Middle School Grades 5-8

With an enrollment of approximately 160 students, our middle school offers a wealth of learning opportunities while maintaining a close-knit, family-like atmosphere. Here, every child is recognized, valued, and encouraged to cultivate their unique talents.

At the heart of our middle school experience is authentic learning that extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. Students are actively engaged in projects that have real-world impact, facilitated through off-campus community partnerships that provide genuine context and connections to their academic work.

Whether designing experiments for the International Space Station or collaborating with a lobbyist to guide a bill through the state legislature, Open Window students are not passive consumers of information but proactive learners and doers.

Each day in middle school begins with small, grade-level "advisories," providing a nurturing atmosphere for personal growth, open dialogue, and support during the transition to young adulthood. These sessions also serve as a secure space for discussing significant life topics in line with our firm commitment to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

After advisory, students participate in mixed groups for core classes, covering language arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, and physical education/health. We also foster their exploration of various interests, including drama, music, visual arts, and technology through a rotating schedule (fifth/sixth) or student-chosen electives (seventh/eighth). Additionally, our middle school students forge connections through extracurricular classes and teams, cultivating camaraderie and shared experiences.

Each school year, our program includes weeklong spring Hallmark Trips, which are included in tuition. On these trips, students have the chance to enhance their learning while further nurturing their confidence and independence. These experiences are an integral part of their middle school journey, reinforcing their teamwork and collaborative skills, providing authenticity and academic challenge, and continuing to build resilience and autonomy to better prepare them for the challenges and successes that await.