A Day in the Life
Middle School
Our carefully crafted schedule is designed to foster deep learning and independence. Middle School at Riverbend features a variety of academic, elective, leadership, and outdoor experiences.
Extended work blocks in core academic subjects as well as the arts make up the bulk of the Middle School daily routine. The daily schedule includes free time for lunch, recess, and Open Studio, and weekly events include experiences such as assemblies, field trips, and community service initiatives where Middle School students take on leadership roles.
Sample Middle School Schedule
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8:10-8:30am |
Arrival and Leadership Work |
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8:30-8:45am |
Morning Meeting |
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8:45-10:00am |
Humanities Work Cycle |
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10:00-11:30am |
Mathematics |
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11:30-12:30pm |
Lunch, Recess, & Open Studio |
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12:30-1:15pm |
World Language |
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1:15-2:00pm |
Science Lab |
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2:00-3:00pm |
Electives: Art, Music, Design Lab |
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3:00-3:15pm |
Closing Circle |
Arrival and Leadership Work
Middle School students are responsible for walking Children’s House students from drop-off to their classrooms in the morning before their own school day starts. This is an opportunity for them to build important relationships across the school community, and start the day with a sense of accomplishment!
Morning Meeting
This is a time for students to connect with one another, hear important messages from their teachers, and organize for the day. Morning meeting can be a time when important topics in adolescent development and social emotional learning are explored, as well as a time for students to receive support for organizational structures and habits.
Humanities
The Middle School curriculum integrates social studies and English language arts into a thematically driven humanities curriculum. Hands-on project-based learning is a critical component of Montessori education. Service learning opportunities are seamlessly woven into the curriculum. Students frequently present their work to a variety of audiences, building their speaking and presentation skills.
Mathematics
Middle School students learn math in small groups based on their individual needs. The groups are flexible, and they can change based on student engagement and progress. The curriculum emphasizes problem solving and discussion to develop an understanding of how math matters in the world beyond the classroom. Students typically complete Algebra I by the end of 8th grade, focusing on depth over breadth.
Lunch, Recess, & Open Studio
Middle School students join Upper Elementary students for a full hour for lunch and recess. During this time, they also have the option to engage in an Open Studio of their choice. Open Studios take place in the art room, design lab, or music room. Students can bring lunch with them to Open Studio, and they use their time in these spaces to explore, complete new projects, or practice skills they’ve learned in class.
World Languages
Students choose to study either Mandarin Chinese or Spanish. World Language classes meet 4 times per week with an increasing emphasis on grammar and the written word. Students typically place into a second year high school language class after graduating from Riverbend.
Science Lab
Our science curriculum is rigorous and hands-on, including a 90-minute lab each week. During these engaging labs, students practice important scientific inquiry such as developing and testing hypotheses and analyzing data in order to draw conclusions. Comprehensive content in physical and life sciences prepares students well for high school.
Arts Electives
Students engage in the visual and performing arts through an electives model. Examples of the trimester-long electives include Environmental Art, Ceramics, Portrait Drawing, Music as Experience, Music as Practice, and Music as Performance. Each student must have at least one elective in music and one elective in art.
Design Lab
Our design lab is a vibrant maker space with high-tech tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters. The Middle School students learn how to build and program robots as part of an intensive robotics course that meets twice a week. They gain skills in mechanical engineering, coding and programming, problem solving and critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration.
Spotlight: Outdoor Education
Middle School students are stewards of the Magullion Center, Riverbend’s nature property. Each week they visit the outdoor gardens, integrating humanities and science with leadership and service. They also mentor younger students through the nature curriculum.