Academics at AEF Middle School

AEF’s Middle School program focuses on preparing students for the enhanced workload they will face in high school.

A robust curriculum consists of core subjects such as Language Arts and Math supplemented by Art, Science, Social Studies, PE, Dance, Computers, IT, Social Skills, and Library.

Our teachers find the style of learning that works best for each student, tapping into their enthusiasm for discovery. Rather than requiring students to conform to one traditional format, innovative approaches are used to reach every learner. Students master the material, but they’re able to master it in the best way for them, whether that’s through listening, reading, or doing.

AEF offers an accelerated academic program for students who learn differently. Children thrive through our focus on skill based learning, executive function training, and organizational skill building. Students with specific academic deficits including dyslexia or dysgraphia , are given the additional phonological instruction needed to finally "break the code". However, there are no reduced expectations.. Our students are presented with the same textbooks and materials as students in other schools, but in a manner that more closely matches their individual learning styles. Supplemental materials are carefully researched and then incorporated to enhance student learning.

• Students change classes for each subject in preparation for High School
• Study Halls for core subjects are given throughout the week
• Strong emphasis on organization and independence
• Exams are administered once a quarter
• Standardized Testing is administered in the Spring
• Students are assigned a Home Base teacher who also functions as their advisor and parent contact. Student begin and end each day with their Home Base teacher as well as have at least one academic period with them during the day. Although the students change classes and teachers depending on the subject, their home base teacher provides a solid support system and gives the student consistency throughout their day.
• Middle School offers 3 distinct academic levels (placement is determined through assessment and ability of student)
• On grade level classrooms
• Gifted – (Students Grades 6 to 8) who work above grade level
• Inclusion (Students Grades 6 to 8) who work below grade level
• Supplemental materials and multi modal instructional approaches are incorporated to address a variety of learning styles
• Core classes include: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies
• Electives include: Social Skills, PE, Art, Dance and Movement, Informational Technology and Library
• Study Halls for core subjects are given throughout the week and available after school
• Technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, and web-based research is integrated into the curriculum
• Service Learning Projects (SLPs) – all middle school students participate in SLPs. These projects take the students outside of the classroom into the local community where they investigate problems, formulate solutions, and undertake projects which give back to the community. SLPs reinforce current curriculum with real world application.
• Strong emphasis on executive function with particular focus on:
• Organizational skills
• Working within a time frame
• Focus / Attention
• Independent work
• Task analysis skills
• Standardized Testing is administered in the Spring. Testing does NOT determine whether child moves to the next grade. It is solely used for evaluation purposes and to ensure the students are progressing at an acceptable rate as compared to the national average.