Middle School

An ambitious academic curriculum in middle school helps students become confident, independent thinkers, with the ability to express themselves both orally and in writing, as well as through a wide range of artistic media. As expert educators practice diverse teaching methodologies, learning becomes deep, authentic, and relevant, and students take time to explore and understand their own best modes of learning. “Do I learn best by reading? By writing? By listening? What combination of research and retrieval works best for me?” Ironically, as students become more independent they also become better equipped to work collaboratively. They start to understand what it means to learn and more importantly, how to learn, through inquiry, partnership, and reflection.

Dedicated spaces for learning and socializing, an expanded repertoire of artistic and athletic outlets, and nurturing relationships formed with supportive mentors promote responsibility, independence, and the discovery of new passions. A rigorous, engaging curriculum helps secure a broad base of knowledge. Critical thinking, problem solving, analysis and reasoning are woven throughout all aspects of the middle school experience.

The Lesley Ellis anti-bias curriculum and social justice program is infused throughout all curricular areas, with an emphasis on developing a deepening cultural consciousness and an understanding that every individual has the power to transform the world. Focused discussions enable students to construct a confident identity, practice empathetic and just interactions in diverse situation and with diverse groups of people, and develop the skills needed to stand up for oneself and others in the face of injustice.

When confronted with discriminatory expressions and /or actions, middle schoolers are challenged constantly to consider issues that pertain to inclusion, empathy, and activism. The middle school anti-bias curriculum recognizes differences as fundamental and confronts troublesome issues rather than glossing over and dismissing them. Our goal is to foster the growth of positive self-concepts, while discouraging attitudes of superiority and ethnocentrism in ourselves and in those around us.

Social & Emotional Learning in the Middle School

Adolescence is a time of rapid cognitive, social, and emotional growth, and the middle school is intentionally designed to meet students at this pivotal stage. Our program supports students as they deepen their sense of identity, learn to manage emotions, and build meaningful relationships within a community rooted in trust, cooperation, and respect. Through daily classroom interactions, collaborative learning, health education, and an integrated anti-bias curriculum, students practice empathy, perspective-taking, self-reflection, and responsible decision-making. They learn to navigate complex social situations, handle conflict constructively, and understand the impact of their choices on themselves and others, developing the confidence and integrity needed to participate thoughtfully in school life and beyond.

Executive Functioning & Independence

Alongside social and emotional growth, Lesley Ellis places a strong emphasis on developing executive functioning skills that empower students to take increasing ownership of their learning. Across disciplines, students practice planning, organization, time management, goal-setting, and self-monitoring through project-based learning, multi-step assignments, reflective writing, and collaborative problem-solving. Teachers explicitly support students in learning how to break down complex tasks, manage materials and deadlines, incorporate feedback, and persevere through challenge. By middle school graduation, students understand themselves as learners, can advocate for their needs, and are equipped with the habits of mind necessary for independence, accountability, and success in high school and beyond. 

The middle school teachers work with students over multiple years. Thus, the team concept evolves into a team approach, coinciding with students’ evolving academic and social needs. As such, there are abundant opportunities for students and faculty to know each other well, develop mutual trust, model what it means to be a respectful, ethical citizen, and learn together through inquiry and reflection.

At Lesley Ellis School, we offer students a wide variety of educational opportunities and ambitious academic challenges. As an essential component of this program, middle school athletics helps students develop both socially and emotionally through physical activity and teamwork. Based on Lesley Ellis School values, the athletics program seeks to prepare students for future athletic opportunities by developing not only skill, but more importantly, character.

The middle school athletics program provides students the opportunity to participate in soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and cross-country in the spring. Through team practices and interscholastic games, students learn the fundamental skills and strategies of these sports.

Lesley Ellis School competes in the Big MAC (Montessori Athletic Conference), playing similar middle schools throughout the Boston area.

Competition is introduced in a supportive environment promoting fair play and sportsmanship. The middle school athletics program seeks to develop character, build self-confidence, and promote physical wellness in each and every student.

Fall – Soccer

September – October
Head coach: Nick Romeo

Soccer teams are divided by grade level.

Grades 5 and 6 practice and play games on Tuesdays starting in mid-September and ending in mid- November.

Grades 7 and 8 practice and play games on Thursdays starting in mid- September and ending in mid-November.

Each team will have 15 roster spots.

There will be an additional optional practice day on Mondays 3:00 – 4:00. This practice is a combined practice with both teams, 5/6 and 7/8. Players must be signed up through our online registration.

Winter – Basketball

November – March
Head coach: Nick Romeo

Basketball is divided by grade level.

Grades 5 and 6 practice and play games Monday and Tuesday starting late November and ending mid-March.

Grades 7 and 8 practice and play games Wednesday and Thursday starting late November and ending mid-March.

Each team will have 15 roster spots.

Spring – Cross Country

April – June
Head coach: Nick Romeo

Cross-country will begin early April and ending early June. The roster will be open to Grades 5 – 8. There will be a maximum of 20 roster spots.

Cross-country will practice and race Tuesdays and Thursdays from  3:15- 4:30. Race start times vary, with 4:00 p.m. being the latest start time.

The Lesley Ellis home course is the block around the school. Running around 3 laps, which is 1.98 miles.