Middle School Program
5th-8th Grade
Middle School is a time of transformational growth. Rigorous academics with hands-on, integrated studies connect ideas to real-world issues. Students develop academic mastery, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while also growing in identity, independence, and resilience.
Teachers balance challenge with encouragement, offering individualized support and modeling curiosity and integrity. Middle schoolers learn how to think—not what to think—emerging prepared for high school and beyond with confidence, compassion, and self-awareness.
Our graduates begin high school already confident writing analytically, leading discussions, and managing long-term projects, at a time when their classmates are still learning these skills.
Every child’s experience is organized around their connection to:
Integrated studies classes explore an overarching question through the lens of an anchor text, making cross-curricular connections. Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science are taught in grade-specific classes by content specialists. Illustrative Math builds deep understanding of concepts and applied mathematical skills differentiating instruction and developing algebraic thinking over memorization. Students also take academic, physical, and arts electives.
Middle school is a time of development of children’s self-concept, and a vision for their future selves. Bixby and Friends helps students navigate this period of rapid physical, emotional and social changes within a safe community where independence and challenge (not comparison or competition) are encouraged
Middle school is a time of profound change for adolescents, and our students stay connected to others throughout the journey. We partner with parents support the parent-child connection with supportive teachers and little to no homework. Peer connection happens through classes built around shared interests, experiences such as overnight trips, wellness class, homerooms, and daily whole-school circles.
Time in nature reduces anxiety, increases joy and connection, and supports cognitive and physical health. Middle school students spend substantial time outdoors through daily recess, year-round PE electives, integrated studies fieldwork, seasonal camping trips, and immersion experiences.
Middle School Fast Facts:
- 8:40am-3:45pm (early dismissal Friday) with optional extended program
- Approx. 18 students per class
- Student teacher ratio about 10:1
- Cell phone-free campus, prioritizing authentic connection and mental well-being
- Strong Academic Program in Literacy/Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies
- All students have the opportunity to take Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Spanish, and Physical Education
- Weekly wellness class and daily advisory/homeroom check in
- Electives such as future teachers, bicycle mechanics, photography & moviemaking, art & activism, music history, painting & murals, woodshop, and jazz band.
EXPLORE BIXBY AND FRIENDS
Home | Early Childhood | Elementary | MIDDLE SCHOOL
303·499·1999 x227 | [email protected]
