The CSA Middle School Program is designed in both structure and curriculum to meet the needs of the young adolescent student. At CSA we are invested in the development of the whole child: intellectual, social / emotional, physical, and character development. The learning environment of the middle school is characterized by high expectations for quality work and academic performance within a need fulfilling framework that is based on knowledge of the development of the young adolescent student.

Early adolescence is an exciting period of growth and development, yet often mercurial in its manifestation on a day to day basis. It is a time when students are actively seeking their independence, yet very much in need of support and guidance by significant adults in their lives. It can be a time marked by extremes: for example, an adolescent student may feel very confident at one moment, and moments later – very vulnerable. Early adolescence is a journey (often marked by confusion) of seeking to define one’s identity, while simultaneously building a strong inner locus of control and confidence that leads to successful independence in school and life.

The intellectual development of the adolescent student is a very important component of an exemplary middle school program. In order for the student to safely navigate the unique challenges of early adolescence, the student must be encouraged to use his intellect (thinking) to solve problems and address issues that are presented in his school and home life. At CSA we place a emphasis on the intellectual growth of our students; within the construct of the middle school program we constantly ask students to critically think at a higher level. We nurture the following intelligent behaviors (Costa, 1991):

persistence
curiosity
empathic listening
flexible thinking
making connections
checking for accuracy
drawing on past knowledge & applying it to new situations
efficacy as a thinker
making thoughtful choices
problem solving
risk taking
a sense of humor
precision of language
use of all senses
ingenuity

We strive to create integrated and cross-disciplinary learning experiences where the students must use intelligent behaviors to make the necessary connections that build a conceptual understanding of academic content, and social situations that challenge them.

As the CSA Middle School continues to increase in enrollment, we will add curricular extensions to the program. During the 2004-05 school year we will have foreign language at all levels in the program, as well as the new component for the academically gifted student. The addition of future curricular extensions will reflect an emphasis on the intellectual development of the middle school student.

 For more information please click on the following link:

Middle School Handbook