Middle School
Middle school is a pivotal time in a child’s education.
Through a collaborative planning approach, in all our middle schools, educators challenge students to think critically, be creative, communicate and collaborate with their peers. Students are empowered to better understand how their skills fit into our complex world.
All middle school students will experience rich content though core academic areas in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies with all learning goals aligned to Tennessee state academic standards.
Middle school students will build on their elementary experiences further developing their command of language through exposure to novel study and extended writing. In math, students build on number sense and begin exploring concepts fundamental to algebraic thinking. Students learn how energy impacts Earth’s natural resources and processes, basic biology of life, and physical forces in our universe. Students will explore history and geography from ancient civilizations to the middle ages to the colonization of North America while developing skills necessary to analyze and synthesize a variety of historical documents.
All middle school students will have access to a robust set of related arts courses including visual and a variety of performing arts opportunities, technology, health and physical education and more. After completing middle school, students will be academically prepared for the transition to high school and to make education and career plans for high school and beyond.
What's on This Page?
- Highlights of skills middle school students should possess when they transition to high school.
- Tips for families on preparing students for college, trade and/or technical school, and career choices.
- How to support students taking standardized tests such as TCAP Achievement and the ACT.
- Links to information about tests and assessments students will take in middle school.
Preparing Your Middle School Student for College and Career Success
Preparing your child for a college education, trade or technical school training, and career options begins in elementary school and continues through middle school. The information here outlines a variety of academic skills and planning activities for parents/guardians to support their middle school child's progress toward success.
Academic skills are taught across multiple courses and are not limited to one specific subject or class.
Preparing for the Future
- Set goals and create a plan for life after high school, focusing on college and career.
- Share the benefits of education for future career success.
- Encourage challenging course selections
- Volunteer and create a resume to document experiences.
- Foster healthy relationships with peers and adults who support success.
- Attend summer experiences related to talents, curiosity, or interests.
- Model professional skills such as communication, responsibility, punctuality, and respect.
- Use CollegeforTN to explore opportunities.
- Attend the MNPS College and Career Fair and/or Family University events.
- Review college and career assessments, including career inventories and PreACT 8/9 results (if given at the school).
Preparing for Standardized Tests
Use Encouragement and Build Aspirations
- Encourage identification of academic strengths and areas of improvement.
- Encourage high expectations and goal setting.
- Build aspirations for education and training after high school graduation.
- Use test-taking, time management, organizational, and study skills to enhance academic achievement.
- Set, evaluate progress toward, and achieve long- and short-term goals.
- Foster positive attitudes toward oneself as a unique and worthy individual.
- Guide them in meeting graduation requirements and planning for the future.
- Describe the benefits of education for career advancement, life management, and personal and professional satisfaction.
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