-5 school.
‘That extra set of hands is really helpful to teachers,? Webb said.
Going to a small, independent school doesn’t mean students have to sacrifice the chance to play team sports.
For boys, Kingsbury offers soccer, basketball and baseball programs. For girls, the school offers volleyball, soccer and basketball. Traveling athletics are available to every child in grades 5 through 8.
As with all team sports, Webb said the main focus is developing students? athletic skills and fostering the spirit of teamwork. However, Kingsbury also places a ‘high emphasis on participation.?
Skiing is another popular sport at Kingsbury. For the past 40 years, each winter the entire school goes skiing at Mt. Holly on four Fridays. Webb said the trips help develop a bond between older and younger kids as the former help the latter get dressed in their snow clothes, put their skis on and learn various skiing techniques.
For more information about Kingsbury call (248) 628-2571 and ask for Director of Admissions Audrey Dibble. Or visit the school’s website at www.kingsburyschool.org.