OUR MISSION

Think deeply.

Contribute meaningfully.

At Silver Oaks, our middle schoolers develop deep critical thinking skills to help them interact with the world in a meaningful way, analyzing the systems that construct our society, and collaborating to discover improvements.

Our middle school teachers are experienced and dedicated educators who continue to adhere to our Guiding Principles as our children continue to grow.

A THOUGHTFUL BALANCE

Our philosophy

Growing independence. Protected childhood. A lasting love of learning.

01

Know themselves

We help students develop a strong sense of who they are, what they value, and who they are becoming.
02

High school ready

We provide a rigorous and challenging academic program while preparing students socially, emotionally, and technologically. We also teach the independence and executive-functioning skills they need to succeed in high school.
03

Protect childhood.

Middle schoolers are still kids. We make sure they have time every day to play, explore, move, and simply enjoy being together.
04

Learn to navigate the world.

We help students develop a strong sense of who they are, what they value, and who they are becoming.
05

Find joy in learning.

We make learning as active, creative, hands-on, and engaging as possible—and want students to leave us still curious about the world around them.
CORE ACADEMICS / 01

Literacy

At Silver Oaks, we believe strong literacy grows from reading deeply, thinking critically, discussing ideas, and writing with purpose. Students read whole texts across a wide range of genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction, with both classic and contemporary works representing diverse perspectives and experiences.

Students learn to engage thoughtfully with what they read, support their ideas with text evidence, and communicate clearly through both creative and academic writing. Our curriculum follows the Common Core State Standards and builds students' skills progressively from grade to grade, preparing them to become confident, independent readers and writers.

  • Fifth grade builds a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and written expression. Students read a variety of genres and practice supporting their ideas with text evidence. They write a short story, poetry, an argumentative essay and an informational essay, learning to incorporate and cite evidence from outside sources.

  • Sixth grade introduces our theme-based approach to literacy. Students explore a theme through short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and a full-length novel, discussing their reading in small groups and connecting ideas across texts. Each unit culminates in a writing project connected to the theme and essential question. Sixth grade also introduces literary analysis, with students receiving substantial guidance as they learn to develop claims, use textual evidence, and explain their thinking.

  • Seventh grade continues our theme-based units with increasingly complex texts, discussions, and writing. Students read a variety of short works alongside full-length novels, including The Giver, and explore how different texts approach a common theme. Students continue developing their literary analysis skills, taking greater ownership of their ideas, evidence, and writing as teacher support gradually decreases.

  • Eighth grade builds toward the independence and sophistication expected in high school. Students engage with increasingly challenging texts and themes while developing more nuanced literary analysis and argumentation skills. Major works include The Outsiders and a Shakespeare unit. By the end of eighth grade, students are expected to independently develop thoughtful interpretations, support them with strong evidence, and communicate their ideas clearly in writing.

CORE ACADEMICS / 02

Math

At Silver Oaks, we focus on developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, rather than simply memorizing procedures and algorithms. Our math classrooms are intentionally technology-free, giving students the opportunity to build fluency with numbers, develop problem-solving strategies, and practice mathematical reasoning. Students learn to explain their thinking, make connections between concepts, and apply their skills to new problems.

Math classes are taught through small-group rotations, giving students regular opportunities for direct instruction, independent practice, and hands-on reinforcement. This structure allows teachers to provide targeted support while giving students the time and space they need to develop confidence and independence as mathematicians.

  • Fifth grade uses the Singapore Math Primary Mathematics program to build a strong foundation in mathematical thinking and problem-solving. Students rotate between teacher-led lessons, independent practice, and math games that reinforce new concepts. This structure gives students both direct instruction and opportunities to practice and apply their learning.

  • Sixth grade continues with Singapore Math Primary Mathematics, building on students' conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Students work through small-group rotations that include teacher instruction, independent practice, and math games. As concepts become more sophisticated, students are challenged to explain their reasoning and apply their understanding in new situations.

  • In seventh grade, students move into Pre-Algebra using the McDougal Littell program. Classes continue to be taught in small groups, with students moving between teacher-led lessons and independent practice. Students spend significant time working through problems themselves, developing both procedural fluency and a deeper understanding of the concepts that prepare them for Algebra.

  • Eighth grade students take Algebra 1 using the Foerster Algebra 1 program. Students continue to work in small groups, with time for direct instruction followed by substantial independent practice. The focus is on understanding the reasoning behind algebraic concepts, solving problems in multiple ways, and developing the confidence and skills needed for higher-level mathematics.

CORE ACADEMICS / 03

Science

At Silver Oaks, science is about doing, questioning, investigating, and thinking like a scientist. Students have science four days a week, with an emphasis on hands-on experiments, investigations, and real-world experiences. Rather than simply learning scientific facts, students practice making observations, asking questions, developing explanations, analyzing evidence, and communicating what they discover.

  • Fifth grade uses the FOSS Next Generation science kits, which gives students a strong foundation in physical, life, and Earth science through hands-on investigations. Students learn science by actively experimenting, observing, collecting data, and using evidence to explain what they discover.

  • Sixth and seventh grade students rotate through a two-year science sequence, with both grades studying the same FOSS units each year. One year focuses on Weather and Water and Human Systems Interactions. The following year focuses on Chemical Interactions and [second unit to confirm]. Through hands-on experiments and investigations, students develop scientific reasoning skills while building their understanding of Earth, physical, and life sciences.

