Middle School (6–8)

Adolescence is a period of dramatic emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development. During the junior high school years, children’s ability to reason abstractly and to think analytically is emerging. This is a unique time in a young person’s life. Adolescents start to question the importance of what they are learning and try to apply what they know to real situations. Youngsters are energetic and social and able to learn rapidly in a collaborative and active environment.

The JHS curriculum rests on a department-based program enhanced by cross-curricular projects and themes of intellectual weight. Such projects foster vital mental habits in students that include healthy risk taking, empathy and self-reflection. Our teachers are aware of all the complications that come with this developmental phase and they try to create a stimulating, caring and safe atmosphere in the classroom. They are committed to supporting young people as they are faced with a great array of adolescent challenges. At the Big Apple Academy we have thoughtfully planned each year of JHS to take into account the distinctive characteristics of this age. Our JHS teachers are keenly responsive to the needs of adolescents.

It is our aim to create a strong working relationship between students and teachers, and young people at the Big Apple Academy learn to become their own advocates. Students know they can always ask for (and receive) extra help from their teachers. Contrary to other NY schools, at the Big Apple Academy one sees students and teachers sitting together at a lunch table or in an empty classroom. We encourage the collaboration and connections that are of vital importance for early adolescents. We strive to create a good learning environment for our students, which will enable them to produce their best work and achieve individual success. Young people emerge from our JHS as confident, competent learners who are able to work in a wide range of different settings and subject areas.