Academics

Middle School

In the Middle School at TNS, we intentionally lean into our core values of CURIOSITY, COMMUNITY, and CHARACTER. Every class, advisory, and interaction is thoughtfully designed around these values, creating an environment where students grow as engaged learners and compassionate leaders.

Curiosity - Sparking Inquiry & Connection
Each week begins with curiosity. In our weekly Middle School Assembly, Mr. Ryan, Head of Middle School, invites students into community by sharing a simple question or “spark,” perhaps about their weekend adventures or favorite meals, that inspires conversation and connection.

Curiosity also shapes our academic life: Every class begins with an essential question that guides students through the day’s learning journey, while Advisory themes encourage students to explore their identities and discover their roles within our vibrant community.

Character - Building Connections That Matter

Our Middle School thrives on meaningful relationships. Small-group, daily Advisory meetings help students form strong connections with peers and faculty mentors, creating a close-knit, supportive community. With intentionally small class sizes, every student feels known, valued, and empowered.

Additionally, our faculty-led mentorship program provides dedicated 1:1 time, supporting each student’s academic growth and social-emotional well-being through genuine, personalized relationships.

Community - Developing From the Inside Out
Our unique student learning framework, The Building Blocks, guides each student’s journey toward self-awareness and personal growth. Character development, one of our core pillars, comes to life through integrated social-emotional learning in every class. This intentional approach prepares students to confidently lead with compassion, empathy, and integrity - qualities that shape who they become both in school and beyond.

Curriculum

List of 6 items.

Humanities

Middle School Humanities blends literature, history, geography, and social studies, guiding students to ask meaningful questions about human culture, identity, relationships, and society. Through interdisciplinary exploration, students cultivate critical thinking and strong communication skills, actively connecting their learning to real-world contexts. By engaging with diverse perspectives, our learners deepen their sense of empathy and strengthen their personal character. This intentional, community-centered approach inspires a love of lifelong learning and prepares students to positively impact their world.
World Language

Our Middle School World Language journey begins in Grade 7 with a research-based course on the origins of languages and the cultures that accompany them. Some key concepts explored are Greek and Latin stems, etymologies across languages, as well as research skills and mindsets.

In Grade 8, students will take the equivalent of a high school level of both French and Spanish before selecting which language to pursue in depth after leaving middle school.
Math

Our Middle School Math program follows a spiraling curriculum, ensuring students continuously practice and build upon previously learned concepts while tackling new challenges. Utilizing tenets of the “Thinking Classroom,” lessons are scaffolded to support skill development and prepare students for upper-level math courses by approaching problem-solving collaboratively. Daily classroom time includes quizzes for review, interactive problem-solving activities, and extended practice designed to reinforce learning. Through regular assessments, project-based learning, and real-world applications, students gain confidence in their mathematical reasoning and critical thinking. By the end of G8, students will have completed Algebra 1.
Science

Moving from life science in Grade 6 to Earth Science in Grade 7, before tackling Physical Science in Grade 8, our Middle School Science program immerses students in hands-on learning, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry. With frequent access to lab equipment and technology, students collect and analyze data, work collaboratively on experiments, and develop lab report skills. Through interactive labs and real-world applications, our students develop a lifelong love for science and discovery!
STEAM, Athletics & Electives

In Grade 6, students dive into STEAM through engaging nine-week rotations in rock band, drama, visual arts, and robotics. At the end of each rotation, they proudly showcase their learning to families and the community through rock shows, drama performances, robotics competitions, and arts exhibits. After exploring each option, students choose an elective pathway to pursue through Grade 8, fostering deeper expertise and creative expression.

Our athletic offerings provide students with numerous opportunities to build teamwork, perseverance, and healthy lifestyles. TNS students may participate in cross country, volleyball, basketball, track, golf, and our spirited cheer and dance teams. With morning practices, year-round Physical Education alternating with Health, Wellness, and Fitness classes, our program emphasizes the whole student’s growth, academically, physically, and socially.
Executive Functioning

A cornerstone of our Middle School experience is cultivating executive functioning skills, which are critical for organization, planning, and self-management. Beginning in Grade 6 with our signature “Launch” class, students learn how to navigate coursework, manage deadlines, and approach long-term projects effectively. Supported by our custom-designed planner, the Lifeline, students develop habits tailored specifically to their Middle School schedule and needs.

This intentional growth culminates each spring in student-led conferences, where students thoughtfully plan and confidently present their personal learning journeys to families and advisors, showcasing independence, reflection, and accountability.