Middle School

Our middle school program offers a rigorous academic experience that emphasizes in-depth exploration of subject matter. This program is supported by collaborative teacher-student teams, interdisciplinary learning, and a variety of support systems, enabling students to progress from basic understanding to deeper connections and complex problem-solving. The curriculum leads students into a Spanish Heritage track through a gradual shift that supports continued bilingual development while preparing students for Grades 6–8. At that stage, students will enter either a Heritage Spanish or Non-Heritage pathway based on their language background and proficiency. Both options continue to nurture bilingualism, biliteracy, and multicultural competence.

Middle school mathematics instruction is designed to engage and empower students as they build a strong foundation for higher‑level math. Aligned with state standards, the curriculum develops a deep understanding of core concepts while strengthening problem‑solving skills and critical thinking. Students explore a wide range of topics, including the number system, ratios and proportional relationships, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics, ensuring a well‑rounded math education.

To support this learning, the program incorporates Zearn, the same high‑quality math platform used in elementary school. Zearn blends digital lessons with teacher‑led instruction, giving students multiple ways to practice and apply new skills. Lessons are interactive and include hands-on activities and real‑world applications, making math meaningful, accessible, and enjoyable for every learner.

Our English Language Arts (ELA) program uses the CommonLit curriculum to meet state standards while helping students grow as readers, writers, and communicators. We want students not only to master language skills but also to discover a genuine love for stories, ideas, and self‑expression.

Students read a wide variety of texts—from timeless classics to engaging contemporary works—building strong critical thinking skills along the way. In class, they take part in lively discussions, hands-on writing workshops, and creative projects that encourage them to share their thoughts and express themselves with confidence.

To strengthen vocabulary, we also use Wordly Wise as a supplemental resource, giving students tools to understand and use new words in both reading and writing. Together, these experiences help students develop excellent comprehension, clear writing, and the confidence to communicate effectively in school and beyond.

Students participate in a Spanish language program that offers two distinct tracks, each with its own curriculum. The Heritage Spanish Track, using the Auténtico curriculum, is designed for students who speak Spanish at home or have participated in a Spanish Immersion Program. This track focuses on advancing their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to achieve higher levels of fluency and literacy in the target language.

The Non-Heritage Spanish Track, following the En Voz Alta curriculum, is tailored for students learning Spanish as a second language. Instruction emphasizes foundational language acquisition, communication skills, and cultural understanding, helping students build confidence and proficiency over time.

Both tracks nurture bilingualism, biliteracy, and a deeper appreciation of Hispanic cultures, ensuring that all students develop strong language skills and multicultural competence.

Aligned with both the Delaware Recommended (DRC) and Teacher Curriculum Institute for civics, geography, history, and economics, our program inspires curiosity about diverse cultures, histories, and societies worldwide.

Covering a broad timeline from ancient civilizations to contemporary global issues, the curriculum integrates engaging content with inquiry-based learning and hands-on activities. Students analyze primary sources, participate in debates, and examine the causes and effects of social, political, and economic changes to develop strong critical thinking skills.

In addition to content knowledge, we prioritize building essential skills in research, communication, and civic responsibility. This prepares students to thoughtfully engage with and contribute to our interconnected and ever-changing world.

The OpenSciEd curriculum engages students with hands-on experiments, real-world applications, and interactive lessons that spark curiosity and a lasting love of science. It is aligned with state standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), covering essential topics in life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences.

Students deepen their understanding of science through hands-on investigations that explore topics like ecosystems, matter and energy, Earth systems, and engineering design. They build important skills such as modeling, analyzing data, and using scientific reasoning to solve real-world problems. This approach helps students make meaningful connections between what they learn in class and how science works in everyday life.

Inquiry-based learning is central throughout all grades, encouraging students to design experiments, analyze evidence, and draw conclusions. Collaborative projects and discussions build critical thinking and communication skills, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Project-Based Learning is a hands-on approach where students explore big ideas in science and social studies by working on meaningful projects. These projects blend reading, writing, math, and language, and give students voice and choice in how they learn. Many projects are tied to important cultural celebrations, such as Spanish Heritage Month and Black History Month, helping students make real-world connections and deepen their understanding of diverse perspectives. Each project ends with a school-wide celebration where students proudly share what they’ve created and discovered. This approach not only makes learning exciting and relevant—it also helps students build lifelong skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and independent thinking.

• Art
• Music
• Health
• Physical Education
• STEM
• Theatre

Across all grade levels, classrooms are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards, Document Cameras, and Chromebooks, enhancing learning through technology-enhanced instruction. Teachers use GoGuardian to monitor and manage students' online activities, ensuring a safe and focused digital learning environment.

Teachers use Schoology to communicate with parents, providing updates on student progress, classroom assignments, and important announcements. This platform helps foster a strong home-school connection, allowing parents to stay engaged and informed about their child's education. In addition, families will also receive regular updates from DeansList to highlight how students are progressing with behavior, participation, and overall classroom engagement. These reports provide a well-rounded view of your child’s experience at school and are another valuable way to stay informed.

We invite parents to explore how our approach prepares students to be critical thinkers and multicultural leaders. Applications for the Choice Open Application Period are essential for participation in our admissions lottery. For detailed enrollment processes, please visit Delaware Public School Enrollment.