The 7th and 8th Grade Experience
The Healdsburg School 7th and 8th grade experience offers a dynamic approach to a rigorous academic math, science and liberal arts education, based on a global perspective. It encourages students to be active participants in their learning in the integrated studies of Math, Science, Economics, Environmental Studies, Ethics, Technology, History, English, Literature, Cultural Geography, Foreign Language, Communications, and the Arts. Through this multi-leveled experience, layers of understanding and appreciation will translate into action in student-learning projects within the school, community and the global society.Based on the belief that children learn by doing, a hands-on, project-based method of instruction is employed, giving each child opportunity to demonstrate his/her uniqueness and gifts, which will be shared in the various communities. The classroom environment fosters participation and collaboration, focusing on a seminar discussion method of instruction, which encourages inquiry, opinions, problem solving, and collaboration.
Interaction with gifted instructors who have a passion for learning and children, and who understand the overlap between neuroscience and education assure the recognition of the range of a child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. Of utmost importance is the development of good habits of the mind: critical thinking, critical literacy, logical reasoning, and problem solving. By attending middle school at THS, the graduating 8th grader will be prepared and empowered to meet the challenges of the next stage of their educational, social & emotional lives.
