Middle School Program
The BMS Middle School (grades 7-8) functions as a bridge between the Elementary School Montessori program and traditional high schools. Middle School students study English, Cultural Studies and Science curricula which not only meet the California State Standards for their grades, but far exceeds them. BMS's rigorous program was designed to foster not only academic mastery of the subject materials, but to go beyond traditional academic notions of rote memorization and test-taking skills. BMS seeks to instill genuine critical thinking skills that lead to novel and creative solutions to problems that require real innovation. Our emphasis is more on preparing students for life and building the skills for life-long learning and personal enrichment, where the academic skills are developed as a component of education along the way, but are not the sole focus.
In fulfilling its role as a bridging program, the BMS Middle School adds a new emphasis on advanced subject matter and academic skills suitable for high school and college preparation while retaining important aspects of the Elementary School's Montessori program such as: the personalized attention; the emphasis on community, independent learning, and social/emotional development; the flexible, progressive pedagogy that accommodate students with a variety of interests, gifts, and challenges. There's also a strong service learning component in the Middle School, as there is throughout BMS; and the students increasingly assume roles as leaders in the school by mentoring younger students.
In order to best leverage the fine academic preparation BMS Middle School students receive, the school also offers a comprehensive high school counseling program to help families assess a wide range of post-BMS options. Historically, BMS graduates have gone on to attend the finest high schools in the area, including Lick-Wilmerding, Athenian, Bentley, Head Royce, College Preparatory School, Maybeck, and St. Mary's, as well as their public high schools.
Please contact us for more information on our Middle School programs for international travel, inclusive intramural sports, elective classes including art and music, as well as Extended Day and vacation camps.
