MIDDLE SCHOOL
Welcome to Middle School!
Questions about Middle School? Email Mrs. Whiteside!
Overview
Tuscaloosa Academy's Middle School consists of grades five through eight. Recognizing these years as the important transitional time when students learn to move from the elementary classroom to the changing world of high school, we strive to provide an atmosphere in which young people can succeed. We aim not only to provide an academically challenging curriculum, but to meet the developmental needs of our students. In other words, we strive to nurture our students while helping them discover their own identities. Together with our strong core subjects—English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language -- our enrichment classes in music, art, computer, etiquette, journalism, personal development, and physical education complete a balanced program. TA's Middle School offers the inviting, supportive, and safe environment so critically important for students of this age.
Our Middle School teachers have a strong sense of mission and value working with young adolescents. They are aware of multiple learning styles and use teaching approaches that reach all types of learners. It is not at all unusual to find a Middle School class exploring areas outside the classroom, whether it's a science class experimenting with “slinkys” in the Atrium or an English class discovering the power of persuasive language in a Mock Trial. A walk through our Middle School hallways always reveals evidence of the latest creative projects. You might find posters depicting homes designed and drawn to scale by math students or displays on famous American from the American history classes. At TA, we work hard to create memorable learning experiences.
Our Advisory Program places each Middle School student under the guidance of a homeroom teacher who acts as a mentor. During the advisory period which meets after lunch two days a week, advisory groups explore a range of activities centered around topics such as decision making, goal setting, conflict resolution, cultural awareness, time management, and communication. Advisory teachers encourage their students to stay caught up in their classes and to seek help when it's needed.
Tuscaloosa Academy encourages every student to be involved in all areas of school life. With opportunities to belong to clubs, participate in sports, become a part of student government, and try out for theatrical productions, TA's Middle School students have a wide array of activities from which to choose. In short, our Middle School is a great place to be!
Grade Level Overviews
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade marks the beginning of Middle School at Tuscaloosa Academy. With most of their classes on one hallway of our beautiful Middle School building, fifth graders ease into the world of lockers and changing classes. Our teachers help these students learn the skills of organization by encouraging them to plan ahead, write down assignments in their school planners, and keep up with their classroom materials. Many fifth graders report that they enjoy the newfound privileges that come with Middle School. They love having Break when they can get snacks, hang out with friends in the Atrium, or toss a football outside on pretty days. They also enjoy eating lunch together as a group with the teachers at a nearby table. Most fifth graders seem to feel that the school day passes more quickly now that they're changing classes.
In addition to the strong instruction in English, literature, math, science, and American history, fifth graders also study Spanish. Fifth grade enrichment classes are scheduled each quarter and rotate with PE. These classes include art, music, computer, and etiquette. Though they are not yet old enough to participate on most school teams, fifth graders are eligible for TA's Track and Pee Wee Football teams. Girls can be Pee Wee Cheerleaders.
Fifth graders and their parents have the opportunity to go on a wonderful week-long trip to Washington , D.C. , Williamsburg , and Jamestown . We have been offering this trip for ten years and have found it hugely successful. It provides a great bonding experience for the class and also enhances the study of American history.
Sixth Grade
TA's sixth grade continues to build on the foundation laid in fifth grade. We aim to teach students organizational skills and try to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect among students. Sixth graders continue their core classes of English, literature, science, math, and American history. We expand the foreign language offerings to include one semester of introductory Latin and one semester of introductory French. Sixth graders are required to do a science project and enjoy competing in science fairs at various levels. Additional enrichment classes are taught on a quarterly schedule along with PE. These classes include journalism, music, art and computer.
Sixth grade offers students many opportunities for involvement in school life. Students may audition for the two school plays, join one of our choral groups, play on some junior varsity sports teams, and continue to participate in Middle School clubs. They also enjoy social activities like our annual Middle School Dance under the supervision of a caring, supportive faculty.
Our sixth graders have the opportunity to travel to Project American Life. This two-night/three-day trip provides an excellent glimpse into our nation's past and fits hand-in-hand with our social studies curriculum.
Seventh Grade
Seventh grade brings new challenges, while broadening the concepts begun in earlier grades. The core classes of English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language are stressed. At this level, students may choose from one of the three languages we offer—Spanish, French, or Latin. Once enrolled in one of these language classes, seventh graders may continue this class into eighth grade and are eligible to receive a Carnegie unit towards high school graduation upon the successful completion of this two-year sequence. Quarterly enrichment classes for seventh grade include art, music, computer, abstinence, and PE.
TA encourages involvement in extracurricular activities such as clubs, student government, choral groups, and theatrical productions. Seventh graders are eligible to join all TA sports teams at the junior varsity level. Girls may try out for Junior Varsity Cheerleader.
Each fall our seventh graders travel to Camp McDowell near Jasper, Alabama for a three day/two night trip to Environmental Camp. There they participate in many group activities and do stream studies, canoeing, and night hiking. This trip is an extension of the science curriculum which focuses on earth science during the seventh grade year.
Eighth Grade
Eighth graders are the “seniors” of Middle School, and, as such, they are called upon to be leaders. In this group may be found our Middle School SGA officers, leaders on many of our Junior Varsity sports teams, and students who embody the citizenship TA strives to develop. This is the year in which our Middle School instruction culminates with the students' final preparation for high school. In addition to the core classes of English, science, math, history, and foreign language, the curriculum stresses several quarterly enrichment offerings. These classes include art, computer, drama, journalism, and PE.
Continued emphasis is placed on educating the whole person, and eighth graders are encouraged to be a part of the school community. Through advisory groups, students are exposed to various topics of relevance to young adolescents. They discuss human relationships, various forms of bullying, handling peer pressure, and many other issues.
At the end of the eighth grade year, our College Counselor works with students on knowing what to expect in high school.
A long-standing tradition at TA is the annual eighth grade trek to somewhere in the Southeast. Teachers customize this list from year to year depending on the specific curricula of each class