Early adolescence is a critical stage in a person’s development; during this time, much of one’s adult identity is formed. The Mount Vernon faculty recognizes the importance of this developmental stage, and have put in place a carefully designed, comprehensive curriculum that support the unique needs of our students in their academic, social, emotional, and physical development
First, our students and teachers are engaged in active, purposeful learning. We have worked to create a curriculum that is challenging and relevant and prepares our students for the 21st century. In our classrooms, students pursue answers to questions that they have about themselves, the content being studied, and the world around them. Using a variety of learning and teaching approaches, our experienced teachers guide our students as they explore the curriculum, solve problems, make connections, make ethical decisions, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, pursue innovative ideas, and develop their abstract thinking abilities.
Throughout their middle school career, our students are supported academically. Our teachers are available daily for any student seeking personal attention, and our strong academic resource program supports those students with specific learning needs. Study skills are taught specifically, and are also incorporated into academic core courses to help students develop skills such as organization, time management, reading and note-taking strategies, and test preparation.
In addition, middle school students are natural explorers. Their interests change rapidly and are extremely varied. We encourage our students to explore their interests beyond the confines of the classroom and experience the joy of “finding themselves” as young adults. In support of this goal, we offer a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities, including clubs, team sports, and fine and performing arts.
Our Mount Vernon faculty also recognize that our students are in the infancy of their adulthood, and know that this is one of the last opportunities that caring parents and educators have to shape the kind of adults “our” children will become. In order to guide them in their emotional development and relationship with Christ, students attend regular chapel services, are required to participate in community service events, and attend regular character education workshops. These workshops address topics specific to the middle school child and their social-emotional development, such as building healthy relationships digital citizenship, empathy, etc.
Positive socialization is also crucial to both one’s self-concept and success in life. These skills are developed as part of the maturation process, and providing a healthy social environment and opportunities to practice social skills is also a key element of a Mt. Vernon education. In middle school, students are provided with age appropriate, school sponsored and hosted events to guide students as they develop healthy social skills.
Knowing that middle school students are experiencing rapid physical growth and entering adolescence, emphasis is also placed on health and wellness. We want our Mount Vernon students to develop healthy, active life-styles that will follow them into adulthood.
Finally, we work closely with our parents through our Parent University program. As a community of learners, we explore the topic of adolescence and how we as parents can best navigate the often turbulent waters of young adolescence, better understand our children, and best meet their needs.
We do not want our students to just survive during the middle grades as they do in so many other schools. We want them to thrive in a nurturing educational environment! We are immensely proud of the programs we have put in place in support of that goal; however, we are never satisfied with where we are, and are constantly developing and enhancing our programs. We invite you and your child to experience the Mt. Vernon difference!
