Middle School
At Lesley Ellis School, a progressive preschool through eighth-grade independent school in Arlington, MA, our middle school program supports students’ social and emotional growth alongside strong academic development. During these pivotal early adolescent years, relationships matter deeply. Within our small class sizes and close-knit school community, students build meaningful connections with peers and with adults who truly know and support them.
Many students work with the same teachers for multiple years, fostering trust, continuity, and mentorship during this important stage of identity development. Middle school students benefit from a collaborative team that includes teachers, a dedicated Middle School Director, School Counselor, and learning specialist, all working together to provide personalized attention and guidance. This coordinated support creates a safe, affirming environment where students feel confident taking intellectual, creative, and social risks while learning how to contribute responsibly to a shared community.
Our educators are passionate about working with students during the middle school years, a time when confidence, resilience, and identity are rapidly developing. At Lesley Ellis, students learn best when they feel known, heard, and empowered. Our intentionally designed program helps students cultivate independence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of adolescence.
The guidance of students is a collective effort. Teachers, the School Counselor, the Middle School-specific learning specialist, and the Middle School Director collaborate closely to create a safe, affirming environment where students can take intellectual, creative, and social risks. At the same time, students learn to engage responsibly in a group, contribute to shared goals, and grow together with their peers.
The Middle School team is passionate about working with students during this critical stage of identity development. We know that learning flourishes when students feel known, heard, and empowered to take risks, and our program is intentionally designed to help students develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging as they navigate the excitement and challenges of early adolescence.
Antibias and Social Justice in Middle School
As a progressive Boston-area independent school known for its pioneering anti-bias curriculum, Lesley Ellis engages middle school students in meaningful conversations about equity, identity, and social justice. Dedicated weekly time provides opportunities for reflection and discussion, while these themes are also integrated throughout the curriculum in Humanities, Science, English, and the Arts.
Students examine questions of bias, power, and perspective, both historically and in contemporary society. They practice engaging in thoughtful dialogue with peers, learning to share their ideas respectfully while listening carefully to viewpoints that may differ from their own. Through this work, students develop the skills to navigate complex ideas with curiosity, courage, and empathy.
These lessons extend beyond academic discussion. Students learn to apply restorative practices in real-life situations—addressing conflict, repairing harm, and strengthening relationships within the community. They come to understand that mistakes are opportunities for reflection and growth, and that responding thoughtfully and responsibly is essential to building a just and inclusive community.
Relationships That Support Growth
The physical and social design of the middle school encourages frequent connections with teachers and mentors. Students regularly encounter adults who know them well and offer encouragement, guidance, and support. Monthly advisory meetings provide structured time for reflection, goal-setting, and peer connection, while daily interactions across the school reinforce a culture of collaboration and care.
Through these experiences, students explore how past events shape present realities and consider how individuals and communities respond to difference. They learn that divergent perspectives are inevitable, and that the true value lies in engaging with those differences through critical thinking, empathy, and accountability.
Academic Rigor and Independent Thinking
While many schools are now adopting social justice curricula, Lesley Ellis has been a national leader in anti-bias education since its founding. Equity, inclusion, and belonging are woven into every classroom experience and every conversation across campus.
Our rigorous middle school curriculum challenges students to become confident, independent thinkers who can communicate clearly through writing, discussion, research, and creative expression. Teachers use a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based learning approaches that help students explore ideas deeply while discovering how they learn best.
As students develop independence, they also become stronger collaborators. They learn how to ask meaningful questions, analyze information, and approach complex problems through critical thinking, creativity, and reflection.
Preparing Students for the Future
Dedicated spaces for learning and collaboration, expanded opportunities in the arts and athletics, and strong mentorship relationships help middle school students develop responsibility, independence, and new passions. Within our inclusive community, students build a broad foundation of knowledge while strengthening essential skills in analysis, reasoning, problem-solving, and leadership.
By the time they graduate, Lesley Ellis middle school students are confident learners and thoughtful citizens, prepared to thrive in high school and beyond.
A Deeper Dive Into the Middle School
Learning to Learn
Anti-Bias in the Middle School
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Executive Functioning
Benefits of a Team Approach
Middle School Athletics
FACULTY SHARE HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
Music teacher, Faith McKinley
Math teacher Michel Ohly
Middle School Director Anne Norris
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS BUDDY UP WITH YOUNGER STUDENTS
The buddy program at Lesley Ellis teams older students with our younger learners, allowing leadership and mentoring opportunities for the middle school students and unique and memorable learning and play experiences for students in our elementary and preschool programs. The buddy program is a key component in creating and maintaining the close, supportive community that Lesley Ellis is known for.