  • Eighth grade moves beyond FOSS with three focused units: Force and Motion, Energy, and Forensic Science. Students investigate how forces and energy shape the physical world and then apply scientific reasoning and evidence analysis to forensic investigations. The year emphasizes problem-solving, experimentation, and using evidence to develop and defend scientific conclusions.

CORE ACADEMICS / 04

Social Studies

At Silver Oaks, social studies is an active exploration of people, places, cultures, and the events that have shaped our world. Students learn through a variety of approaches, including readings, discussions, presentations, videos, activities, and note-taking. When studying history, we intentionally include the perspectives and experiences of people and communities who have often been underrepresented in traditional historical narratives. Students are encouraged to consider multiple perspectives, examine questions of power and identity, and develop a deeper understanding of how the past continues to shape our world today.

  • Fifth grade focuses on American History, introducing students to the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States. Students examine history through multiple perspectives, with particular attention to voices and experiences that have often been left out of traditional accounts.

  • Sixth grade begins with an Introduction to Geography before exploring Africa, Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA), and Asia. Students learn about the geography, history, cultures, and people of each region while examining the diversity of experiences within and across societies.

  • Seventh grade continues the study of world geography and cultures through units on Europe, South America, North America, and Oceania. Students explore the history, geography, cultures, and contemporary experiences of people across these regions while considering multiple perspectives and connections among societies.

  • Eighth grade returns to American History, beginning with Indigenous peoples and continuing through the 2020s. Students examine major events and developments in U.S. history through multiple perspectives, with particular attention to the experiences of groups whose voices have historically been marginalized. The course encourages students to connect historical events to the issues and questions shaping the United States today.

CREATIVE, ACTIVE, CONNECTED

Specials

Our Specials program gives students opportunities to develop their creativity, cultural awareness, physical well-being, and confidence beyond the core academic subjects. Students study Spanish twice a week, building language skills and cultural understanding through regular practice. They have Art once a week, exploring different artistic techniques and forms of creative expression, and Music once a week, where students learn to play the ukulele and develop their musical skills. Students also have Physical Education once a week, with PE taking place outdoors most days and giving students regular opportunities for movement, teamwork, and active play.

Spanish

Twice a week

Music

Once a week

Art

Once a week

Physical Education

Once a week

THE WORLD IS OUR CLASSROOM

Explorations

3 Explorations Per Year

We live in an environment rich with knowledge, resources, and experiences, and we believe students should have opportunities to learn beyond the walls of the classroom. Each grade participates in three Explorations throughout the year, connecting students with community organizations, local experts, museums, theaters, universities, and other resources.

Experiences vary by grade and may include exploring portraiture and creating original artwork, visiting science museums, learning improvisational theater, developing outdoor survival skills, designing and engineering, exploring archaeology, and engaging in service-learning projects focused on issues such as supporting children and families, environmental protection, and food insecurity.

Some Explorations take students out of the building for the entire day, while others combine a half-day experience with academic work time. Most importantly, Explorations give students opportunities to experience learning in new ways, explore topics that spark their curiosity, work collaboratively to create and solve problems, and connect what they learn in school to the world around them.

SHARED CHALLENGES. LASTING MEMORIES.

End-of-year Adventures

Each year, middle school students celebrate the end of the school year with a special End-of-Year Adventure designed to give them an exciting shared experience outside the classroom. The adventures grow in independence and challenge as students move through middle school. Fifth graders explore the National Aquarium, sixth graders take on a zip-lining and aerial obstacle course, seventh graders experience whitewater rafting, and eighth graders cap off their middle school years with an overnight trip to New York City. These experiences give students the chance to challenge themselves, build friendships, and create lasting memories together.

A PLACE TO BELONG AND CONTRIBUTE

Student Community

We believe students should have meaningful opportunities to lead, contribute, and build relationships across grade levels. Our Student Government meets weekly and gives students in grades 5–8 the opportunity to run for office, represent their classmates, and help shape our school community. Through our Class Buddies program, middle school students are also paired with younger students and spend time together throughout the year through shared activities and special projects.

These experiences help students develop leadership skills while strengthening the sense of community that is at the heart of Silver Oaks.

INDEPENDENCE, ONE HABIT AT A TIME

Homework

At Silver Oaks, we view homework as an opportunity to develop independence, responsibility, and executive-functioning skills, not simply to assign more work. Inspired by the ideas in Atomic Habits, we introduce homework gradually, giving students time to build a manageable routine before increasing expectations. Homework gives students a low-stakes opportunity to practice skills such as remembering assignments, managing their time, getting started independently, and completing work outside of school—skills that become increasingly important in high school.

Students begin receiving homework in 5th grade, starting with either a Math or Literacy assignment for the first few months. As students become comfortable with their routines, they transition to Math and Literacy homework four nights a week. Sixth grade follows the same structure. In 7th grade, Science homework is gradually added, and by 8th grade students have regular homework in Math, Literacy, Science, and Social Studies. This gradual progression allows students to build strong habits and independence before they reach the increased demands of high school.

Grade 5

Start small.

Begin with Math or Literacy. Build toward both, four nights a week.
Grade 6

Strengthen routines.

Continue the same gradual Math and Literacy structure.
Grade 7

Add responsibility.

Gradually introduce Science homework.
Grade 8

Prepare for high school

Regular homework across all four core subjects.